This message is in MIME format. The first part should be readable text, while the remaining parts are likely unreadable without MIME-aware tools. Send mail to mimeat_private for more info. --------------3A7F1F7A41E1 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=us-ascii Content-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.96.981130165724.14453Hat_private> http://www.zdnet.com/zdtv/cybercrime/spyfiles/story/0,3700,2113079,00.html Hackers Can't Play 007 How meddling amateur "spies" can endanger national security. By Ira Winkler June 17, 1998 If you've read Kevin Poulsen's article on the Indian nuclear research computer hack, you'd think that those so-called brilliant, unstoppable hackers have discovered the vulnerability of computers and nuclear technology. Oh gee, what a surprise. Since my roots are in the intelligence community, I'd like to give a different, and hopefully more informed perspective than such hacker-philes as antionline.com. My problem with these sympathizers-- and the mainstream press in general-- is that they make hackers (more accurately crackers) out to be experts in international diplomacy and espionage. Just because these people can break into computers does not make them experts on anything. As I have repeatedly said, I can train a monkey to break into a computer. First, let's look at the repercussions of the hacking. (I use the term hacking to describe anyone that breaks into a computer illegally; believe me, I know the difference between hacking and cracking.) What was accomplished by stealing information of questionable value? Not much, except to inform India that its computers were vulnerable, and to let criminals wanting nuclear technology know it's accessible. So India will protect its computers better, and more people will try to break in. People all over the world have accused the CIA, NSA, and other US intelligence agencies of breaking into computers. However, most of the same people also fault the US intelligence community for not being able to predict the nuclear testing. But is it possible that US intelligence agencies were already stealing the information and not telling people to protect their source of information? Practically every expert thinks so. Continued... [please see URL for rest of story..] --------------3A7F1F7A41E1-- -o- Subscribe: mail majordomoat_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]
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