Dark corners of the net

Gerald · 06-16-11, 06:12 AM

Hackers have come a long way since teenagers made code in their bedrooms.

Hackers are secretive, but they are also social. Many spend their spare time in chat rooms and forums discussing their latest targets, techniques and conquests. Eavesdropping on those conversations offers a fascinating insight into their motives.

Say hacker to someone and they are likely to trot out the usual aged clichés - geek, loner, bedroom-bound teenager.

Philosopher is unlikely to feature high on the list. But it seems the modern-day hacker spends a lot of time contemplating the meaning of life.

"Each has a philosophy and they want to discuss it," says Noa Bar Yosef.

She ought to know. Her job with security firm Imperva involves hanging around in hacker forums trying to work out what motivates them.

It is a murky, idiosyncratic world where Ms Yosef admits she spends far too much time.

In one group she visits, members discuss the best reading matter for would-be thinkers.

"Start with Kierkegaard, then Nietzsche and after you've read Nietzsche, Sartre is the most logical choice".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13605629

Note: 16 June 2011 Last updated at 00:59 GMT

06-16-11, 06:12 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Dark corners of the net Hackers have come a long way since teenagers made code in their bedrooms. Hackers are secretive, but they are also social. Many spend their spare time in chat rooms and forums discussing their latest targets, techniques and conquests. Eavesdropping on those conversations offers a fascinating insight into their motives. Say hacker to someone and they are likely to trot out the usual aged clichés - geek, loner, bedroom-bound teenager. Philosopher is unlikely to feature high on the list. But it seems the modern-day hacker spends a lot of time contemplating the meaning of life. "Each has a philosophy and they want to discuss it," says Noa Bar Yosef. She ought to know. Her job with security firm Imperva involves hanging around in hacker forums trying to work out what motivates them. It is a murky, idiosyncratic world where Ms Yosef admits she spends far too much time. In one group she visits, members discuss the best reading matter for would-be thinkers. "Start with Kierkegaard, then Nietzsche and after you've read Nietzsche, Sartre is the most logical choice". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13605629 Note: 16 June 2011 Last updated at 00:59 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie