---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What has happened is that we have seen a…"
description: "\"What has happened is that we have seen a shift in the past twenty years in the very concept of hacking. So hacking twenty years ago was a neutral, posi..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7bc/misha-glenny-23323_changed_what-has-happened-is-that-we-have-seen-a_545721.jpg"
---

#  What has happened is that we have seen a shift in the past…

![“What has happened is that we have seen a shift in the past twenty years in the very concept of hacking. So hacking twenty years ago was a neutral, positive concept. Somebody who was a hacker was someone with advanced computer skills, which could expose vulnerabilities and could explain why systems…” quote by Misha Glenny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7bc/misha-glenny-23323_changed_what-has-happened-is-that-we-have-seen-a_545721.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7bc/misha-glenny-23323_changed_what-has-happened-is-that-we-have-seen-a_545721.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7bc/misha-glenny-23323_changed_what-has-happened-is-that-we-have-seen-a_545721.jpg)

> “What has happened is that we have seen a shift in the past twenty years in the very concept of hacking. So hacking twenty years ago was a neutral, positive concept. Somebody who was a hacker was someone with advanced computer skills, which could expose vulnerabilities and could explain why systems worked well or worked badly and they were generally regarded as an asset. Over the past twenty years, a combination of media and law enforcement has changed the perception of the concept so that it has almost always, if not invariably, a pejorative sense attached.”

[Misha Glenny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/misha-glenny/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Hacking shifted from a respected skill to a criminal label due to media and law enforcement narratives.

**In simple terms:** Hacking used to be praised, now it's often seen as illegal.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the nuanced history of hacking.

Themes

technology culture law

Mood

reflective critical

Type

cultural historical

When to use this quote

- cybersecurity education
- policy reform
- public perception campaigns
- tech community events

Key Concepts

ethics media influence security innovation

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we restore positive aspects of hacking?
- What role should media play in shaping tech narratives?

A Different Perspective

Some view hacking still positively, creating mixed perceptions.

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