Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes

Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes
Kevin Poulsen, SecurityFocus 2003-09-05

FBI agents armed with a federal arrest warrant out of New York were searching for Adrian Lamo Thursday, SecurityFocus has confirmed.

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don't look back 2003-09-05
remo williams (1 replies)

i wish you the best of luck my friend....

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don't look back 2003-09-06
Anonymous (1 replies)

Loved the "Flick", we need a few more Remos out there....or Lamos...I agree --GOOD LUCK GUY !!!!

LittleBill ...Sacto, CA....

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don't look back 2003-09-07
Anonymous

This totally SUCKS... I talked with him on the phone last Wed after I saw him on TV in some interview.

I was acrtually going to look him up the next time I travel to Sac.

...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Dr. Lin (1 replies)

Hacking without permission is illegal, but he did not gain anything from it, except maybe the pride of having helped someone and protecting data and peoples'money (in some cases).

I support him, even thought what he did is questionnable.......

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-06
Anonymous (8 replies)

What is the difference between a white hacker and black hacker when money (meaning you are paid as a consultant)isn't involved?

Nothing.

Forget all the "righteous" things about hacking, that he "seems" to portray. The Hitler youth that he infects with ideals of "right" and "wrong" are extreme...

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-06
Anonymous

the hitler youth, is that kinda like bush youth???

and it would be more like if the criminal walked through your open door, then said "hey you should really put a lock on here", let me show you how. ...

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-06
Anonymous

I have to disagree completely with your comparison betweem physical intrusion and his non-malicious electronic intrusion that he then helped to seal up the holes. They are two different things, you are comparing common thievery of the 1900's to the new technology age of the 2000's where different ru...

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-06
Anonymous

This is not a case of a criminal coming into your office's open door at 2am. This is a case of a citizen walking up to the door, discovering it's unlocked, and telling you (the security guard) that it's unlocked. And you're suggesting that the proper response is to arrest him for trespassing?

...

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-06
Anonymous

Remind me never to hire you as a security officer. The fact that you would try this person for life shows you are no better than the hacker himself. I might give him a $500 fine and six months of probation maximum, but certainly not life. If you had an open mind, you would realize that this digital ...

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-07
bobcov (1 replies)

The kid screwed up. If he wanted to do good, he should have tipped the paper's chief information officer, CEO and top technology reporter anonymously, especially after creating an account. His investigation went way too far to be able to ethically take credit for it.

As far as I'm concerned, some...

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-08
Sunfire

I support him all the way. Put him in bars for life! You are a stupid idiot. Here's a great senerio for ya. You are the so called Administrator, MIS, CIO, IT manager, etc... You are the FIRST line of defense from something like this happening. You are supposed to be UP-TO-DATE with EVERYTHING ...

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degrees of sep.-"Life in Prison?!" 2003-09-08
Mike

Apparently, you have a very deep and personal stake in these happenings to call for 22-year old Lamo to spend his life in prison. Also, you should check out a spell-checker. It...you know, checks your spelling. You are a moron. I sentence you to spelling class! You reside in the "lowers common denom...

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-08
Anonymous

and had he not walked into and told you about the side door, you'd be totally suprised when a terrorist walked in it....

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degrees of seperation 2003-09-09
Anonymous

Godwin's Law somehow comes to mind here......

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous

Doesn't the FBI have anything better to do than to chase after a "White Hat" who did nothing but help? Then again, I really dont think they care....a hacker is a hacker and they'll bust one anyway they can....

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
The 420 Zodiac

Obviously the NY Times doesn't like stories written about them which are embarrassing.

I'm sure they are going to claim false damages and say things such as "we had to check all of our systems for backdoors" and "we spent lots of time checking to see if he gained access to anything else".

I th...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous (1 replies)

Information Security New York Times Style:

1. Shoot the messenger

2. Stick head back in the sand, or (insert anatomical reference here)

...

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New Instructions for Reporting Holes 2003-09-05
dyc0n (at) mchsi (dot) com [email concealed] (1 replies)

method one: Cover your tracks

1. Find Exploit

2. Find ways to use exploit, why its a big deal

3. Post on internet

4. Company gets rooted, exploit discovered, money lost, somone else gets arrrested.

Method two : Apparently bad idea

1. Find Exploit

2. F...

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New Instructions for Reporting Holes 2003-09-06
Anonymous (1 replies)

Method one is a "Black hat" method and lots of systems get rooted. Bad for companies and private people everywhere.

Method two is a "White hat" method that helps companies and software companies to close security holes.

Well I don't think I'll tell Microsoft about security holes in thier softw...

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New Instructions for Reporting Holes 2003-09-07
bobcov

Good point. There ought to be something in law to protect the person who wants to report something they have uncovered. It should protect them up to the point where they cause damage, even accidentally.

Personally, I think he definitely went too far when he created the database entry. No doubt in m...

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NYT lusers 2003-09-05
Citizen Caned

Protecting society from a Cyber-Terrorist (or is it "E-Terrorist"?) is important! Gotta prevent a Digital Pearl Harbor. I feel so safe now, I think I'll buy some stock and make a maximum campaign contribution to the G.O.P!

On the serious side, I'm sure that's the last time anyone nicely points ou...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous (1 replies)

its about examples. its about attempting to kill off the growing fears about the risks and flaws in the technologies we use. High publicity is what this is all about....

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous (1 replies)

I think its about more than just publicity. Some of the names in those databases he had access to, are rich, famous people with alot of pull. I'm pretty sure one of them probably initiated an investigation....

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-06
Anonymous (1 replies)

... so why do this famous, rich, (...) people not charge the NYT for the insufficient security of the systems they use to store these people's critical data???...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-07
Anonymous (1 replies)

well, because the NYT does ALSO! belong to "famous, rich, (...) people" ... could they go after themselves?? :) it is MAD!!! (Mutually Assured Destruction)...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-08
ab

Well one thing is for sure, NYT needs to get rid of whoever set up the proxies and security... From what i've seen he didn't use much more than a browser and a little intuition. I think it's simply the egg on the face syndrome that's got em all worked up. Nobody ever said that the rich and famous ar...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous (4 replies)

Well you can see the other side also:

The FBI NSA and all those agencys are purely uncompetent and can't catch any "real" hacker. So they catch one that publicized without fear what he found.

How long did it take to catch Kevin Mitnick? A "real black hat"? Was he really a black hat?

There is ...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
eGod

Don't forget that it might not be the New York Times intrusion that they are concerned with. It could be various things, so lets wait and see before we make assumptions. I wish him the best of luck, and know that he will remain concealed for a long time....

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous

Just remember, Kevin did not do any of his activities for money. No intentional damage was ever done to any systems, files, or the companies involved.

In the end, he gained *access* to a DEC network, made some free phone calls, and mis-represented himself over the phone....

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous

It isn't the NSA's job to catch hackers. Their job is to make and break codes, eavesdrop on foreign communication signals of any kind (though the type of technology used would have to intercept some domestic signals whether it is their intent or not), protect US communications, and create computer ...

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FBI reportedly hunting Adrian Lamo 2003-09-05
Anonymous

I think *they* are the blackhats ;-)...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-05
Anonymous (2 replies)

Lameo is a moron

I hope they throw the book at him to make a point that it's not OK to break into systems over and brag about it for media attention..

...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

Do YOU know about all his intentions?

I don't. Therefore I make my opinion based on the things he did, not the ones he thought.

This guy testet networks an servers for their security and, if they were vulnerable, researched the security holes they had.

Afterwards he gave this information not to c...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-07
Anonymous

i liked how you mis-spelled his name in the same sentence in which you were calling him a moron...

i think you have some bent up anger or something..... have you been hacked.... are you one of those clueless admins??

maybe......

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-05
Anonymous

Mitnick was not a "nice" hacker. He was just good. Make the distinction all you want about real hackers as opposed to wannabe's, but the fact remains that real hackers have better things to do than wreak havoc on the general computer populace.

And just because we dont hear about the things th...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-05
0ption SoCal

As we all know it is cheaper unfortunatly to sue a "whistle blower" and waste tax dollars

than to secure and patch an huge network....

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blah 2003-09-05
Anonymous (2 replies)

He deserves to get caught. After all he did all those things for fame. It wasn't good intention, it wasn't for the sake of learning.

If it was out of good intention, he'd have notify the appropriate authority (the company, middle-men like securityfocus, etc...) anonymously, and not draw attent...

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blah 2003-09-06
Anonymous (1 replies)

And who would want to hire someone as closed minded as you? You make it sound as if he should have notified them quietly, sounds to me like your only confirming what most of us already know which is that the government and corporations just dont want people to know. As long as nobody is exposed an...

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blah 2003-09-06
Anonymous (3 replies)

You're still some paranoid teenager aren't ya?

What I've said is,

1. They did not ask him to do anything.

2. He did it without permission.

3. If he did it, the least he should do is notify them without making all the noise.

4. Therefore, his intention was not pure.

5. So he deserves to...

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blah 2003-09-07
Lic (1 replies)

If you came in through my window and looked at my private stuff, and then told everyone, I'd be embarassed. But it would be MY FAULT, and if you put a lock on my windows for me, then I'd probably end up thanking you under my breath, and hating you a little less....

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blah 2003-09-07
ferretzero

yeah but...

If you lived in a large city, detriot for example.

Then the person told everyone in the city that you were unsecure. You also have multiple entry points and some you don't know about.

Do you think other people will try your security? Especially individuals with not so good in...

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blah 2003-09-07
ferretzero

Exactly,

This guy has been parading around like a little school girl. SecurityFocus or "Kevin", continues to "Focus" on this kid, eventhough my grandmother can hack better than him. Seriously editors at SecurityFocus.com, why are you posting articles about this guy?

Why not focus on the CCC,...

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blah 2003-09-07
Anonymous

once again another person going off trying to convince me that hacking into a corperation is the same as breaking into their house..... give me a break ... corperations are not humans....

i mean really what did he take? nothing.... he could have done some REAL criminal acts with what he discovere...

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blah 2003-09-06
history repeats (1 replies)

So you are saying that we here in the United States need to hide behind anonymity, that we should be afraid to speak publicly? That we should keep our heads bowed and our eyes to the ground unless we are given explicit permission to look?

We have already swung too far in that direction. Be care...

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blah 2003-09-07
bobcov

If you come into my property without permission, the LEAST you can do is be discreet about it! If you go out into the street telling the world what you saw in my house, I'm going to be pissed. First I'm going to be pissed because you could have just stopped at the open door and told me about later,...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-05
Anonymous

i'm sorry, but not surprised, to hear of federal agents using scare tactics against lamo's family. "overtly watching the house from parked cars..." next thing, they'll be blaring "welcome to the jungle" outta dem vans...err wait, that was panama.

...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-05
Anonymous (1 replies)

Looks like lamo lived by this core impact ad on SF. "Why just scratch the surface when you can penetrate deeper.".

Maybe if he wasn't so flamboyant about what he done, and limited himself to initial entry point instead of getting in, then playing for months on end, he wouldn't be in this predi...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Zack Wilson (1 replies)

Apparently, some companies WERE happy that he pointed out the security flaws.

"In December, 2001, Lamo was praised by communications giant WorldCom after he discovered, then helped close, security holes in their intranet that threatened to expose the private networks of Bank of America, CitiCorp...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-07
ferretzero

No, the only reason spotlight was placed on certain companies, was because he wanted attention.

Don't worry, he will more than likely have a book out soon on how to secure your network and a book on his trials and tribulations as a hacker.

...

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Good luck 2003-09-05
SilverStar

Hi,

i wish you good luck! Make the best out of your situation!...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-05
Anonymous

Good luck man,

I am not sure what you did was correct in the nature of the law, but it did seem right....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-05
Anonymous

The New York Times is wasting the FBI time and resources with this case. Waste of time and money. Fix your security holes and get over it. Leave the poor kid alone....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

"No good deed goes unpunished."

Words to live by....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
_cHiCkEn (1 replies)

If you're not flashy, nothing gets done. I feel his media mongering is justified to get the companies to patch their networks.. kinda like posting source for a M$ xploit. Yet, of course, everything comes with a price. Hope that he gets some good legal help and a jury with a few brains....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

A jury with brains....whens the last time you saw that ????

LittleBill -- Sacto, CA....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

this is news worthy?

The guy made a big fuss by telling security sites he had penetrated big networks, using kinko's to scan for open proxies on their network and configuring his browser to use them, whilst being homeless and pan handling.

least they have soap & showers in federal prison....

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Poor Guy 2003-09-06
Keepr (1 replies)

I wouldn't doubt that John Markoff is behind this whole thing. You know he has not written a book in a while!

In all seriousness, I am waiting to see what they attatch to the case in the way of damages, I think "WE" the Technical Community should voice or opinion on the damages figure placed on t...

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Poor Guy 2003-09-08
Anonymous

I agree with the Markoff angle.

The other thing to remember is that the breach he's being charged with occured more than a year ago. It took the NYT that long to press charges!!?? Riiiiiight.

The other thing is that this might be fallout from the NYT editorial debacle; "See? See? Our house is cl...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

I hope Adrian will find good legal help to fight the charges. Whoever at the NYT that decided to proceed with the legal matters must have pretty bruised egos, because somebody pointed out security flaws in their network.

Hey, whether the guy did it for publicity or not, the fact remains that the ...

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Objective View 2003-09-06
dvhart (1 replies)

I find it sad that so many decisions / policies / etc. regarding technology are made by the ignorant, nevertheless, we (the techies) don't go to law school, and rarely enter public life.

While Lamo apparently didn't do anything malicious, I think it would have been more professional (and less sho...

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Objective View 2003-09-06
Puerto_Rocco

Well I hope this message finds Adrian Lamo in the best of health. This is what sucks, when a very talented person (young at that), enters the IT field. We should be aware that any fiercly talented person who is doing something to help people tremendously that will be considered a threat. Look at how...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
GreyGeek

Let's see. The NYT went beyond slanted stories and repeatedly published LIES, in their zeal to be Politically Correct, and now they hide behind the 1st Amendment. Will the FCC ever take serious action against them for these violations of public trust? Doubtful.

That doesn't seem to stop t...

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First false stories, then shoot the messenger 2003-09-06
cpopin (2 replies)

You know those boys over at the New York Times are not too bright. First they can't control writers printing false stories, now they can't secure their own systems.

And now they're going to air their dirty laundry by charging the messenger. They'd be better off taking the high road and by emplo...

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First false stories, then shoot the messenger 2003-09-06
Anonymous

Do note that what Lamo did was criminal behaviour. You have to have prior permission to break into anyone's networks, regardless what your intentions are and regardless how insecure the systems are.

When some "consulting" company does the same (it doesn't take skills to scan proxies), the client c...

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First false stories, then shoot the messenger 2003-09-06
Anonymous

That's a great idea, maybe he can practice his unlawful actions right from the NYT NOC. Hey, that looks great in other papers doesn't it?

"NYT demonstrates stupidity by hiring Lamo, who compromised their network 2 years earlier."...

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THINK 2003-09-06
? (7 replies)

Think about this for a second people. How would you all feel if someone broke into your house, and rooted through all of your personal belongings, and then came back and knocked on your door and told you all about it?

There are better ways to go about helping people better understand and impleme...

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THINK 2003-09-06
Anonymous (3 replies)

That's what i've been trying to say all along.

But these zealots think it is cool to defend him.

Whenever something happens, the first thing they do is blame it on the FBI or others....

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THINK 2003-09-06
Anonymous

Bulls**t! What you ignorant people have to understand is the fact that some corporations don't give a crap. It doesn't matter what you teach, there will still be a great deal of companies out there that don't listen. Security is already a huge subject in teaching about IT. I spent an entire year...

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THINK 2003-09-06
Anonymous

There are many things that are technically against the law, however can be done with good intent.

I think everyone clearly understands that what he did here is against the law, I haven't seen anyone dispute that.

Some people think in black and white, others see shades of gray. You and your pa...

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THINK 2003-09-07
Anonymous

Thats absolute Bulls**t. If Lamo hadn't told the New York Times about the problems with their network then someone else who really want to screw with them would have found it and completely destroyed them. Corporations honestly are belligerently stupid, they will shrug off a security issue in two ...

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THINK 2003-09-06
Anonymous

In answer to the question your metaphore poses I think I'd feel pretty grateful that the intruder didn't kill me in my sleep. If I leave my door unlocked and a criminal with a TV camera comes through it, looks around, and then wakes me up to tell me to lock my door next time I'd be a bit shaken of c...

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THINK 2003-09-06
Anonymous

This will probably be thrown out of court. Look at Title18 USC 1030 a 4 "...and with intent to defraud..."

His track record has not been fraudlent....

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THINK 2003-09-06
Anonymous

Okay, good point. You probably will vote for Bush right? But what if you had an item worth $1 million would you rather have that item stolen? Or would you rather have a person with a good heart that found a security vuneralbility in your house, get in to verify the vuneralbility then get out and not...

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THINK 2003-09-06
dijjnn (1 replies)

One first step often used, rhetorically speaking, to point out the 'flaws' of a point is to call it zealous, or the person who made it a zealot.

the point here is simple; what he did is, accourding to the letter of the law, illegal; the NYT has an insecure network and doesn't like publicity; the ...

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More 2003-09-06
? (1 replies)

Most of the responses made to my original post are good points. Let me clarify a little:

One: If I were the New York Times, I would not push for Lamo to be prosecuted. I would thank him, then I would double check my network after taking his advice because we have nothing else to go on other th...

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Malpractice 2003-09-07
Anonymous (1 replies)

I am sorry, but no. you say:

"But breaking into a facility, without their permission, and telling them how you did it is not helping the confidentiality of the records there. That is violating confidentiality. Lamo was in the position to read the personal information of other people, without prop...

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Malpractice 2003-09-07
ferretzero

Come on kids.

Did you honestly think from the start, when you submit the form, that your information would be "safe"?

Every time I fill out an online form of any kind, especially something like NYT, I expect my information to be sold. A company with that many names, addresses, email addresses...

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THINK 2003-09-07
Anonymous

how about you think about this all he did was trespass thats it.... no harm came.... think of all the things he COULD have done but didnt.... does he deserve to goto prison for trespass....

and your right our laws and government are not logical...

"Imagine a school where the children can read an...

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THINK 2003-09-07
junktext

Don't bash the F.B.I?

Well how many of you feel that we need more cyber-laws & harsher penalities for hacking? The U.S. has too many laws right now to run efficiently.

I believe white-hat hackers exist, they are called security professionals. And Lamo seems like a pretty good example of one....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

This brings up an interesting question. We have a white hat hacker that has a reputable history of trying to help corporations with their own security, so that some malicious hacker will not gain such info as social security numbers, thus possibly leading to identity theft. However, the FBI gets inv...

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The control mechanisms of the ignorant 2003-09-06
Anonymous

I cannot even believe that people can be so stupid. First 9/11 rolls around and we spend money fixing everything except what needs to be fixed.... now we prosecute civil servants??? Madness....

When was the last time you heard Lamo taking million dollar checks from the companies he's exposed?

...

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Dumb Americans 2003-09-06
Jean Pierre Rupp (1 replies)

I hope this brings your attention.

You Americans are too selfish, that makes you too dumb at the end.

You're trying to kill the chicken that lays gold eggs. When an american hacker gets into your system, he's just testing his abilities, if he tells you he managed to get in he's morally and eth...

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Dumb Americans 2003-09-07
Anonymous (1 replies)

Yo Jean Pierre Schtupp -

Someone from Venezuela commenting on American morals, government and law? On the subject of violence and civil unrest you cretins wrote the book. As Mr Chavez said: "We don't meddle in your affairs; please don't meddle in ours."

Companies like the NYTimes need these ...

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Dumb Americans 2003-09-07
Anonymous (1 replies)

Well, yes. I am a venezuelan, and because we wrote the book on the subjects you mentioned is precisely why we CAN! actually talk about morals, government, and law. We have lived the real face of false democracy first handed. Or do you actually think we elected Mr. Chavez president? not so much as yo...

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Blind Americans...but not dumb. 2003-09-08
Anonymous

Perhaps living in America; you would think otherwise. I have never lived in Venezuela so I decline to generalize on all Venezuelans as being dumb. However, your opinion is typical of an uneducated, yet opinionated, person looking from outside of the box.

I think the persons who triggered the inv...

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World-wide police 2003-09-06
Anonymous

The FBI, CIA, NSA and other U.S. government agencies that are more secret have become world-wide police forces. Is that what U.S. citizens want?...

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this is not right 2003-09-06
jfrances (at) mcintoshstudent (dot) com [email concealed] (1 replies)

does anyone know of a way to contribute to this person's defense if/when he goes to trial? Based on what information I have, I would be happy to donate to something like a paypal fund to help this guy out. Does anyone know of something like this, or a way to organize such a thing? If interested o...

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this is not right 2003-09-06
Anonymous

You might try contacting the EFF....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
konsole

feh.

NYT is just having their cake and eating it too. The fact is when you connect to the internet you expose yourself in a potentially hostile cesspool. They should be grateful to Lamo for the respect and kindness that he had shown to their insecure network. If I were Lamo, I would reply to the wa...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

He did for good though, so stfu losers....

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Companies that he helped should now help him 2003-09-06
Anonymous

I think it would only be fair that the companies he helped now stand up and help him. Eithier by getting him top notch legal defence or providing witness that will help him. This is almost like being brought up on criminal charges for telling someone that their cars breaks were going out....

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Some free advice for Adrian (the lawyers will charge ;-) 2003-09-06
Anonymous

Adrian leave the camera crew behind and turn yourself in. What seems entertaining now will cost you some of your valuable freedom later on. You should spend your time building a legal strategy, not writing the tech press trumpeting your cause. Ask Kevin P. he spent some time locked up, bet he would ...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

The most important thing is to NEVER SAY ANYTHING. They will try to shake him down HARD in the interrigation room, saying if he doesnt talk he'll get locked up for the rest of his life, yada yada. I was busted back in Dec 2001, charged with a CLASS A FELONY (the same rapists and murderers get charge...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

It is too bad that the FBI is trying to make an example of him, when they have so many other things to do..

This reminds of me of the case with the Al qaida website, and how it had been compromised, yet the FBI did jack squat...

Or how they could have stopped 9-11, but failed to do that becaus...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
mace

shame on the nytimes for taking this route

the next person to knock on their door might not be a 21 yr. old from the states. i would venture to say they have now painted a big target sign on themselves....

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
The IMF (1 replies)

I believe that what Mr. Lamo has done shouldnt be charged with jail time but meerly some sort of fine. It isnt like he was doing any kind of a malacious act to cause harm to the company. He was meerly just doing the business a hidden favor. Granted Mr. Lamo's actions are a bit sophomore at this poin...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-07
ferretzero

No, he should not have his own info. security firm.

First of all, just because he can use a proxy does not mean he should be running a security firm.

What you are seeing is a falsely created image of someone who knows what they are doing, which is not the case.

...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-06
Anonymous

I fail to see why many of you feel sympathetic for him. He entered without permission. An anology would be: you forgot to lock your door, someone finds out and enter your house then read your private infos.

After that came out and tell everybody about your mistakes, and what he/she was able to ...

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Heh...he was in Sacramento 2 days ago. 2003-09-06
Ericka (1 replies)

He was being interviewed in downtown at a cafe, outside, by a news crew. They got him on film, all that, and it was rather amusing, since he's being hunted by the FBI and all that, because there was no less than 2 police cars shown through the interview, driving by.

He's in the area. They're just...

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Heh...he was in Sacramento 2 days ago. 2003-09-07
Anonymous (1 replies)

What is so amusing that 2 police cars drove by? This guy is a joke and is not on the 10 most wanted list. He picked a lame vulnerability and exploited it. Big deal. There are many people who have my respect but he is not one of them. Guess the hacker community is so short on heroes that some people ...

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Heh...he was in Sacramento 2 days ago. 2003-09-07
Ericka (1 replies)

Who said I worship him? I just think it's funny that the FBI is after him and he's been featured in a few news stories, and they looked in Sacramento, couldn't find him, and no more than a day later, he was on TV being interviewed out in the open. The fact that he's being sought by the FBI and two p...

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Heh...he was in Sacramento 2 days ago. 2003-09-08
Anonymous

Well, I can tell you he's not a 'script kiddie'. He knows what he's doing, and how it works. You really should not try to categorize people, especially someone such as Adrian who is like no one else I know.

He's an explorer. He's looking for information, for knowledge. He's not out for gain, ...

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Too Far? 2003-09-06
jelo

I applaud his efforts, and I hope he finds justice in his favor.

I will say that I think his tactics may have gone a little too far. As I see it, he is part of the "public domain". I believe any white hat activity that's limited to what's immediately available to the public domain is fair game....

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not another mitnick trial 2003-09-07
Anonymous

i dont think lamo should be prosecuted but this is coming from the NY times who make u subscribe to read the news online although they are kind enough to make it possible to not get spammed to death. i beleive the you can use noreg nopass to log on. I just hope he isn't "tried" like kevin Mitnick h...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-07
Anonymous

The external security vulnerabilities should have been reported when discovered. The fact that Lamo entered a private network to "discover" any addition vulnerabilities is not his concern and he should be prosecuted for such (internal)activity. If Lamo would have caused damage to an internal syste...

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DON"T BECOME A FUGITIVE FROM INJUSTICE, TURN YOURSELF IN NOW. 2003-09-07
Anonymous

Find a lawyer, keep your mouth shut and go in. Act like a grown up now or you'll be one by the time you get out. If you surrender now it will be much harder for the government to come up with anything that makes sense. There was no actual damage, you screwed up, but no malice was there. Don't give t...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-07
Anonymous

BULL! All you defenders of lame'o are hypocrites. You justify his actions because it helped discover a security hole. Not a zero day exploit but some lame (or is it lamo) hole. Please all you anonymous supporters - give your company name so we can also follow Lamo's lead and alert your company to th...

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No good deed goes unpunished ... 2003-09-07
Anonymous

Has everyone forgotten about the case of Randall Schwartz? This is just another redux of an old story ... See: http://www.gadgetopia.com/2003/07/15/TheCaseOfRandallSchwartz.html...

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keep on truckin my friend 2003-09-07
mick_nobody

dont let stop now

you're on a roll

dont let them catch you

and drop you in the hole

just keep on scanning

and fixing their mistake

they know you had access

they know you didnt take

...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-07
digital reciever

The first thing I want to say is awesome. What has been done by Lamo is what must be done by those behind illuminated computer screens (those with experience). After reading some of the previous replies, it's not that shocking to see, once again what the general public and certain figures in society...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-07
Blah

Proof, corporate America is not to be trusted.

...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-08
Anonymous

The law is the law, alot of people that were charged in the past were motivated by the same things as this dude, yet they were still prosecuted. What about people like Mark Abene? He had no problem whatsoever

exposing certain security issues and didn't ever profit from his unauthorized intrusions, ...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-08
.Net³ (1 replies)

Hello,

I have exposed SQL Injection points to several national companies. Each of the 4 was done with nothing more than a WAITFOR DELAY statement to prove a valid point. Each of the 4 companies requested the info. I provided complete cooperation and documentation as the problem was resolved. E...

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Playing nice might get you busted 2003-09-08
Anonymous

Don't think corps won't take your free advise and help with one hand (IS) and try to nail you to the wall with the other (Legal). The bigger the company, the more likely this will happen, because the IS guys have nothing invested in whether the Legal guys make a good name to the CIO/CEO going after ...

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Adrian Lamo just showed them how easy it is 2003-09-08
Bernout13 (1 replies)

He just showed them something that they could not figure out if companies can do it thebn let some one who can do it better Him then some terroiest and that's the bottom line he just helped out home land security

stupid fools just don't no wean someone is helping ...

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Adrian Lamo just showed them how easy it is 2003-09-10
ferretzero

And you are why this country is in trouble.

Lamo did more damage by joy riding with the media, than helping "Home Land Security". Lamo created hoards of new generation script kiddies, who are all looking for fame. I just feel sorry for the small biz shops who will feel the brunt of this.

I c...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-08
Anonymous

I somewhat agree, although I would go even further with your analogy. Had he stepped through the door and then reported his action without further incursionk, that would have been the end of the matter..

Instead, he walked through the door, rifled their file system and took a few folders with him...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-08
ICAMACHO

My hats off to Mr. Lamo. I feel sorry the guy. He's one year older than me and he's looking at prison time for being into technology and smarter than the average bear. Tell you what though. If the FBI was after me for being smart, I don't think I'd mind too much. Having the FBI looking for him, mean...

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The spin from CNET 2003-09-08
Anonymous

I saw this on CNET here: http://news.com.com/2100-1023_3-5072268.html?tag=cd_mh

It's pretty amazing how there is NO mention whatsoever of his offers to help companies he's hacked and it goes on to furthermore portray him as some drifter lowlife who hacks for sport. I'm hoping that if and when CNN...

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Sentence him to one year. 2003-09-09
Anonymous

I don't think actions such as his should be discouraged, but he should definitely be punished. Sentence him to 1 year or more of free security consulting for NYT with quarterly reports on his progress.

During his sentence, any work done for anyone else would be seen as a violation and as such w...

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Another reason to consider going Anonymous 2003-09-09
Anonymous

Like RFP already done, it is a right time to protect your privacy and consider posting messages anonymously.

By the way, what would you suggest Lamo to do when he discovered the vulnerabilities of the Times network ? Should he just have posted an anonymous message on BUGTRAQ or other security ne...

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Life is not fair 2003-09-09
Anonymous

He's Right. Their wrong, but he stepped on the wrong toes and will pay for it. Life is not fair. Annoy those with power and you suffer, its just the way of things. I'm over simplifying of course.

In any case I want to wish him luck, and hope he gets some good pro bono lawyers who understand the ...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-09
Anonymous

I don't understand why a company such as ny times would not want the best security possible and if it's free how good can that be. We are always told that servers are secure, but the reality is that there not and that most leaders ceo's etc don't ever want to admitt that, that's why this country is ...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-09
Jamie

Isn't it amazing with all the life threatning things that are going on around the world(planes flying into buildings etc.) The FBI has time for recess. This is our well spent dollars at work. Catching a kid who ultimately is trying to strengthen americas companies. His agenda might be off just a li...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2003-09-09
long live Adrian

They don't understand how you have help them, if anyone should be charge it should be the Adminstrators that run those servers for not implemating a strong security.

The feds need to start looking for "Terrorist" and stop wasting their time in this case.

Good luck
...

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I got in trouble for the exact same thing already 2003-09-10
Anonymous

I did the same thing to HewlettPackard a while back in regards to their spare parts system and shipping to unauth addresses.

I helped them patch the hole, and saved them $9mil a year from it.

What did I get:

Jailtime, 7 year sentence, court was nice and sent me on a 1.5year bootcamp term,...

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Adrian Lamo charged with computer crimes 2006-07-20
Anonymous

Put him in a cage leave him to tyhe buzzards the bastard...

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