Question

Two of the common claims made by hackers are outlined below: • A hacker provides a very valuable service to the community because by successfully comprising the security of a system, the hacker is exposing problems with the security setup, problems which need to be addressed. • There is no actual harm done because everything that a hacker does takes place in a virtual world. Argue, with the help of examples, against the claims made by the hackers.

Answer 1

Hacker claims of providing a valuable service by exposing flaws and no real-world harm are refuted by the negative impacts of data breaches, such as financial loss, identity theft, and national security risks. Actions in the virtual realm have substantial physical consequences, and reducing hacking requires robust cybersecurity, public education, and legal enforcement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Arguing against the claims made by hackers requires a critical examination of the repercussions of their actions. While hackers may contend that they provide a valuable service by exposing security flaws, this perspective overlooks the real-world implications of such breaches. Data breaches can result in significant financial loss, theft of sensitive personal information, and can even affect national security. For instance, when hackers break into medical systems, they can steal confidential patient information or disrupt critical healthcare services. Moreover, the argument that no harm is done because hacking occurs in a virtual world is misleading because the consequences directly impact the physical well-being and privacy of individuals. Businesses and organizations face substantial costs in mitigating the damage of a breach, including customer notification, legal fees, and implementing improved security measures.

Furthermore, the claim that everything is virtual ignores the potential for real-world damages like identity theft, financial fraud, and the enabling of criminal activities. Governments and militant groups exploit hacking to engage in cyber warfare, espionage, and to disseminate disinformation, raising the stakes beyond simple virtual inconveniences. The tactics hackers use to infiltrate systems, such as phishing or exploiting software vulnerabilities, can have broad implications, such as the disruption of critical infrastructure and services. To address hacking and reduce its occurrence, it is imperative to strengthen cybersecurity measures, educate the public about safe online practices, and enforce strict legal consequences for unauthorized cyber intrusions.