The term “hacker” is frequently misunderstood, thanks to the images of cyber-criminals and Internet warfare perpetuated by the mainstream media and state agencies. The truth of the matter is that without hackers there would be no Internet. At the very least hackers may be the last line of defense preventing the Internet from suffering a quick, whimpering death. In recent years security minded tech-folk have been painted as paranoid at best and often equated with terrorism. This contemporary villainization of hackers has created a dangerous stew of ignorance and fear that keeps the majority of computer users blissfully ignoring the inner workings of state and corporate communication technology, never seeking out alternatives. However, I’ve recently discovered a light at the end of the tunnel.

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