When you think of “hackers,” the first image that comes to mind is probably that of a young computer-smart criminal working in a basement somewhere to gain access to private networks and data without authorization. You probably don’t think about hackers collecting a paycheck from a major company like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or Raytheon — and you certainly don’t expect that they would be working for the federal government. Yet Uncle Sam is in fact looking to hire hackers. So-called “white hat” hackers, who use their skills legally to identify and solve security problems (as opposed to “black hat” hackers who engage in criminal activity) are in high demand. Government networks are under near constant attack from hackers, ranging from minor criminals who just want to see how far they can go to nefarious foreign operatives who want to harm our national security, and agencies including the FBI, NSA, and CIA believe that hackers can help build our defenses against these criminals. … [Read more...] about The Government Is Looking for Hackers — To Give Them Jobs