 - A cracker is someone who breaks into someone else's computer system, often on a network; bypasses passwords or licenses in computer programs; or in other ways intentionally breaches computer security. A cracker can be doing this for profit, maliciously, for some altruistic purpose or cause, or because the challenge is there. Some breaking-and-entering has been done ostensibly to point out weaknesses in a site's security system.
The term "cracker" is not to be confused with "hacker". Hackers generally deplore cracking. However, as Eric Raymond, compiler of The New Hacker's Dictionary notes, some journalists ascribe break-ins to "hackers."
A classic story of the tracking down of a cracker on the Internet who was breaking into U.S. military and other computers is told in Clifford Stoll's The Cuckoo's Egg.
 |
Learn more about Password Management and Policy |
  |
Identity and Access Management Services, Systems and Technologies: This Security School explores critical topics related to helping security practitioners establish and maintain an effective identity and access management plan. |
| Smart shopper: What to look for in password management and provisioning: Password management vendors are getting into the full-blown provisioning game, and traditional vendors are adding Windows logon extensions to facilitate self-service-a hallmark of a password ... |
 |
Using IAM, password and provisioning management tools for compliance: In this new lesson, expert Tom Bowers will teach you how provisioning and password management can reduce help desk calls, ease compliance woes and save corporate cash. |
| Endpoint security protection: Policies for endpoint control: Guest instructor Ben Rothke, provides tactics for endpoint security, policies for controlling endpoints and insight as to where endpoint security technology is headed. |
| How to break into a computer that is right at your fingertips: Stressing the importance of physical security, Joel Dubin explains how a hacker can bypass a BIOS password and break into a computer. |
| Spy vs. Spy: Excerpt from Chapter 6 of Spies Among Us: How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers, and Criminals You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day. |
| CONTRIBUTORS: |
Hans Sjoholm |
| LAST UPDATED: |
04 Jun 2007
|
 |
Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com
|
|
Show me everything on 
