Hacker vs. Hacker work

In the news report, the word "hacker" is used as a derogatory phenomenon. Some people think this is true, but others disagree and suggest using other words. This article will clarify the issue to everyone.

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In the mainstream media, the word "hacker" (hacker) is often used to refer to malicious security-destroying people. The classic definition of the word "hacker", originally derived from the MIT document on information technology, was used by journalists for a long time. But the term used as a neutral word at MIT has been gradually put to use by journalists in a derogatory context, and many people are influenced by it, leading to the term "hacker" always used in a derogatory context.

Some people think that we should accept that the word "hacker" has been abused and has a new meaning. They argue that without recognition of the abused word, it will be impossible to communicate effectively with those who do not know the technology. And I still think that separating the hacker from the malicious hacker (cracker) is more effective for the exchange, such as using a "malicious security hacker" that will make it easier for the other person to understand what I am referring to, thus achieving better communication effects and avoiding abuse of the word "hacker".

The reason to distinguish between hackers and malicious hackers is because in some cases we are talking about objects that are harmless and do not cause damage to security defenses or user privacy, which are best described by the word "hacker". If you simply equate a "hacker" with a "malicious security hacker", you will not be able to easily identify the type of person you are referring to when you are communicating security technology issues with others.

The difference between hacking and hackers is that hackers are only interested in technology, and the latter is through technology to obtain career development or earn a living. Many hackers and crackers have a technical talent, and some hackers do career development accordingly. Of course, not everyone with a technical talent has to follow the direction of hackers or crackers.

The classic meaning of the term hacker is that people who are very interested in how things work, they repair, make or modify things, and they enjoy it. For some people, the word is not accurate, and for others, hackers mean that eventually they can master something completely. According to RFC 1392, the term "hacker" is defined by the Internet User Vocabulary as:

　　obsessed with the acquisition of certain systems, especially those of computers and computer networks, that operate within the system. And the word is often wrongly used in a derogatory context. In a derogatory context, the correct word should be "hacker".

The first definition of the jargon Wiki for hackers is:

　　people who are obsessed with the details of the programmable system and how to extend its functionality are different from most people who only need to know the basics of the system .

Security hackers are the ones who aim at destroying the security system. Some security hackers will eventually use the technology they have mastered to do good, provide penetration testing services, or other work in favor of safety protection. And more people are using their skills to do evil things. A similar derogatory definition of "hacker" is made in RFC 1392 and jargon Wiki.

Using the right terminology in different contexts is very important for communication. I have had a personal experience in this area. When we communicate with a person in charge of a business, we use the same vocabulary, but the object we refer to is just the opposite, resulting in a very unsuccessful communication effect. When you need the same word in two different contexts, such as hackers with traditional meanings, and hackers with malicious intent, if you do not explain the terminology in advance, or give certain specifications, it will certainly lead to communication difficulties.

An easier way to communicate today is to apply a malicious security hacker, not a hacker, because most of the information now refers to hackers with malicious intent rather than technology-targeted hackers. This is why in my article, I always use "malicious security hacker" to refer to people engaged in malicious activities, and in some articles if the need to involve the traditional meaning of the "hacker", I will also be explained in the text.

In discussing security topics, I also recommend that you use the right words as I do in order to communicate more clearly.

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