e no different are should expect the same treatment. If I break into a house and watch the owners TV or read their personal files I have trespassed and violated the law the same is true for a hacker who breaks into a computer network and accessed confidential information. The Federal Government has laws concerning computer use; privacy of information, trespass and property rights that also apply to the typical activities carried on by the average hacker. Clearly it is a crime to engage in or pursue any activities in violation of these laws. The conclusion we should all come to is that hackers are criminals by definition of their activities and should not be glamorized by the media. We do not praise bank robbers or burglars for bypassing the security of our home or savings and loan. A clever or creative criminal can not be excused of his or her crimes. If we continue to do this we encourage them to continue and put ourselves at risk. Furthermore they need to expect to pay the consequences for their actions. We will all benefit by clearly understanding that a hacker is a criminal and not to be praised or admired by our children or us....
