Computer Break-ins--Idle system arguement

Some system hackers state that they are simply making use of idle machines.
Some systems are not used at a level near their capacity, so why not use them?


Computer Break-ins--Security arguments

Break-ins illustrate security problems to a community that will otherwise not
note the problems.  People who break into a system are performing a service
by exposing security holes.


Computer Break-ins--The student hacker argument

Some trespassers claim that they are doing no harm and changing nothing--they
are simply learning how computer systems operate.  They argue that computers
are expensive and that they are merely furthering their education in a cost
effective manner.


Computer Break-ins--The hacker ethic

Richard Stallman and others believe that all information should be free.  
Information belongs to everyone and there should be no boundaries or restraints
to prevent anyone from examining information.  What are the implications and
consequences of such a philosophy?


Computer Break-ins--Social protector argument

Hackers break into systems to watch for instances of data abuse and to help
keep "Big Brother" at bay.  Hackers are protectors rather than criminals.



Taken from:  "Computers, Ethics & Social Values."  Deborah G. Johnson, Helen
Nissenbaum, eds.;  Prentics-Hall, Inc., 1995: 125-133.