What Are The Differences Between Hackers And Crackers?

When most people stop to think about computer security they probably think of computer hackers.

The word cracker may also come to mind.

Many people think that hackers and crackers are exactly the same thing.

That, however, is not the case.

The Differences Between Hackers And Crackers

Typically, a hacker possesses good computer skills and revels in the challenge of solving complex and technical issues.

Such issues can be quite varied but typically involve infiltrating individual computer systems or gaining access to specific networks.

Hackers, however, do not look to cause damage or any other harm.

Instead, they look to further their knowledge and to prove their technical expertise, something that raises their status amongst whichever hacker communities they may belong to.

In some respects, this demonstration of skill and knowledge is a requirement of the community – someone doesn’t simply call themselves a hacker, it is a title they must earn from their peers.

Lastly, hackers also believe in the sharing of information which means that they will document their exploits so that others can benefit from them.

Again, this will raise their level of status within the hacking community.

Conversely, a cracker has an entirely different set of motivations.

A cracker will look to cause as much mischief as possible by installing malware onto a computer or network, or they will have some self-serving purpose, such as stealing credit card information.

The media tends to call both camps hackers, something which true hackers really arn’t too happy with – they themselves look down on the crackers.

So, the differences between hackers and crackers may not seem large but, in reality they are.

Media reports call everything hacking when the truth is, most of the notable e-crimes and bad behaviour are actually the work of crackers.