Hackers

Hacking emerged with the invention of computers. The term "hacker" has a variety of definitions. Among computer professionals, it is applied to someone who is proficient at software programming, debugging systems, or identifying vulnerabilities in a given computer, software application, or computer network. These are valuable skills for computer programmers and technicians.

Considered the world's most notorious hacker, Kevin Mitnick signed a plea agreement in 1999 that confirmed his involvement in breaking into the computer systems of major corporations, including Motorola and Sun Microsystems. He eluded authorities for several years before his arrest in 1995. Held without bail for nearly five years, Mitnick was eventually released from prison in January of 2000. The terms of his parole stipulate that he cannot use a computer until January of 2003. Mitnick's story is detailed in several books and on the Internet at .