ABSTRACT

Hackers created a software application exploit that allows individuals to remove the restrictions of the operating system and gain full root access to its functionalities. This practice is sometimes referred to as "jailbreaking", and it is not illegal, though it does void the manufacturer's warranty for the device, rendering it unable to be serviced by Apple technicians. There are several common terms used to refer hackers depending on their ethical stance on hacking. First, white-hat hackers comprise a group of individuals who conform to the ethical guidelines established by the hacker ethic of the 1960s and existing laws generally. Secondly, individuals who engage in hacks for destructive or criminal purposes are typically referred as black-hat hackers. Finally, the term gray-hat hacker identifies individuals who hack whose ethical stance shifts from malicious to benevolent depending on specific circumstances. Hackers congregate online via various forms of computer-mediated communication such as forums, blogs, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), and social media.