Computer Hacking and the "Cyber War"

The practice of computer hacking, which can be broadly defined as gaining access to a computer system or network without authorization, has been a source of controversy for decades. But the problem of hacking has grown particularly urgent in recent years, as the Internet has exploded in popularity and enabled hackers to more easily access and attack computer systems around the world. Internet security experts and, indeed, computer users of all kinds are constantly struggling to find new ways to protect computers from increasingly sophisticated hacker attacks.

Hacker attacks are typically conducted remotely--i.e., a hacker uses his or her computer to attack another computer via the Internet. Hackers employ a wide variety of methods to infiltrate computers, including viruses, malware (malicious software), trojans (benign-looking messages or programs that are designed to conceal attacks) and worms (programs that self-replicate and spread through networks).

Different attacks often have different underlying motives. Malicious hackers, called "black hats" after the black-clad villains in Western movies, break into computer networks in order to steal potentially valuable information (such as credit card numbers) or simply to cause damage. "White hat" hackers, meanwhile, also break into networks without authorization, but they usually have more idealistic goals; for example, a white hat hacker might infiltrate a network in order to discover its security weaknesses, and then inform the network's operators of those weaknesses so they can be fixed.

Another form of hacking, "cyber warfare," has also raised particular concerns recently. In theory, cyber warfare involves the government of one country employing hackers to attack the computer networks of a rival country. It is unclear exactly how often cyber warfare is actually practiced, however, since it is difficult to determine whether hacker attacks are sponsored by governments or simply conducted by private individuals. Nevertheless, Russia was widely accused of conducting a cyber war against Estonia in 2007, and, according to U.S. officials, the U.S. and China have been fighting an off-and-on cyber war for years.

Hacking remains a particularly controversial and complex issue. Most observers agree that malicious hacking is a dangerous trend, but there is widespread disagreement over exactly how to address it. Some argue that Congress should pass stricter laws to crack down on hacking, but others point out that an excess of legislation in the field could restrict the growth of computer technology and prevent white hats from hacking for good causes. Also, there is a dispute over the issue of cyber warfare; is it truly a threat, or has its potential impact been exaggerated? And is the U.S. government justified in accusing China of waging cyber warfare against America's computer networks?

Advocates of increased government intervention against hacking argue that stricter technology laws are needed, both to dissuade hackers and to pressure software developers and Internet firms to improve their security procedures. In the absence of increased government regulation, the problem of hacking will only continue to spiral out of control, they warn. Furthermore, supporters of a government crackdown on hackers tend to take the threat of cyber warfare seriously and maintain that the U.S. should closely monitor China's alleged hacking activities.

Critics of government action on hacking acknowledge that malicious hackers are a serious problem, but caution against passing too many laws on the issue. Misguided legislation could inadvertently suppress the technological advancement of computers and the Internet, and could also prevent white hats from conducting positive hacking operations, they caution. Also, critics tend to downplay the panic about a potential cyber war, particularly where China is concerned.

Sources

Corcoran, Elizabeth; Shannon, Victoria. "Battling Cyber Saboteurs." Washington Post (January 31, 1997): E1.

Freedman, David. "Easy Prey On-line." New York Times (February 11, 2000): A31.

Hafner, Katie. "In World of Hackers, Good Guys and Bad Guys Are Often a Blur." New York Times (February 12, 2000): A1.

Hamilton, David; Cloud, David. "The Internet Under Siege: Stalking the Hackers." Wall Street Journal (February 10, 2000): B1.