Is hacking Illegal?

[JScalfani]

I was curious i know that hacking into other people's computers and companies is illegal but is it illegal to hack into your own computer to test the actual security of your system? For example my dilemma is i have a couple computers and one of them has alot of important documents. So i wanted to test to see if it is possible to hack into it. I have comcast as a isp and i was wondering if even though i would be hacking my own system if an isp would still consider that an illegal act.

 

[Shade4ever]

You'd best take your home network off the Internet for this one...running port-scanning utilities and other hacker's tools is a good way to get your connection shut off. And as far as legality goes, it's rather iffy...if you're in the USA, the DMCA has some rather vague things in it which could conceivably be used against you by an insecure company (no pun intended). I just covered this stuff in an info. security class last semester, so I have a slight claim to knowledge about this (No arrogance intended; I slept through more than I care to admit). If you go into a little more detail about what you're wanting to test, I might be able to give some better advice.

 

[notfred]

Hacking oyur own computer is perfectly legal.

 

[Lonyo]

It's not hacking though, it's testing security.

It's not illegal to break into your own home, why would it be different with a computer?

 

[Nothinman]

Only if you plan on pressing charges against yourself if you catch yourself doing it.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: Lonyo
It's not hacking though, it's testing security.

It's not illegal to break into your own home, why would it be different with a computer?

DMCA. Unless of course, you wrote all the software on your machine yourself.

EDIT: And yes, I think it is ridiculous that a company can use the DMCA against you if you find a problem in their software and report it properly.

 

[skyking]

I realize this is off topic, but the time you waste trying to break in will build you a nice firewall/router with greatly enhanced system security. Just a thought.
You might say, "but I do not know how to use <insert favorite BSD or linux here>"
You also do not know how to hack. You can fool yourself, poke around a bit, scan some ports, but real hackers have many shady tools and methods, and have been doing it a while.
edit: speelage

 

[EeyoreX]

So i wanted to test to see if it is possible to hack into it.

I can answer this question without any hacking needed. Yes. As long as the machine is connected to the internet, either directly or through a network, it is vulnerable to hacking. Granted, the casual hacker won't be interested all that much, but someone determined will get in to your system iof that's what they want. Personally, I agree, that it might pay off more just practicing safe security. Good router/firewall, anti-virus software, strong passwords. You could also encrypt the data.

My .02

\Dan

 

[SemperFi]

Here is some good info.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

There is no legal definition of "hacking," therefore no.