WHAT DOES A CRACKER DO
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.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HACKER AND A CRACKER
A hacker can be referred to as a ‘white hat’. Some don’t use a system
illegally, but expose holes within systems. Their aim is to fix flaws
within systems and to improve its security. ‘White hats’ may be security
professionals, who are hired by companies to audit network security or
test software. They use the "same software tools that crackers use" and
"seeks to improve the security of his own network by proactively
attacking it as a cracker would. White hats may even create software
aimed at thwarting tools available to crackers.
Therefore, they help businesses by understanding how a cracker
operates and then takes steps to secure a network against likely avenues
of attack.
A hacker can write code in one or more languages, such as C, C++,
assembly, Java. They understand what certain codes do and how it works.
Whereas a cracker can be referred to as a ‘black hat’. They break
into systems illegally for personal gain, vandalism, or bragging rights.
Most crackers are not very knowledgeable or skilful with little
programming ability. They therefore rely on automated programs that are
downloaded from disreputable websites.
A cracker understands that he/she is breaking the law, and therefore
cover their tracks in order to prevent being caught. Fortunately, many
crackers are caught due to their lack of skills.
In summary, hacking and cracking can be used both illegally and legally
to gain access to a computer network. Other than the ethical difference
between the two, the major factor that separates hackers and crackers is
an understanding of computer systems and the ability to create
software. "A hacker, in the classic sense of the term, is someone with a
strong interest in how things work, who likes to tinker and create and
modify things for the enjoyment of doing so.
