- Telnet is a basic computer program that comes previously installed on the vast majority of personal computers. In order to run it, all a Windows personal computer user needs to do is go to the "Start" tab, click on "Run," type in "Telnet," and press Enter. The Telnet program can then be used to access other remote computer systems and websites. All that a potential hacker needs to do so is the IP address of the potential victim and a little basic computer command knowledge.
- Telnet hacking has been a part of the Internet and the computer world ever since computers began to be linked together to form networks. While its form and motivation may have differed over time, the fact is that hacking has been happening, and will continue to happen, as long as people choose to connect their computers to networks by which others can access those computers.
- The geographical implications of Telnet hacking are extremely interesting. Just as the Internet has effectively made the world smaller, allowing nearly instant communication between any two points on the globe at a minimum of cost, it has also made the world smaller for those who wish to steal information, money, or both. Telnet hackers from different countries and even different continents can now easily access networks across the globe and hack into computer systems there.
- There are many specific factors that place one at a much higher level of risk for Telnet hacking than the average personal computer user. First, websites are at a much higher risk of being hacked than personal computers because there are simply more people who want to hack websites than who want to hack personal computers. Likewise, poor security systems on a personal computer put the user at a heightened risk for abuse at the hands of Telnet hackers. Finally, those most at risk for Telnet hacking are those who have something worth looking at stored on their computer system. In other words, if there's something valuable on your hard drive or particularly interesting, your risk of being hacked rises exponentially.
- There are several common misconceptions regarding Telnet hacking. To begin with, it's assumed by many people that Telnet hacking is a terrible phenomenon that is massive in scale. However, there are relatively few people who actively use Telnet to hack into other people's computer systems. Another common misconception is that basic computer virus protection software will protect a user from Telnet hacking. The fact is that a determined, intelligent hacker can get around any security system, no matter how advanced. You can set up security as a deterrent, but don't expect it to be impenetrable.
