Computer Hacking

Precis of 'Who's reading your E-mail"The article exposes the vulnerability of computer data and ofcorporations with the popularity of the Internet. The Internet canallow hackers access to any computer in the world, with understatedease. Break-ins can go virtually undetected.

Major corporations and government security departments haveacknowledged that hacker break-ins are out of control. Some companiesare too fearful to join networks because of this. Software programsbrought out to deal with the growing problem, such as firewalls, are nolonger totally effective. New technology has been developed such as''Pilot Network Services' (offering supervised Internet access);'Netranger' (a monitor device used by Pentagon) and 'Encrypton'(software that jumbles messages).

The basics of computer security (using difficult passwords, andguarding of data) are not being met in a disturbingly large number ofAmerican companies surveyed. A new bill demands that system operatorsbecome responsible for security. Hackers can be prosecuted (withsubsequent heavy penalties) only if the exposed company has activelyshown that it was security conscious.

John Perry Barlow

English: This is the Electronic Frontier Foundatio...

Phrack

Further more, exposed companiesare liable to other companies if their lack of security precautionsallowed their computer network to become an opening for other companybreak-ins.

Companies are dis-inclined to report breaches in security as it denotesa poor image and highlights their vulnerability. Clients demandsecurity, and lack of it will send them elsewhere.

Billions of dollars annually is spent on protection devices. Others areutilizing the expertise of former convicted hackers to fine tune andupdate their security features. It is a case of befriending the enemyin order to learn more. These hackers come out of goal with a readymarket for their expertise, and great financial rewards.

The explosion of the Internet use, and networks around the world havebrought with it a need for greater security consciousness amongst itsusers and systems operation managers. Technology needs to beconstantly updated in the war against the ever-growing insidious andmalicious hacker.

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