Tracking hackers on IRC

Few hackers are motivated purely by knowledge, science and curiosity. Hackers continue to break into systems long after they become familiar with the technology. Instead, many continue to hack simply because of the social status it brings. For many, hacking is a social activity. Hackers meet online to discuss the latest hacking tools, their hacking conquests, and their personal lives. To be truly effective, system administrator and security professionals must become familiar with the social culture in which hackers dwell.