My observation (being a penetration tester and security professional) is that the government will draw the line where it is convenient. "Catching those nasty hackers" is something which every government body likes to put in the papers, etc to get the GP (general public = totally devoid of knowledge) on their "side". We'll never arrest gun makers for making the guns that kill hundreds daily...but we'll start (mark my words) arresting the "punk hackers" who build kits which exploit pathetic weaknesses in software products - as long as lobbying exists.

Perhaps the white/gray/black hat communities need to have lobbyists in Washington? Maybe "they" should start funneling thousands of dollars (il)legally into government's pockets - that way - "they" would be protected....does this sound like the whole RIAA fiasco to anyone?

Feel free to comment.

"S. Wizard"

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Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/articles/813/16591#16591