http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/zdnn_smgraph_display/0,3441,2127467,00.html Would you hire a hacker? By Joseph C. Panettieri, Sm@rt Reseller August 12, 1998 11:49 AM PT Some of the world's largest corporations hired Justin Petersen. So did the FBI. In fact, in law-enforcement circles, he's known as Agent Steal, and he's got a long list of technical skills and references that would make most resellers drool. Consider his most recent tour of duty, which includes developing intranets and extranets for Cosmic Media, a Los Angeles-based Internet consulting firm that has deployed secure electronic commerce sites for Digital Media and other fledgling businesses. He has also launched his own 1,000 square-foot computer center, which features two server rooms, a control room and an earthquake resistant design. Now, for the twist: Petersen, 37, is also a reformed hacker. Earlier this decade he served time for breaking into several corporate networks, making bomb threats and stealing money from a bank electronically. "I imagine if I walked into a place and tried to get a regular job, my record would be an issue," concedes Petersen, speaking from the Los Angeles apartment he has called home since his release from prison last year. "But I've known a couple of guys from Cosmic Media for a long time, and I have other friends in the industry--including a Webmaster over at CNET. Friends who are aware of my convictions support me and hire me. "Hacking was a phase I went through," continues Petersen. "I learned what I wanted to learn, and I got it out of my system. That phase of my life is over." FBI informant As if Petersen's story wasn't outrageous enough, portions of his digital crime spree actually were committed while he was working undercover for the FBI, according to court documents obtained by Sm@rt Reseller. He also has crossed paths with notorious Internet hacker Kevin Mitnick. [snip...] -o- Subscribe: mail majordomoat_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: New Dimensions International [www.newdimensions.net]
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