Consequences for Hacking

With the spectacular growth of the Internet in recent decades, the private information of governments, businesses and individuals has never been more at risk. Professional and amateur hackers alike have become a constant threat to information security. If caught, the consequences for hackers can be extremely serious, while there are also consequences for society more generally.

Custodial Sentences

• Prison sentences for hacking can be extremely harsh, particularly if national security has been compromised. For very serious crimes, the U.S. government is now looking to raise sentences to 20 years in prison. In most cases, mental conditions such as Asperger syndrome are not considered in sentencing if the crime is serious enough.

Job Prospects

• Contrary to popular belief, hackers do not often end up in lucrative jobs if they have been caught by the authorities. Any kind of criminal record will have a detrimental impact on the employment prospects of a hacker. In addition, time spent in prison may well be time spent away from regular access to a computer, which may mean that a hacker becomes unfamiliar with the latest technologies.

Higher Security

• Hacking causes governments and powerful organizations likely to be a target for hackers to increase their security. This usually slows down operating systems and leads to more bugs and problems. In addition, innocent users of companies who have been hacked may find themselves subject to stringent security measures that add unnecessary hassle to already stressful lives.

Less Freedom of Information

• Hackers and illegal distributors of personal information have a damaging impact on the way national governments are run and how international diplomacy functions. The ability to speak freely without concern for public opinion is a vital component of any democratic state. Hackers encourage powerful individuals to discuss issues only in person, reducing the efficiency, efficacy and honesty of government and diplomacy.