Nick Bredimus On Arrested Software Hackers

Software hacking is a growing problem for many societies around the world. My experience in the airline industry and with software in general has made me aware of the need for heightened computer security in all of our software systems.

Software hackers sometimes just want to commit fraud. Sometimes they are seeking revenge against parties they feel have wronged them. Some hackers are little more than bored boys who just attack computers for the sake of fun. Teenage boys should not be permitted to run loose on the Internet, because they can grow up to commit serious Federal offenses.

Do you want to read that your son has been indicted for several invasions of private or government computer systems? A state or Federal indictment against a teenager can scar him (or her) for life. If they are tried as an adult rather than as a minor, their criminal behavior will follow them for life. They may be sentenced to prison for a period of several years, or placed on probation.

Some of the most notorious computer hackers in recent history have been children, young boys under the age of 18. In the hacking community, they are often called "script kiddies" because they start their illegal activities by borrowing or using scripts written by older, more experienced hackers. When these boys become confident in their skills, they begin to write their own illegal scripts.

Children often learn more about technology than their parents. Today's children grow up using video games, PCs, programmable telephones, programmable refrigerators and appliances, and they adapt to technology much faster than their parents and grand-parents. I hope the stories of hackers who have been arrested on these pages help make you and your families aware of the possible criminal activities children may engage in all in the name of "fun".