Script Kiddies, also referred to as "Script Bunnies", are inexperienced hackers, in that they do not have much technical expertise in the field of hacking. Many times they download software from the Internet which does the hacking automatically.

In computing, a script kiddie (occasionally script kitty) is a derogatory term for people who use scripts and programs developed by others for the purpose of compromising computer accounts and files, and for launching attacks on whole computer systems (see DoS). In general, they do not have the ability to write said programs on their own. Such programs have included WinNuke applications and Back Orifice.

Script kiddies, instead of attacking an individual system, often scan thousands of computers looking for vulnerable targets before initiating an attack. The term is also often used as a derogatory moniker for individuals who do not contribute to the development of new security-related programs, especially exploits, but rather benefit from the work of others.

The worry with Script Kiddies is that they can be a potential aid to more dangerous types of hackers who can encourage and manipulate them into being more destructive.

Script kiddie scene

From around 1995 on, the widespread use of the Internet in the business and home computer field, and the full disclosure movement's policy of disclosing working exploitation tools has led to an enormous growth of the script kiddie scene.

Script kiddies often act out of boredom, curiosity or a desire to 'play war' on the Internet. There are many organized script kiddie groups, who often meet in anonymous chat channels such as IRC.

Script kiddies are always looking for new exploits which are unknown to the public, and hence particularly effective. Such exploits are leaked from research labs or given to script kiddies by insiders; they are then used to compromise a large number of hosts on the Internet.

One example of the work of a Script Kiddie was the Kournikova Worm in which millions of Microsoft Outlook users received e-mails with the prospect of viewing a picture of tennis star, Anna Kournikova, in an attachment. This virus was similar to the Love Bug, in that it sent itself to all the people in the address books of the recipients.

Other usage

The term has spread into other usage. In the world of Information Technology consulting, script kiddie is used as a disparaging term for Visual Basic or HTML programmers who lack skills in a more heavyweight programming language.

See also

• Hacker
• Cracker