The assignment is divided into four main parts. It will start with highlighting several definitions of the term `hacker′, explained by referring to a few examples. At the same time different interpretations of those definitions will be provided and should give the reader an overview over the distinct views towards hackers. The following section comprises the history as well as the development of the hackers′ scene. It is important to stress how it has changed over the time. Thus one can learn more about the hackers′ intentions and attitudes. Chapter four is about the motivation of hacking. It should emphasize the different justifications of their activities. The next section uses the results of the previous sections to highlight the impact of the hacking activity on the internet. From the point of view of companies and governments it is to determine to what extend hackers threaten their ongoing operations. The assignment will end with a summary and a conclusion of the issues discussed before. Furthermore there will also be an outlook of how the situation could develop in the future as well as the discussion whether or not legislation will be able to solve the threats imposed by hackers.
