The term "hacker" doesn't just apply to crooks, thieves and anyone else looking to subvert computer security systems for malevolent purposes. Some hackers are in the business of improving security. Certified Ethical Hackers are paid by companies and government agencies to test their computer systems against the sort of attacks the bad guys often attempt to pull off.
Computer infrastructure has become the foundation of businesses, governments, and militaries across the globe. Unfortunately, the onset of computer dependence has only opened a myriad of opportunities for cybercrime and potentially devastating consequences. Unlike in the past, when criminals would have to physically peculate information, cybercrime involves finding network loopholes, running snippets of code, and virtually having access to billions of bits of data within seconds.

Although many establishments that use online networks to carry highly sensitive and confidential information neglect to close these "backdoor openings" (making it too late), others have circumvented the possibility of hackers gaining entry into their data by commissioning trusted third parties to assess any vulnerabilities. Individuals such as Jonathan James, Kevin Mitnick, and Kevin Poulsen have given the term "computer hacker" a bad rap; however, their moral counterparts, ethical hackers, are able ease the minds of companies and governments.

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