Many people spend time wondering about what motivates black hats — people thought to be malicious hackers and crackers. Dark Reading did a survey to try to take the portrait beyond the characterizations of movies and television shows. The writer warns that more "ethical" black hats — folks who don't see themselves as everyday criminals — answered the survey than those who acknowledge baser motives. Five myths exposed in the piece: Most black hats are young geeks; all black hats are motivated by money; there is a widespread movement to target specific organizations or Web sites; viruses and worms are the most frequent ways in which black hats attack; and black hats are worried about corporate defenses and the law.

Jennifer Sasser
478-338-2469