Computing is getting more advanced as the years go by & so are hackers. Hackers are those who hack

First Himma’s argues that, to determine if an act of hacktivism is morally justified depends on how much harm is done. Himma’s first premise shows that there is a possibility that some acts of hacktivism potentially can be morally permissible, but often acts labeled as hacktivism are not. For example, a harmful act of hacktivism that should not be considered morally permissible by Himma’s standard was when Sony experienced one of the most impactful hacktivist acts by LulzSec in April, 2011. LulzSec is an anarchist group that came up with an effective strategy of using social media and clever

In the early days of computing, a hacker was primarily referred to as a computer guru, someone who is extremely technical with a high expertise in computer also known as “Expert Programmers”. Nevertheless, as technology is advancing at a face pace, hacking has adopted a completely different definition. The modern definition is someone who access a computer system primarily to steal or destroy information. Hacking has caused major harm in the realm of technology. Over the years, hackers have become much more lethal in their craft. They manage to break into complex information systems from entities such as banks, government agencies, and private businesses. Furthermore, they often manipulate their victims through social engineering in order to obtain financial benefits. Hackers hold different label such as: black hat hacker and white hat hacker in which all have their own motives.

“The Masked Avengers” By David Kushner is about a group of people who are anonymous and hack into things like data web bases, this is pretty much all they have in common. Hackers are not a group who do things the same and together primarily because there are so many different types of people who are interested in different things although Wikipedia more commonly sees hacking as “skilled computer expert that uses their technical knowledge to overcome a problem”. For example a hacker can do their job not as the stereotypical way of bad but in helping out the common good in people, such as tracking down child predators and turning them into the police. Even though this may be seen as illegal hacking that violates the privacy of others, when its

In this day and age living in the era of the computer, it has become more mainstream and common to hear of cyber attacks, and crime being committed on the internet. Activism however, has become a prominent way to protest or argue a political view. Using related technologies and the internet have become a vital way for some to share their views. With the rise of the internet, “hacktivism” has become a prominent way for protest groups to express while also promoting a political agenda often related to free speech, human rights, and freedom of information.

An article published by TheWeek.com titled Inside America’s Hacking Epidemic states that cyberattacks initiated by hackers is a growing threat that could lead to a number of serious problems. Some of these problems include the shutting down of the electrical grid and water supply. The author writes, “These cybercriminals can potentially target every aspect of our lives that involves an internet connection. They could suddenly apply the brakes on smart cars or take over a passenger jet’s avionics system.” In this passage, the author is trying to convey that there are many things that hackers can do to cause chaos. Some countries, such as Russia and China, sponsor hacking groups. Hacking groups such as Cozy Bear and Guccifer 2.0 are some examples of hacking groups sponsored by Russia. In conclusion, the author believes that cyberattacks are becoming more threatening and can be catastrophic to all aspects of society.

Kenneth first premise is that hacktivism with political motivation is digital civil disobedience. She argues that the characteristics of hacktivists and the motivation of the act decided

In todays time just one hacker can infiltrate governments and companies and release mass amounts of private information and details. The secret hacking group, Anonymous is a group of unknown hackers that have recently been hunted down by governments around the world (mainly the US and British). They should not be looked at as “domestic terrorists” but as protesting citizens. Terrorists put fear into people, but Anonymous interests the public. They have even been called “Digital Robin Hoods” (Carter, 2012). Since Anonymous mostly goes after companies and organizations they believe are corrupt or bad, and since they don't do any physical harm to anyone they should not be persecuted and put in jail. They release private information about the websites of companies, religious groups, and governments to show the public who they really are and what they are really doing. They also use a tactic called DDos which is basically where Anonymous overruns a website so much nobody else can then on go on that website.The U.S. government goes after anonymous hacktivists and similar groups but turns a blind eye to pro US/anti Terrorist hackers. A con of what Anonymous does is that when they release private government documents via Wikileaks or different sources, other governments like China and Russia can access the information released which can possibly be threatening to the U.S.

Our government would have everyone believe that these groups of Internet activists are terrorists. They use words like terrorists to incite public fear and make the public view these hackers as evil. The reason that governments do not like hacktivists is that hacktivists can access information that governments wanted to keep secret. One very well-known group of hacktivists is called Anonymous. Anonymous is a group that sets out to keep the government in check by using Internet. It’s highly unfortunate that groups like Anonymous have to wear a mask and hide their identity just to protest against what they believe is not right; the problem is some don’t see internet protesting this way. As one supporter states “….and ‘hackers’ are now ‘hacktivists,' presumed by wretched propagandists like Michael Moore to be committing acts of ‘patriotism’ rather than propagating wanton electronic vandalism, fraud, intimidation and theft” (Elmore). It is statements and ideas like this that make public protests such a dangerous activity. America is a republic, but in this republic everyone must agree with the ideals set down by politicians; if not, prison awaits

One would think that what happens online has little to no impact on the physical world and people’s daily lives. On the other hand, people you don’t know can’t harm you as well over the Internet, right? These questions are answered in, Expect Us where I talk about and elaborate upon the well-known online hacktivist collective, Anonymous. I wanted to have this paper really show the reader the impact that they have on the real world and what they stand for through various forms of imagery and explanation with all of the corruption going on right now, I thought this would be a good thing to talk about. I chose to show you the collective through the eyes of a current member who’s had an idea of what they do ever since he was a child. I find this important as the story goes on as the reader will see how even as he evolves from a child to adulthood, the idea sticks with him the entire

It is not a secret that some of the largest of United States events are skewed based upon media bias and general misinformation provided by the outlets. When a group of individuals uses their tools to create a blueprint for social change they use it as a call to arms for political and social activists to begin a non-physical clash with the oppressive force. This is exactly what Anonymous, a small organization of hacktivists fighting in the new medium, is all about. Hacktivism is defined as “ the nonviolent use for political ends of ‘illegal or legally ambiguous digital tools’ like website defacements, information theft, website parodies, DoS attacks, virtual sit-ins, and virtual sabotage”, which is exactly what Anon is doing (Hampson 514). They take lessons stemming

As a loosely organized hacktivist group , Clay Shirky frequently says that hacktivist groups have immense power due to their strength in numbers. Due to technology, loosely organized groups can act on motives with minimal managerial oversight required making these groups highly effective . Indeed, Anonymous’ only leadership comes in the form of Operators who gain their status through previous hacking work, helping new users become part of the movement , and demonstrating leadership within the group. This organizational structure is the exact opposite of formal corporations like MasterCard and Visa, and it is the source of Anonymous’

The film Killswitch was about the government trying to monopolize and control user traffic on the internet. Whether it is for security purposes or financial gain, our system of democracy is being compromised at a technological level. Several speakers including Tim Wu, expressed how “hacktivism” was a revolutionary tool used to take a stand against government interference.

Common behavioral traits of these attackers is that they minimize or miscomprehend the ramifications of their activity, rationalizing that their service is really a benefit to the organization because they could identify security loop holes. (Fötinger & Ziegler, 2004). It’s important to note that not all hackers are criminals, there’s a group of ethical or white hat hackers that execute pre-approved attacks for the good of the security landscape of the

A third positive example of hacking is hacktivism. Though hacktivists have a more subtle positive effect, they consistently bring controversial decisions and topics to light. Hacktivists are hackers that use their talent to be activists that support a certain cause. Most are politically motivated and believe that a person or organization has committed a wrongdoing. Their strong beliefs drive them to commit hacks that seek revenge and wreak havoc upon daily lives; numerous amounts of these attacks are on government agencies. This fact alone makes many people dislike the act. However, despite being malicious in nature, it is not malicious to individual citizens and often stimulates positive discussion and much-needed change. Hacktivism can be used to further popular ideas and make the public voice heard; it is a great way to broadcast ideas that would otherwise be obscure and ensure that a level of justice is promoted among peers.

“We are anonymous, we represent freedom, we oppose repression, and we are simply an evolution of the technological system. Where liberty is at risk, expect us.” This statement from one of the hacktivists groups called Anonymous gives everyone a message that there are still some people in this world that can give justice to all of the inequality that are happening politically and socially. According to Oxford Dictionary, a Hacktivist is, “A person who gains unauthorized access to computer files or networks in order to further social or political ends.” Furthermore, Hacktivists came from the words hack and activists, which means that they use computers in order to support and attain human rights. Although their actions are illegal and are not acceptable by the law, it cannot be denied that they are doing the right thing that some companies or government departments and officials cannot do. Sometimes, it is questionable why they cannot just be given special access since their only goal is to bring out the reality that everyone should know about. Moreover, their aim involves the First Amendment of the United States or the freedom of speech. Hacktivists are the epitome of a perfect democratic society because they ought to fight for what is right; and they believe that everyone should be exposed to the truth. They are like the heroes in a world that is full of hidden lies and corruption.