Hackers often communicate through the anonymity of Usenet newsgroups, sharing information and answering questions between insults, posts of virus source code, ads for get-rich-quick schemes, and links to the latest temporary hacker website that everyone should visit before it gets shut down for one reason or another.
To start learning about hacking in general, try one of the general-purpose hacking newsgroups listed below. Unlike other types of newsgroups that focus on stamp collecting or photography, hacker newsgroups tend to stray from their topics. For example, the alt.binaries.hacking.beginner newsgroup, which says it is about helping new hackers find and use hacking programs, is often filled with discussions about virus programming and encryption, or vicious insult wars. Other hacking newsgroups include alt.hacker, alt.hacking, alt.binaries.hacking.beginner, alt.binaries.hacking.websites, alt.2600.hackers, and comp.hackers.
Computer virus writers often publish their latest creations in newsgroups (or post URLs where you can download them). If you want to find the latest live virus (or virus source code), visit one of the following newsgroups: alt.comp.virus, alt.comp.virus.source, alt.comp.virus.source.code, or comp.virus.
Because hackers often skirt the legal boundaries of their countries' laws, they wisely hide their identities or messages using encryption, the same technology that government agencies use to protect national secrets. To learn the latest about using and writing encryption to protect your sensitive data (topics you'll read more about in Chapter 22), visit one of the following newsgroups: alt.cypherpunks, alt.security, alt.sources.crypto, misc.security, sci.crypt, or sci.crypt.research.
Most games and applications are copy-protected to prevent software piracy. Likewise, many shareware programs provide limited functionality until the user pays for a code or key to unlock additional features.
Some hackers try to circumvent, or crack, copy-protected and "locked" shareware programs. Cracking methods include sharing serial numbers, unlocking codes, and using programs designed to unlock or duplicate copy-protected games. To read about these programs and techniques, visit any of the following newsgroups: alt.2600.crack, alt.2600.crackz, alt.binaries.cracked, or alt.cracks.