Final answer:
The traditional term for someone who uses advanced computer skills to attack systems is a Hacker. Hackers employ various tactics like phishing and exploitation and can cause significant damage or theft. IT field professionals, including software engineers, contribute significantly to managing and securing the digital infrastructure in an information society.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the past, the term commonly used to refer to a person who uses advanced computer skills to attack computers was Hacker. Hackers utilize a variety of methods to break into systems, including but not limited to, phishing, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and social engineering. Their main goals often include stealing sensitive information, causing disruption, or even asking for ransom after encrypting valuable data with ransomware. To combat these threats, it is essential to implement strong cybersecurity measures, keep software updated, and educate users on safe internet practices.
It is worth noting that in today's context, the term hacker can refer to someone who enjoys learning the details of computer systems and how to stretch their capabilities, and an Ethical Hacker is a professional that uses their skills to help secure systems, rather than exploit them.
Professionals in the information technology (IT) field have diverse career paths, and their roles are crucial in today's information society. Software engineers, for example, play a powerful part in an information society owing to their skills in creating and maintaining software that keeps digital infrastructure running.