cracker
Home > Security Definitions - Cracker
SearchSecurity.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)
EMAIL THIS
LOOK UP TECH TERMS Powered by: WhatIs.com
Search listings for thousands of IT terms:
Browse tech terms alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

cracker


Show me everything on Password Management and Policy

DEFINITION - 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





FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #


RELATED CONTENT
Torrent phishing scheme trips up Twitter users
Latest attack prompts warning to change your passwords. Check out these popular password management programs now.
Microsoft, security firms warn of password meltdown
An increase in online shopping this season would be a boon to cybercriminals, who are conducting phishing and drive-by attacks in an attempt to profit...
How to find and remove keyloggers and prevent spyware installation
Keep keyloggers from stealing your users' passwords by learning how to find and remove keyloggers, as well as how to prevent spyware installation in...

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
graphical password  (SearchSecurity.com)
identity access management (IAM) system  (SearchSecurity.com)
An identity management access (IAM) system is a framework for business processes that facilitates the management of electronic identities.




Get More cracker Answers
TechTarget Security Media
Information Security View this month\\'s issue and subscribe today.
Information Security Decisions Apply online for free conference admission.
SearchSecurity.com
HomeNewsMagazineMultimediaWhite PapersLearningAdviceTopicsEventsAbout Us

About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2010, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts