Like I said, the idea is to portray him as a burglar. Also, how else would you portray one? A young kid? A scruffy older guy? A clean cut programmer for a top software firm? hackers come in all shapes and sizes and walks of life. There isn't a good idea of what a hacker looks like, 'cause a hacker can be anyone. They need something that you KNOW is a hacker. That must be someone that's breaking and entering. Hence, the ski mask. It serves no purpose for the hacker, and that's why they never wear them :)