Hackers Dot NL

Throughout the site, you may see the term HDNL. This is an acronym for our community coming from: Hackers Dot NL. 

You are probably very excited to start hacking, and you should know that being a hacker is an adrenaline rush as well as fullfilling. To begin hacking, you need to learn a programming language such as(c/c++/perl/php/java) and study certain operating systems such as(windows NT,2000/Linux/Unix). Ask other hackers what they use and why, then choose one and stick to it. It can take several months to learn the basics of one of these technologies, and years to master. If you can’t spend at least a half hour a day to advance your computer skills, then hacking may not be for you. 

All 3 types of hackers may have detailed knowledge of system security and programming, but how they use their knowledge is what makes them very different. 

1. Black-hat hackers (also known as crackers) are the ones who write virii, destroy data, and deface websites along with other illegal activity. This type of hacker will not end up at a very good job due to a bad reputation, and usually ends up in jail for a long period of time. This kind of hacker is not welcome at HDNL. 

2. Grey-hat hackers are borderline white/black hats. They sometimes prank unsuspecting users and cause general mayhem. While they think this kind of activity is harmless, they may face long periods of jail time, and rejection from the hacker community. We do not approve of this kind of hacker at HDNL. 

3. White-hat hackers are the Jedi-knights of hacking, using their knowledge for good, and usually end up working as high-paid network admins, programmers, and security consultants. When a software bug is found, the white-hat community will work together to solve the problem. This kind of hacker is the most respected in the internet community, and this type of hacker is welcome at HDNL. 

See the difference? Now back to becoming a hacker… 

After learning an advanced operating system, and/or programming, you will be able to understand how exploits work and how systems are compromised. Its best to read up in the exploits section of HDNL, and participate in the Wargames. After gaining this knowledge, you will begin to develop skills necessary to protect yours or anothers system or program from crackers. 

HDNL can help you to advance your computer skills by providing a place to ask questions, read articles, and see how exploits work. 

Here is an example of a question you shouldn’t ask: 

“Hi HDNL, how can I hack hotmail, to read my girlfriends account? I know shes cheating on me, please help.” 

This is not an acceptable question for the following reasons: 1. It is illegal to break into someones account or system, and you could go to jail for several years. 2. No one wants to have their account broken into, and we arent going to help you do that. 

Here is an example of a good question to ask: 

“Hi HDNL, im studying password based user authentication systems, can you help me understand some common design flaws? Thx” 

This is a good question to ask because: 1. It shows that you are willing to take the time to learn and increase your computer skills.
2. You are not talking about doing any sort of illegal activity.

You should know what a lamer is considered as, so you can avoid getting flamed(yelled at, or made fun of) or banned from HDNL. No-one likes to be around lamers, so you should avoid ‘lame’ behaviour at all costs. 

A lamer is not a hacker. Someone is classified as a lamer when:
1: They ask others to break into email accounts, or deface websites for them.
2: They talk about sub7 or Back Oriface.
3: They ask alot of questions, but arent willing to read articles,books, or investigate on their own.
4: They ask others to do any illegal activity for any reason.

Technology is constantly changing, and it is important for you to stay current if you are a hacker. Visit some of the sites listed in the links section . Stay current with the hacker news, and contribute what you can to the community. 

To Sum it all up: 

1. Study an operating system such as: Linux/Unix/WinNt,2000.
2. Learn at least one programming language.
3. Learn how networking technologies work (TCP/IP,Ethernet,FDDI) etc.
4. Study how exploits work and participate in wargames.
5. Avoid being lame.
6. Read articles, ask lots of questions and never stop learning.