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Phrack

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description Phrack Overview

Phrack is an electronic magazine created in 1985 for readers interested in computer security, hacking, phreaking, and related technical subjects. Early issues circulated through bulletin-board systems and other online networks, while later issues were published on the web. Its articles include technical discussions of vulnerabilities, exploit techniques, programming, telecommunications, and hacker culture. Phrack is studied as a historical publication in the development of underground computing communities and information-security writing.

help Phrack FAQ

When did Phrack begin, and what does its name mean?

Phrack released its first issue on November 17, 1985. Its name combines the words phreak and hack.

Which Phrack article made buffer-overflow exploitation famous?

"Smashing the Stack for Fun and Profit" by Aleph One appeared in Phrack Issue 49 in 1996. It explained how stack-based buffer overflows could be used to overwrite program control data.

Is Phrack aimed at beginner computer-security readers?

Phrack is primarily a technical and research-oriented hacking zine, so many articles assume programming or operating-system knowledge. For example, Issue 51 from 1997 included Fyodor's influential article "The Art of Scanning," associated with the early public history of Nmap.

How is Phrack different from 2600: The Hacker Quarterly?

Phrack is best known for advanced exploit research and underground technical writing, while 2600 has traditionally mixed hacking culture, civil liberties, news, and practical tips. 2600 began publishing in 1984, one year before Phrack.

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