I guess its that whole anti-establishment thing. What better way to test out new computer software by having someone try to find all the bugs in the system. I would think that the national v't. I think we need to be aware of Hackers the same way we do other possible criminal acts. Someone might break into your house, or your computer.
T is a risk in everything.
I agree with Blake that new computer software could be tested by trying to hack into it. It is a way to prove if a program is secure. I think hacker's should be punished according to t crime. If someone is hacking into top secret information or something then they should get some jail time, but if it just something simple then make them pay a fine that puts a nice dent in their pocket. I guess I am a little old fashioned when it comes to top secret info.