Do you believe in Super Hackers?

[Mr Slugger]

Years ago before CS when I was heavily into the internet business their were talks of "great" hackers. Now mind you there was always two kinds. The ones that damaged things and the ones that were just curious. And we've seen some of them in movies, like for instance Transformers where the young hacker is able to do way more than any person at the fbi, or cia would be able to do.

So I'm kind curious if you believe that these types of people exist.

Personally while I don't think they are "all powerful" I do believe that the best hackers are pretty hidden. I mean a hacker that tries to take down a network is looking to get caught. I mean they're kinda like the robber that kicks in the front door and tramples through the house knocking everything over as he goes. Whereas I think a really good hacker will find the open window sneak into the house rummage through some drawers, and make it a point to make sure no one knew he was there. And chances are probably no one will ever know he was there.

[BroomJockey]

I think technology is too diverse and changing too quickly for there to be "super hackers" any more. I think there are exceptionally talented individuals who can do some crazy things, but no one who can "break in to any system and be untraceable" or anything like that.

[Mytical]

I have to agree. There are probably some that are very good, and most of them probably work for the government or anti-virus companies. Because that is where the real money is at without risk of jail time. Now of course there are those who create phishers, and programs to yank your private info and the like, but they may be a one trick pony for all I know.

[Shangri-laschild]

Know what happens to the really good hackers who get caught? They often get offered jobs. There was even a contest, and I forget the company's name, to hack their computers. It was sponsered by the company itself though I don't think anyone did manage to. The unnoficial word out was that the person who did manage it would be getting a nice job offer from them.