They hack for the challenge and to satisfy their own curiosity. Most hackers try to avoid inflicting harm on the networks they conquer. This distinction is important within the Hacker subculture. Hackers see hacking as the free distribution of information and not as a crime. Many feel that hackers may infringe on the privacy rights of a few, but they help protect larger society by pointing out weaknesses in computer and network systems.
Hacking opponents see hacks as damaging even if no information is taken or damaged.
Most hacking attempts slow down networks, stealing computer time from legitimate users and squandering expensive system resources. Many critics equate the curious hacker who merely snoops around to a criminal who breaks into a house, changes the locks, turns on all the lights, the air conditioner, and other appliances, takes a long shower or two, and goes through personal belongings, but does not steal any tangible objects. The hackers say that Mitnick has been unfairly targeted and imprisoned, while his opponents cite the millions in damages for which they claim Mitnick is responsible. Mitnick has been in prison since 1995, held on a 25 count indictment with charges ranging from wire fraud to illegal possession of stolen computer files. At one time Mitnick was on the FBI's Most Wanted list.