Can We Stop Hackers Before They Hack?

Can We Stop Hackers Before They Hack?

Hacking is a big problem in the world right now. With computers so knew, we don't know how to properly protect ourselves. Even companies such as Sony are having these problems. So how do we stop this from happening, or is there even a way to? One thing that's been done is Cyberpatriot. This program is in association with U.S. Air Force so you would think that everything is "kosher", right"? Well what they are trying to teach these kids might be used for good or for evil, who knows. They don't have a vetting process. They say that this is like a 4-H program or the scouts, but what they are teaching these kids could just as well be used for evil then for good. Another big one is Cyber Challenge. The directer of Cyber Challenge is a former chief information officer for George W. Bush administration, so again should be safe. Well they do not do background checks as well. Even if they did, is there truly a way in which we can screen for malicious intentions? Karen Evens (the director) doesn't think it is possible. They do say that they "request professional references or teacher recommendations from high school and university students wanting to attend the program’s summer boot camps." They Also have an ethics panel discussion with the campers, which include panelists from the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI. With so many programs in place why are we still hearing about all these hacking taking place? Well here is one example of the program not going according to plan. The University of Maryland funds a cyber conference, which is nationally recognized, where they have a proverbial "hackaton". Cody Kretsinger and Raynaldo Rivera where members, or practiced with, the UAT that went to the Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. These same two kids where the ones that got the blame for the Sony attacks in 2011. They were a part of the group notoriously know as LulzSec, a group known for hacking into places where they shouldn't. Even when you make something with the purpose of good in mind, some will always bend it for evil, so how much are these programs helping more than hurting? Only time will tell, and if possible I would like to see a case study of the peoples lives after they participated in these sorts of gatherings.

Heres there main article that I read, that you can read if you would like to read more http://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2012/09/stop-computer-prodigies-they-hack/57884/?oref=ng-HPtopstory