Everything You Need to Know About the Dangers of Computer Hacking (Need to Know Library)

Knittel, John; Soto, Michael

ISBN 10: 082393764X ISBN 13: 9780823937646

Publisher: Rosen Young Adult, 2002

Synopsis

Many teens are curious about exploring the intricacies of computers and networks, and sometimes they begin hacking into other people’s systems for fun. However, hacking can bring disastrous results––including jail. The authors describe the history of hacking and show teens how to use their computer skills for benefit rather than destruction.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9-Knittel and Soto define the term "hacking" and detail the work of "good hackers" or "white hats," people they usually refer to as computer experts, and those who are "crackers" or "black hats," individuals who illegally break into other people's computers. The authors use real-life examples of hackers who have been caught and punished for breaking the law. They give examples of good hackers as well, such as Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, and Steve Jobs. The book offers a thorough history of hacking, beginning with "phreaking" over phone lines and the movie War Games. It examines the social and economic repercussions of damaging high-level computers and addresses breaches in military security. The authors encourage readers to become good hackers. They give advice regarding how and where to learn more about computers and programming. Average-quality, black-and-white photos appear throughout.
Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los Angeles
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The authors make the fundamental distinction between a hacker, a "person who uses his or her skills to find new and innovative solutions to computer problems," and a cracker, a "person who illegally breaks into people's computers." The book discusses both beneficial and malicious computer actions and encourages readers interested in computers to study computer programming and security through recommended books and Web sites. Discussions include the history of computer hacking, psychological profiles of crackers, legal issues, cases of people convicted of computer crimes, and ways to practice "safe hacking." Though the text makes interesting reading, the book has a lackluster format, with black-and-white and color photos of indifferent quality. This competently written volume from the Everything You Need to Know About series may fill a gap in library collections. Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: Rosen Young Adult
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 082393764X
• ISBN 13: 9780823937646
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 64