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

Discusses the differences between the kind of computer hacking that has led to progress in computer science, and illegal, destructive "cracking," recounts prominent cases, and provides advice on constructive ways to explore computers and the Internet.

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.

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