Is Computer Hacking Really Worth The Risk?

[EntryWound]

I've been reading stories about these hacking groups that keep getting caught up and spending time in federal holding facilities, and I was just wondering if actually getting that big into the hacking scene is really worth the risk. I mean, are these guys actually making money, or are they just trying to make a name for themselves?

 

[Khroniik]

It depends on which 'hackers' you're talking about.

Groups that are taking over live broadcasts of television stations are in it to make a name for themselves.

Groups like the ones that have recently stolen credit card information from retailers like Target and Home Depot are in it for the money.

 

Well they know the risk and still do it.It makes me believe that for whatever reason thry are doing it, its worth.

 

[sahwN]

If you are a good hacker, you will make money. They will also get caught eventually.

 

[Swan]

Everyone seems to be under the assumption that being a hacker always has to be a bad or at least illegal thing.

There are hackers that go around breaking in to networks and then offer to fix the vulnerability for a fee. There are hackers working for the NSA and other such organisations in what they would say is the interest of national security. There are hackers employed by corporations (such as banks) whose sole job is to try and break in to the corporation's database, server or whatever so that such corporations know what they need to apply more security to.

Such people often get paid quite a fair bit of legally obtainable money at pretty much zero risk because it isn't even illegal.

---

If you're talking explicitly about illegal hacking, then it depends. Where do you live, what are the stakes, who are you fucking with, and why are you doing it?

 

[Switchback]

it is not worth the risk imo, as law enforcement/NSA may be capable of breaking your encryption and then will use parallel construction to convict you, so it's never 100% safe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_construction

 

[Laptop65]

I'm going to assume you're on about blackhat hacking, in which case I would say no, it is not worth it. There are numerous sites on the dark net that always went on about how they were untraceable, and then next thing you know they've been raided... Most people just end getting arrested and people have forgotten about them in no time, so what's the point?

If you're on about another type of "hacking", then state what you mean. If you mean getting into the IT security industry where you can even be employed by the government to keep their networks + servers secure, that can be very lucrative indeed.

All depends what type of hacking you mean.

 

It's definitely a steep learning curve. One mistake and you're in jail for decades, but those who manage to learn the trade probably do exceptionally well.

 

[EntryWound]

I remember I was hired on to try and crack into an auth system that Rsbots.net had implemented. Application Hacking is all. I know a bunch of people who just deface websites. But the really good hackers, that hack into banks, etc, are the ones who stay 100% anonymous. For the most part.

 

I see hacking pretty much as scamming. Just because you're clever enough to do it and get away with it does not make it okay. Plus its 100% illegal, I'd stay away from it.

 

[Lawesyplace]

hackers that are new or fake are usually mouthy or gobby like half of call of duty but the professional ones are the ones you never see coming haha

 

Although people do I guess "profit" from computer hacking depending how they do it, the fact still remains you can be arrested and shipped off to jail so not really.

 

[Crumped]

There are lots of different types of hacking, Some do it for money, others for fame. I guess it all depends on your thoughts on prison. Are you scared of prison son?

 

[VeXaCiDe]

Risk of Money > Risk of Prison

 

[ridooz]

Well, there was a incident in my country few days ago (which wasn't really a hack but a ddos) performed by a 13 year old boy. He had to pay a fine of roughly 3700 dollars.

 

[Youtube Shop]

In my opinion, it's not worth it at all.

 

[Almond Joy]

Hacking isn't worth it. There are risks and if you get caught, you'll face the consequences but then you can be hired by the Gov's to work for them

 

[Zune]

whitehat? yes
blackhat? in most cases lolno

 

[RLdiamond]

Everyone seems to be under the assumption that being a hacker always has to be a bad or at least illegal thing.

There are hackers that go around breaking in to networks and then offer to fix the vulnerability for a fee. There are hackers working for the NSA and other such organisations in what they would say is the interest of national security. There are hackers employed by corporations (such as banks) whose sole job is to try and break in to the corporation's database, server or whatever so that such corporations know what they need to apply more security to.

Such people often get paid quite a fair bit of legally obtainable money at pretty much zero risk because it isn't even illegal.

---

If you're talking explicitly about illegal hacking, then it depends. Where do you live, what are the stakes, who are you fucking with, and why are you doing it?

This is the perfect answer.

I believe hacking are skills similar to martial arts or some deadly weapon mastering. You can either hunt, teach or KILL.

 

[The Feels]

It would be the same as botting in a good main, is it worth the risk?

Well, I'd say no. Being a whitehat will bring you more profits down the road than a blackhat.