For years the question has arisen, 'Is hacking legal?' Now there is an
answer found within many corporations throughout the world, and it is
definitely, yes. Hackers used to be just people that cause havoc on another
person's computer or a network of computers to gain access to secret
information or private agreements and the like. Today hackers are being
hired by major companies to test their software and hardware for 'holes'
(glitches) in the setup to determine how easily other hackers could penetrate.
History has shown us that hackers will find a way into your network if
it is accessible from a telephone/modem connection or if it has cellular
phone lines within the company. Reformed hackers are able to use the same
techniques as they could before, but earn a decent living doing so, and
legally. To many experts it seems that hacker-converts may very well be up
to no good.
Aaron McGruder, at the 2002 Hackers On Planet Eart...
Computer Security
English: Ankit Fadia Computer HackerWhile they are in a system, they might rearrange things, leaving
a back door for later use. But more companies feel that a hacker could help
their security problems by showing them the faults in the system and
suggesting how to patch these holes.
The general public however, does not accept major companies using
hackers as system testers. 'Michigan Bell was inundated with negative
publicity when word leaked out in 1989 that it had hired hacker John
Maxfield as a security consultant' (Forbes 40). This was a big problem for
the company but surprisingly more hackers were hired with other companies
as security consultants with confidential agreements or contracts. This rapid
uprising in professional legal hackers also brought about an uprising to
illegal hacking. A company that is willing to hire a hacker could be taking a
risk in doing so, but could also get an excellent...