There are a number of computer programs available through the hacker community. You may be subject to disciplinary action if you run them at the College. These include:

Password crackers: Crack, cracker, master cracker, ...

This group of programs are designed to break into user accounts by guessing at the password. In a typical situation, crack applies a dictionary of common passwords against all user accounts generating a list of usernames and cracked passwords.

Use of these programs is forbidden because they violate system security. User privacy is an important right that must be preserved.

Invisibility programs: zap, poof, ...

These programs attempt to make you invisible by erasing accounting log entries in various files. Incndentally, these programs are only partially successful at achieving invisibility.

Use of these programs are forbidden because they damage accounting logs,.

Terminal disrupters: flash

Flash transmits a specific series of codes to another terminal, causing that terminal to lock up in an unusable state. While it is easy for experienced users to reset the terminal, most novices find this very disruptive.

Use of these programs is forbidden because they prevent others from completing their work.

Mail bombs: hog, spam, spray, ...

A mail bomb is a program that transmits hundreds of copies of a message to the mailbox of another user.

Use of these programs is forbidden because they are considered a form of harassment to the recipient. In extreme cases, they can prevent the recipient from accessing mail, and can even disrupt the whole College-wide mail system.

System lockers & screensavers

These lock the microcomputer or terminal until you enter the secret password. These programs are often very popular as a privacy tool for personal desktop computers.

Use of these programs in public user rooms is forbidden because they prevent others from using the computer.

Virus generators: Virus toolbox, ...

There have recently emerged a series of software packages to facilitate the generation of microcomputer viruses.

Deliberately creating and distributing a computer virus is a federal crime.

Telephone fraud devices: Blue Boxes, Black boxes, ...

This software generates tones to simulate the electronic switching signals of long distance circuits, enabling the user to escape telephone bills or redirect them to a third party. Their names refer to the original hardware boxes created back in the '60's by telephone phrackers.

Use of these programs is forbidden because they violate federal law (telephone fraud).