ethical issues surrounding hacking
Ethics Paper: The Good Hacker? Due October 28th, 11:59 pm
Topic Overview Many people think all types of hacking are criminal or at least immoral. The media refers to hackers as people who use their expertise for illegal purposes. However, that was not the original use of the term. Eric Ramond defines hacker in The New Hacker's Dictionary (posted online as the Hacker Jargon File) as, "A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary." The Internet Users' Glossary defines a hacker as "A person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in particular."
With a strong understanding of computer systems and the desire to discover more, hackers can get into a lot of trouble. However, perhaps hackers can use their skills and knowledge for good. Can a Christian be a good and virtuous hacker?
Assignment From a Christian worldview write an essay considering the ethical issues surrounding hacking. Include a paragraph discussing the technical and cultural meaning for the term hacker. Then discuss the following questions:
• Under what conditions (if any) do you think system-cracking is ethical? What if it is just for fun? What if no theft, vandalism, or breach of confidentiality occurs? Is there a clear line between the actions of good and bad hackers? ���
• If a hacker discovers a vulnerability in a system, how should he or she proceed? What is the hacker's responsibility after notifying a company of a problem that the company does not address? Consider the CNBC story Ethical hacking: Are companies ready?. ���In your exposition of these questions, be sure to include potential opinions that differ from your own (tell both sides of the story). Then present a well reasoned argument for your positions. ���
Paper Requirements ��� • Limited to 2 pages. Double Spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman
font. A title page is optional. The list of references (works cited) can be placed on a third page. ���
• If you adequately address the issues, it will be difficult to fit the content into only two pages. Refine your wording to be clear and succinct. ���
• Reference the Bible, the CNBC story, reputable source(s) for your definition of hacker / hacking, and at least one additional source (such as the Ethics and professional responsibility in computing by M. C. Loui and K. W. Miller). ���
Some scripture references to get you started Matthew 5:13-16 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
1 Corinthians 10: 23, 24
23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial.
“I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.