This section contains commentary on not only hacking/phreaking ethics and morals, but simple things that will get you ignored by the true hacking community in general.

    Things to do
  • Learn
  • Listen
  • Spell correctly
  • Use your brain
  • Ask questions
  • Look before you ask a question


    Things not to do
  • Use the prefix "k-"
  • AlTeRnAte UpPeR aNd LoWeR cAsE lEtTeRs
  • In€£ude u§e£e§§ A§€II €h@r@€†e®§
  • Subst1tut3 numb3rs f0r l3tt3rs.   1t 1s v3ry 4nn0y1ng
  • |_|se s|ashes to make |etters.   A|so \/ery annoying
  • Use the words "leet," "eleet," "l33t," "3l33t," and "31337"
  • Take things from other sites and use them for your own
  • Waste others' time by asking questions that a search engine could answer.


    Morals and Ethics
  1. Don't damage systems or alter files that do not involve you
  2. Don't leave actual names/telephone numbers/handles anywhere (hacked systems, BBS's, etc)
  3. Don't get in over your head (no government/large organization for learners)
  4. Don't talk about your exploits
  5. Don't screw over individuals (Phone companies are not individuals)
  6. Don't use nukers and/or DoS attacks
  7. Don't flame newbies just because they're new
  8. Don't flame period (exceptions can be made for idiots)
  9. Don't cut wires needlessly; try to leave the box more or less how you found it
    Most importantly, be prepared to face the consequences of your actions. If you root some server, and get caught, don't expect anyone to come to your aid when the police come knocking at your door. If you make the decision to break the law, be prepared for fines and/or jail time if and when you get caught.
    Although I've never been fond of the whole "white hat/black hat" classification, we at Ameriphreak would be (I suppose) considered white hat, with perhaps some light grey thrown in. We condone hacking in its original Jargon File definition (that of any need for knowledge) as opposed to the news media's view of breaking into systems. The only networks we condone breaking into are those that you administer. And no, that isn't a disclaimer, it's a mission statement.