21st September 2010 - Research published today by IT security experts, Tufin Technologies, reveals that 23% of college and university students have hacked into IT systems. Of these hackers, 40% waited until after their 18th birthday before their first hacking attempt. On a positive note, 84% of 18-21 year olds recognised that hacking is wrong. However, 32% identified that hacking is ‘cool’ and worryingly, for the targets of hackers in this age group, 28% considered hacking to be easy.
This research, which was supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) – builds on a study carried out in March amongst teenagers. The teenage research survey revealed similar attitudes towards hacking, although only 18% considered hacking to be easy, suggesting that hackers’ experience develops through their teenage years. Both surveys found that there was no gender bias in hackers with an equal split between boys and girls.
- Published: 20 September 2010
- Written by NStinchcombe