A hacker is someone who tries to access a computer or network illegally. Hacking activity sometimes is a harmless prank; at times, it causes extensive damage. Some hackers say their activities allow them to test their skills. Others say their activities are a form of civil disobedience that forces companies to make their products more secure. View online sites such as The Ethical Hacker Network (ethicalhacker.net) that provide information about when hackers provide some benefit to the Internet society. Many of these hackers are able to participate in activities and share their knowledge each year at DEF CON, one of the world's largest and continuous running conferences for hackers. The International Council of E- Commerce Consultants administers professional accreditation to become a Certified Ethical hacker.

Your introduction should contain a definition of a hacker and discuss the different motives for individuals that are involved with this activity. Give examples of malicious attacks. What are the legal consequences for accessing an organization or individual computer data within the U.S., globally?

In your conclusion, review your findings and consider the consequences of not providing data security. What is your opinion of hackers? View online sites that provide information about when hackers provide some benefit to the Internet society. Have you personally experienced the results of unauthorized access to your data, either personal or corporate, for example the security breach at Target? Be sure you have the required sources, citations, footnote(s) and works cited page.