Question 1

Who are the different actors that participate in the computer underground? Describe each of the participants.

Accepted Answer

The computer underground is a term used to describe the community of individuals who engage in illegal or unauthorized activities related to computers and technology. The participants in the computer underground can include:

1. Hackers: These are individuals who use their technical skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. They may do this for various reasons, such as to steal information, disrupt operations, or simply for the challenge and thrill of breaking into secure systems.

2. Crackers: Similar to hackers, crackers also seek to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, but they specifically focus on bypassing security measures, such as copy protection or digital rights management, to illegally access software, media, or other digital content.

3. Phreakers: Phreaking is the practice of exploring and exploiting the telecommunication systems, such as phone networks, to make free calls, manipulate phone services, or engage in other unauthorized activities related to telecommunications technology.

4. Script Kiddies: These are individuals who lack the technical expertise of hackers or crackers but use pre-written scripts or tools to carry out cyber attacks or other malicious activities. They often do so without fully understanding the implications of their actions.

5. Whistleblowers: While not necessarily engaging in illegal activities themselves, whistleblowers may participate in the computer underground by leaking confidential or sensitive information from organizations or governments to expose wrongdoing or misconduct.

It's important to note that not all participants in the computer underground engage in illegal activities, and some may use their skills for ethical hacking, cybersecurity research, or other legitimate purposes. However, the term generally refers to those who operate outside the boundaries of legal and ethical behavior in the digital realm.

Question 2

What makes the computer underground a subculture? What types of specialized vocabulary do members of the computer underground use? Describe the commonly held beliefs shared by the participants in the computer underground. How do members of the computer underground communicate?

Accepted Answer

The computer underground is considered a subculture because it is a distinct and separate group within the larger computer and technology community. Members of the computer underground often have their own set of values, norms, and beliefs that set them apart from mainstream computer users. They often engage in activities that are considered illegal or unethical, such as hacking, cracking, and sharing pirated software.

Members of the computer underground use specialized vocabulary to communicate with each other. This includes terms such as "hacker," "cracker," "phreaker," "warez," "script kiddie," and "zero-day exploit." These terms are used to describe different roles and activities within the subculture.

Commonly held beliefs shared by participants in the computer underground include a distrust of authority, a belief in the freedom of information, and a desire to push the boundaries of technology. They often see themselves as rebels or outlaws who are challenging the status quo and pushing the limits of what is possible with technology.

Members of the computer underground communicate through various channels, including online forums, chat rooms, encrypted messaging apps, and in-person meetups. They often use pseudonyms or handles to protect their identities and maintain a level of anonymity. This allows them to freely discuss their activities and share information without fear of repercussions from law enforcement or other authorities.

Question 3

In what ways might the Internet contribute to dysfunctional or addictive sexual behavior of individuals?

Accepted Answer

The Internet can contribute to dysfunctional or addictive sexual behavior in several ways. Firstly, the easy access to pornography and explicit sexual content online can lead to desensitization and escalation of sexual fantasies, leading individuals to seek out more extreme or deviant forms of sexual behavior. This can contribute to a cycle of addiction and compulsive sexual behavior.

Additionally, the anonymity and privacy of the Internet can make it easier for individuals to engage in risky or taboo sexual behaviors without fear of judgment or consequences. This can lead to a lack of boundaries and an increased likelihood of engaging in harmful or destructive sexual activities.

Furthermore, the constant availability of sexual content and opportunities for online sexual interactions can lead to a preoccupation with sexual thoughts and behaviors, interfering with daily functioning and relationships. This can contribute to a pattern of dysfunctional and addictive sexual behavior.

Overall, the Internet can provide a breeding ground for dysfunctional or addictive sexual behavior by offering easy access to explicit content, enabling anonymity and privacy, and fostering a preoccupation with sexual activities. It is important for individuals to be aware of these potential risks and seek help if they find themselves struggling with compulsive or harmful sexual behaviors.

Question 4

Describe the range of pornography types on-line

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the range of pornography types on-line...

Question 5

Those individuals who break security systems are known as hackers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Those individuals who break security systems are...

Question 6

The computer underground is composed of actors adhering to one of five roles: hackers, crackers, phreakers, warez d00dz, or lamers, leeches, and posers.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The five roles mentioned are commonly used to categorize individuals within the computer underground community.

Question 7

The goal of a cracker is to make a program or system perform with optimum efficiency.

Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect. The primary goal of a cracker (also known as a hacker) is to gain unauthorized access to systems or data, often with malicious intent. They may also aim to exploit vulnerabilities in a system, but their goal is not to improve its efficiency.

Question 8

John "Cap'n Crunch" Draper is known as the "father of phreaking."

Accepted Answer

John Draper is commonly referred to as the "father of phreaking" as he was one of the earliest and most prominent figures in the phreaking community during the 1970s.

Question 9

Warez d00dz distribute pirated software strictly for monetary gain.

Accepted Answer

Warez d00dz often distribute pirated software primarily for the thrill, status, or challenge, rather than for monetary gain.

Question 10

Lamers, leeches, and posers are generally thought of as wannabes.

Accepted Answer

Lamers, leeches, and posers are often seen as people who want to be something they are not, or who want to fit in with a certain group or subculture they admire. Therefore, they are considered wannabes.

Question 11

One rich source of jargon construction is the hackish tendency to anthropomorphize hardware and software, which is the tendency to attribute the characteristics of gods, animals, or things to humans.

Accepted Answer

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, not the other way around.

Question 12

The most common belief held by members of the computer underground is that all information should be free or shared.

Accepted Answer

This belief is often referred to as "information wants to be free" and is a common ideology among members of the computer underground.

Question 13

The most common form of communication between members is through the bulletin boards and newsgroups.

Accepted Answer

Bulletin boards and newsgroups are common forms of communication in online communities.

Question 14

The computer underground has their own specialized way of dressing.

Accepted Answer

The computer underground, or hacker community, does not have a universally recognized specialized way of dressing. Members of this community come from diverse backgrounds and their fashion choices vary widely.

Question 15

Downloading pornographic images involving children is a federal crime.

Accepted Answer

Downloading pornographic images involving children is a federal crime under the Child Pornography Prevention Act (CPPA) of 1996. It is punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Question 16

The term ___________ was originally intended to be a complimentary recognition of one's computer skills.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The term ___________ was originally intended to...

Question 17

___________ is the oldest of the electronically distributed computer underground publications.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ___________ is the oldest of the electronically...

Question 18

Those individuals who have a deeper and more technically oriented interest in the "telco" are known as ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Those individuals who have a deeper and...

Question 19

In a sadomasochism chatroom, a "handle" or user nickname that begins with a capital letter indicates that the user play a ______________ in cyber-relationships.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a sadomasochism chatroom, a "handle" or...

Question 20

Software which has been copied and cracked on the same day that it is released for retail sale is known as _________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Software which has been copied and cracked...

Quiz 11: Cyberdeviance