Hacker Characteristics: Analyzing Risks and Mitigation Strategies

This assignment explores the characteristics of hackers, including intelligence, technological skills, and mental strength. It analyzes how hackers use these attributes to exploit systems. The assignment also discusses mitigation strategies, such as effective internal controls, regular system upgrades, unique user identities, and skilled employees, to minimize the risks posed by hackers. The paper draws on sources to support its analysis of hacker behavior and risk management techniques. This assignment, contributed by a student, is available on Desklib, a platform providing AI-based study tools.

Running head: HACKER CHARACTERISTICS
Hacker Characteristics
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Authors Note:

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HACKER CHARACTERISTICS
Contents
Answer 1:.........................................................................................................................................2
Answer 2:.........................................................................................................................................2
References:......................................................................................................................................4

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Answer 1:
The characteristics of hackers exhibited by Robert Hanssen and Misha Glenny are as following:
High intelligence: Hackers are generally highly intelligent and have higher intellectual level.
Both Robert Hanssen and Misha Glenny have mentioned that hackers are extremely intelligent.
Curiosity: It is also important to note that hackers are generally very curious in nature thus,
curiosity is an extremely important characteristic for hackers.
Technology savvy: Obviously, hackers must be capable of using modern day technology in order
to hack different systems. Thus, technologically savvy is certainly another characteristic of
hackers. Hackers must know how to use different technologies in order to hack systems.
Mental strength: Mental strength is another important personal characteristic of hackers. Hacking
systems is extremely difficult and challenging in the modern day and age with string internal
controls and systems hence, mental strength is another important characteristic of hackers
(Banda, Phiri, Nyirenda & Kabemba, 2019).
Extremely talented and skilful: Again hackers are generally very talented and skilful.
Answer 2:
Yes, there are number of things that can be done to mitigate the risks posed by hackers, these are
as following:
I. Effective and efficient internal controls.
II. Regular up-gradation of system.
III. Use of unique user identity and passwords.

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HACKER CHARACTERISTICS
IV. Dedicated employees and staffs in the information and technology department.
V. Rotation of employees and staffs on periodic basis in the IT and other departments of
an organization to minimize the risk of collusion between employees.
VI. Recruiting and talented and skilful employees (Guo, 2016).

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References:
Banda, R., Phiri, J., Nyirenda, M., & Kabemba, M. (2019). Technological Paradox of Hackers
Begetting Hackers: A Case of Ethical and Unethical Hackers and their Subtle
Tools. Zambia ICT Journal, 3(1), 40. doi: 10.33260/zictjournal.v3i1.74
Guo, B. (2016). Why Hackers Become Crackers – An Analysis of Conflicts Faced by
Hackers. Public Administration Research, 5(1), 29. doi: 10.5539/par.v5n1p29