Lock this Yankee Hacker up!

[Technical Support]

http://i.cnn.net/cnn/2003/TECH/internet/08/29/worm.arrest/vert.jeffery.parson.jpg
Jeffrey Lee Parson
Age 18

Teenage Blaster Worm Suspect Arrested

SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Seeking to deliver a blunt warning to hackers everywhere, U.S. officials on Friday arrested a teenager who admitted to making a copycat version of the Blaster Internet worm that infected computers around the world.

Jeffrey Lee Parson, 18, was arrested in his hometown, the Minneapolis suburb of Hopkins, and charged with one count of intentionally causing or attempting to cause damage to a computer. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

"With this arrest we want to deliver a message to hackers around the world," John McKay, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, told reporters at a news conference shortly after the Minnesota arrest.

"The handcuffs were not cyber-handcuffs, they were real handcuffs," McKay said, speaking of Parson's arrest, which was the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The 6-foot-4-inches (193-cm) tall Parson, who weighs 320 pounds (145 kg), appeared in U.S. Federal Court in St. Paul wearing a faded gray T-shirt with "Big Daddy" spelled out on the front, as well as cargo shorts and high-top sneakers.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Nelson ordered Parson to be held under house arrest, although government lawyers had argued for keeping Parson in jail, based on the "grievous and substantial" harm he had caused computer users.

Parson was banned from using the Internet, surfing the World Wide Web or using messaging services. She also told Parson there had been threats made against him and she was concerned for his safety.

The suspect had previously admitted to law enforcement officials that he created a variant of the worm, according to a complaint filed in the Western District of Washington state. Parson's next court hearing will be Sept. 17 in Seattle.

The Blaster worm exploited a flaw in Microsoft Corp.'s Windows software that was made public last month. Engineers and lawyers at Microsoft, which is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, 15 miles outside of Seattle, cooperated with authorities in the case.

As experts combed over data in the hunt for the creator of the original virus, which Microsoft said had caused it "millions of dollars of damages," authorities detailed in the complaint how Parsons created the worm variant.

Parson admitted modifying Blaster and creating a variant known by different names, including "W32/Lovesan.worm.b" and admitted he renamed the original code, dubbed "MSBlast.exe," "teekids.exe" after his online alias, the complaint said.

FBI agents interviewed Parson when they searched his home on Aug. 19 and seized seven computers.

Blaster, which appeared Aug. 11, and its variants are self-replicating Internet worms that bore through a Windows security hole, harnessing computers to launch concerted data attacks via the Internet on a Microsoft technical service Web site.

At least 7,000 "drone" computers tried to attack the Microsoft Web site, the complaint said. Microsoft thwarted the attacks by disconnecting the Web address from the Internet.

The Internet addresses of infected computers were sent to the t33kid.com Web site. That site was traced back to Parson through a third party, according to the complaint.

The t33kid.com site is registered to Parson at an address in Hopkins, Minnesota. A phone number at that address is registered to R. Parson. A woman who answered the telephone there declined to comment.

Mark Rasch, former head of the Justic Department's computer crime unit, now chief security counsel at Solutionary Inc., a managed computer security company, said he thinks Parson will serve time "because of the amount of damage resulting from the worm."

Meanwhile, anti-virus vendor Trend Micro Inc. said another worm had surfaced that takes advantage of the Windows hole Blaster used, but the new worm was rated low risk with few infections.

This Yankee has cost IPIU and it's members considerable damage in loss time. :mad:

Ship him over here and we will place him in a 4x4 cell with Brits who would love to have him as their "guest". ;)

[B Ann Craig]

Technical Support, I couldn't agree with you more. With all the brains this kid has, and to think he wasted it on doing damage to so many.

I wonder what this kids could have amounted to if he would have gone in the right direction? What a waste of resources.

[Kanda Force]

If it were up to me, Tech, I'd let you guys have him.

This guy needed to get a life (and I think he will come close) instead of sitting in front of a computer all day. Family, friends and a job are good starters. If you isolate yourself from human contact, you can lose sense of responsiblity, rationale, compassion, and a whole list of other necessary traits.

I think he'll get the life he deserves now. ;)

[just my opinion]

[William R. Larson -]

He's only 20 miles from me. Let me at him for a while! Just be sure it is a sound proof room and the shades have been drawn.

(NYPD blue style!) ;)

[Chris A Brandt]

If these hackers only knew the billions of dollars they cost
the public. My wife was smart enough to fix this last virus,
but I know people that spent and ave. of $150 to fix thier
home computer.
I say lock them up with no parole!!!:mad:

Chris A Brandt

[Mr Jose Bonavich Jr]

This young man obviously has the knowledge and skills to get himself into trouble....but he is still young enough that possibly he could be directed in a more positive direction.

Hackers who use their skills to "break into" secure systems, searching for loopholes can help make computer networks more secure in the future.

I do think he should be punished, but I also think his skills should be directed to a more positive use.

Okay, maybe I'm a bit of a liberal ;)

[Chris A Brandt]

Leisl

you could be right about, if he uses his skills for good, not evil
he would have to be monitored all the time. Maybe?

Chris A Brandt:rolleyes:

[Charlie M Holiday-Wilson**]

The worm has been caught, but lets' remember not to give him "too much time". Instead give him something worthwhile to do with such knowledge and skills. After all that’s' what got him in trouble in the first place "too much time" and nothing to do with it.


Not sure if the worm was the culprit, but I had 51 unsolicited and unrecognized emails, ALL INFECTED!

I want to be just as good when I complete my PI course!

Go get em' guys.

[Chris A Brandt]

Charlie

Great point about the worm virus person.
Thank you
Chris A Brandt:) :cool:

[Diane Jarosz]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20030829/t/1062184970.2617294885.jpg

What a total waste of a young gifted mind.

[Melinda Cole]

If I were Bill Gates, that clown would be on my payroll- these guys are so intelligent, but are a few sandwiches short of a picnic. They could really be making some good money just by being GOOD! Ya think??

[Charlie M Holiday-Wilson**]

Originally posted by Melinda Cole
If I were Bill Gates, that clown would be on my payroll- these guys are so intelligent, but are a few sandwiches short of a picnic. They could really be making some good money just by being GOOD! Ya think??

Hey Melinda, is it possible this guy worked for the competition?

"without God there would be no us" ;)

[Melinda Cole]

Char,

Hmm, that's something to think about. Could be.


p.s. Without God, there is no us, I believe this all the way!!:p

[B Ann Craig]

Originally posted by Charlie M Holiday-Wilson


Hey Melinda, is it possible this guy worked for the competition?

"without God there would be no us" ;)
Charlie, that could be right. I like your saying, you are right on. ;)

"With God all things are possible"

Have a wonderful week. Take care. :)

[Legal Affairs]

Originally posted by Leisl D Olson
Hackers who use their skills to "break into" secure systems, searching for loopholes can help make computer networks more secure in the future.

For many, the word "hacker" is someone who is a crook.

But go to the International Hackers Convention, and you will see that "hacker" is typically derived from enhancing or adding a software code to an existing software package. The result is multiple hacks is the new and improved version of the software that is finally released.

Our forum software is Version 2.6.6 and hackers are helping the software company develop Version 3.0

(Just a comment here, that's all)

[Legal Affairs]

Originally posted by Melinda Cole
If I were Bill Gates, that clown would be on my payroll-

"He's already on the devil's payroll!" ;)

[Melinda Cole]

Touche'

[Mark Aloise]

With regards to the comments from Leisl and Chris, how this is a waste of a fine talent; this is reminiscent of Frank Abagnale (Catch Me If You Can), who went to work for the Feds and then made his own fortune only AFTER serving his time for the crime.

Punish the wrongdoers, but then channel the takent in the right direction.

Mark

[Ken Rohrer]

Originally posted by Technical Support
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20030829/t/1062184970.2617294885.jpg
Jeffrey Lee Parson
Age 18
This Yankee has cost IPIU and it's members considerable damage in loss time. :mad:

Ship him over here and we will place him in a 4x4 cell with Brits who would love to have him as their "guest". ;)
<blockquote>That reminds me of the time when I attended a "Techie's Night Out" function at my church. All who were into computers were invited to attend with or without their computers. There were many teenagers at this event. I was amazed at the hacking they do to pass the time. One of them showed me how to access grades on the server in his school district. Another bragged about the time he broke into a nearby universities server and accessed about 2,000 social security numbers. (He said he didn't do anything with the information, he just wanted to see if he could do it.) Another teen showed how he mounted a "denial of service" attack on a company that angered him. He had planted a Trojan Horse virus on many computers and the virus began "pinging" their server so many times it brought their web site traffic to a halt.<P>Man! The good these teens could do if they funneled their knowledge and activity into something beneficial. They might even become PIs...</blockquote>

[Colleen L Hayes -]

Originally posted by Leisl D Olson
Hackers who use their skills to "break into" secure systems, searching for loopholes can help make computer networks more secure in the future.


I agree. When he starts his rehabilitation, it should be in this field. He apparently knows all the 'ins-and-outs'. Although unless he completely changed his ways, he would need a babysitter.

Because of the over-crowding of prisons, this would be one of many crimes where the person might possibly be rehabilitated to do what is right. I'm still concerned about the persons sent to the 'resort cell' (I've posted in that forum also), as much as this type of crime. They both cost a lot of money for many people.

[Kathleen Padgett]

I agree with Leisl.. given the fact that this is a teenager, he may be someone who can be reformed and can eventually contribute to a more productive society.

With the right investment in his future training toward utilizing his intelligence and creativity to make a fortune, benefit society and be extremely successful, this kid might turn out alright.

I also liked the reference to the movie "Catch Me If You Can", as this was a classic true story example of how a young troubled teenager's future can be redefined if presented with the right opportunity. I second the notion that he should do some time first though, in order to punish the bad behavior, but I feel that life without parole is extreme and unreasonable.

[Shiela M Hargett]

I suppose to get at this one I'd have to stand in line. So glad my husband is a techno-geek and can get ahead of this stuff. I suppose he'd be a high-rating employee for Bill Gates but maybe in a more secured role of employment. (hee-hee)

[Mark Aloise]

Originally posted by Kathleen Padgett
.

I also liked the reference to the movie "Catch Me If You Can.

Actually Kathie, I never saw the movie. Frank Abagnale told his story at a business luncheon in Seattle about 7 or 8 years ago. I thought it was fascinating then. Maybe some day I'll watch the movie.

Mark

[Kathleen Padgett]

Hi Mark,

It was a great movie, started out slow but became very interesting and suspenseful. It must have been neat to hear it straight from Frank. If you get a chance, I think it's a movie that is definitely worth seeing sometime.

[Charlie M Holiday-Wilson**]

Originally posted by Melinda Cole
Char,

Hmm, that's something to think about. Could be.


p.s. Without God, there is no us, I believe this all the way!!:p


Hear! Hear! All I can say is God is my salvation and my light so
when it's time to go to the polls lets remember the "ten commandments, pledge of allegiance and all future attempts" to remove GOD from our langauge. "Cause don't cha know" ,(a little southern humor), more will be coming out and jumping on this bandwagon.:mad:

PS: Did you hear the one about separating State and God in the courthouse? Do hearby swear that the testimony you give is the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you Who? GOD:D

[Richard Greiner -]

Thanks For the Info my friend. People like him should be locked up for along time, I don't understand what hackers see in doing things to people computers I know for a fact they wouldn't like it if we did it to there computer.

[Melinda Cole]

Char,
Ever since the 50's when they took God out of schools, we have been progressively declining in morals, values, etc. However, I think people are becoming more and more aware of our constitution and God Himself being under attack, and that's a start!
It's an uphill battle, thanks to the ACLU!
:mad:

[Tracy K. Johnson]

Sometimes I wonder if it is a good thing to be teaching our children how to use computer at age 4 and 5. What happened to the "good ole days" were they actually spent time with their friends and played games outside and used their imaginations?

There is never a vicitimless crime. It is sad that someone who is so smart waste his time harming others.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

There are definitely two groups here.
The first one would like to see the guy punished and "isolated" for a while. The second (and smaller) group suggests that instead to be isolated , the "expert" could be recovered and used to catch other hackers (the quote of the couple Leonardo di Caprio - Tom Hanks from "Catch me if you can" is excellent in this respect). I am joining the second (and smaller) group: the guy is young and the essence of human nature is a good one...

[David Fowler]

I've been dealing with computers since the early 70's when I was in the Air Force. We didn't even have monitors. You typed in your commands and they were printed out on a big ole dot matrix printer. We had hackers even then. Now it's so easy, there are sites that offer autodialers, autopingers and all sorts of hacker software. What will probably happen to this fellow is he will be approached by software developers and internet security companies and if he is as smart as he seems, he'll turn from the dark side and use his abilities to make better programs or better defenses against people like him. True in essence he's a criminal, but he's also young and maybe, just maybe, having the Feds come and arrest him and confiscate 7(?) PC's from his home will knock some sense into his head. A little time in the Brit prison or that locked, curtained room might work or might push him further toward more harmful crimes. Kids have access to so much more information and technology today than when I was a kid. (We had the very popular toys, the stick and the rock, haha). My daughter is 14 and pretty much self taught computer wise, she has her own website where she publishes fan fiction and art and is very careful and trustworthy on the net. Of course she knows we can back check all the sites she's visited and would if we thought she was up to no good. There are lots of programs for parents to check up on what their kids are doing online. I would definitely recommend them to any parents of pre teen and teenage kids who spend a lot of time online. These programs will record every site visited, every chat (both sides) even every keystroke made. These are super helpful to check who they're chatting with, what sites they've visited and if they've attempted to cover there tracks by erasing history entries and temp files.

[Glenn N Klipp]

I agree with the comment that it is a shame that a kid this smart chose to use his intelligence in a bad way. As for the comment from the person who went to a techie night out at his church, I think the problem is that kids have too much time on their hands. Many just home and flop in front of the TV set. Forgive me if I sound like an old fogey, but when I was growing up, I came home, did my homework, and did chores around the house. Of course, when I was growing up, there was no such thing as a personal computer!:cool:

[David Wayne Cash]

I belong to the smaller group as well. Although it just got a tad bit bigger! Glenn I agree. Kids can not come home and flop in front of the TV till supper time and flop back in front after supper till bed time. There certainly needs to be a balance. Chores, some TV, videos games, playing with friends and let's not forget God.

However, contrary to one post I believe the sooner children become familiar with computers the better. Who knows, amongst many other things in our day-to-day world, they may need to use the IPIU forum sometime!

Last but not least, my heart aches to see God taken out of the pledge of allegiance in schools.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

I am glad that our group is growing.
I agree with both of you - the kids have to be educated to do their homework (first!), chores, have family time, and, of course (!) have their time for playing and watching TV.

[Glenn N Klipp]

Well put Dragos, well put!

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Thank you, Glenn

When you put it from your heart and carry the father's experience on the back, you always find something to say in this respect.

Dragos

[Richard Greiner -]

I am 24 and I set back and watch my little 5 month old son and I think about the times I use to get punish for the things I done and when I say punish I don't mean go to your room or go set in the conner I am talking about a butt smacken, I don't think thats wrong at all I am shure some of you older ones probably got it ten times worse then we did. And I recall the time I came home Drunk and I was 18, me and couple buddys walk into the House and my mom know that I was drunk and she ask me was you drinking and I told her "Yeah and so what , what are you going to do about it I am 18 I am my own boss" and all sudden she took her Hand Smack me right across the Face and I tell you what I hit the floor and and all I seen was my friends runing out the door and jump in there Truck and took off like she was going to kill them or something and see the rule was if I get drunk I am not to come home drunk. And that is what is wrong with Kids today, this is my oppion I think if Parents would just quit babying there kids stuff like this would've never happen, don't get me wrong I am not saying it's not just the parents faults what I am trying to say is parents needs to be a little sticker then they are if it takes a paddle across there rear do it. I was brought up in Church all my life my Grandfather was a minister,My mother is a Minister, and my Father is a Orthodox Catholic Preist and matter of fact almost of my whole family is Misinsters, I knew right from wrong and if I broke the rules well I got what I deserve. As the Bible says "Spare the Rode, or Spoild the Child" As a Preacher said one time Parents Cry know or Cry Later when your child is setting behind bars. I admite I am the only H-ll my mom ever raised, yeah I was the bad one out of the Four Children and know the Smartest one. I admite I don't go to church like I use to, but by God I am not going to let my Child be a little spoiled bratt .

[Donna Reagan]

Originally posted by Richard Greiner
... I am not going to let my Child be a little spoiled bratt . Since the 1950's there have been many more disciplines authored on raising children. Yes, 2000 years ago there was always a stick. Today, there are hundreds of other forms of punishment, especially those that restrict a child.

I have found that holding a small child extremely close to me at the time their are throwing a fit and restricting their movement is better than yelling, spanking, of pulling their arm pits out.

The rod can mean many other forms today. I implore that you study up on the current child raising and choose one that will bond your child to you for life. A lack of bonding will turn a child on a parent. Tough love can be tougher than a paddle, but without it.

[Richard Greiner -]

Donna,

Thanks for the Reply, I hope you didn't take me the wrong way. Every Parent rase there children differnt, So if you took me the wrong way I am sorry.

[Mary Louise Campbell -]

Originally posted by Dragos Sfinteanu
There are definitely two groups here.
The first one would like to see the guy punished and "isolated" for a while. The second (and smaller) group suggests that instead to be isolated , the "expert" could be recovered and used to catch other hackers (the quote of the couple Leonardo di Caprio - Tom Hanks from "Catch me if you can" is excellent in this respect). I am joining the second (and smaller) group: the guy is young and the essence of human nature is a good one...



I'm in the smaller group. The young man was wrong, he did cause a lot of harm. He needs proper guidance and locking him up and throwing a the key is not going to do it.

I saw the movie "Catch Me if you can" I thought it was great. Leonardo was a master of disguises. His skill in reading checks and people was awesome.

In real life Frank was saved, because someone still believed in him even though he had done something wrong. In other words people do change if given the chance to do so.

http://www.clipart.co.uk/cgi-bin/animdisplay2.cgi?cats/an30,gif


Mary

[Sylvia Buetow]

Originally posted by Ken Rohrer

<blockquote>That reminds me of the time when I attended a "Techie's Night Out" function at my church. There were many teenagers at this event. I was amazed at the hacking they do to pass the time. </blockquote>

I subbed all day for a computer lab in a high school. They had the system down by the end of the day. Playful little monsters.

[Betsy Jones -]

I agree with you about the hackers, I have yet to encounter one, but it could happen. I have two teens and monitored their every move online. They are on their own now, and I just have my youngest with me, but have his id setup to monitor him when he is online, and the provider I use also has it setup to notify me by email about what my little does online. But he is a good boy and gets online basically to play his games, and I am usually in the room with him. When he gets older it will be a bit harder to control unless I let him know I can find out what he is doing online and maybe that will deter him from being mischieveous online. He has taught himself as well as learned from school how to use the computer, and sometimes teaches me something new, which can be enlightening. We need more parents to be aware of what our children are doing online.

[Valerie Roach]

Does everyone know that last year or so, it was a 10 year old who wrote the program whereby malicious viruses could be sent thru email and not be traced back to it's point of origin?! At 10 years old, I was wondering where my next meal was coming from....wow.

[Glenn N Klipp]

WOw, a ten year old?!? At ten ( and yes, I CAN remember that far back!), I was trying to survive fourth grade.

[Kendric Truitt]

This is a case of tooo much time on your hands. With all of his brians he needs to be a P.I.

[Glenn N Klipp]

This reminds me of the young gentleman I knew in the Computer Training for the Disabled class I was in. A very bright young man, allegedly living in a tent behind K-Mart before Vocational Rehabilitation came along. Within the first couple of weeks in the class, he had managed to hack not only the data bases of the instructors, but also the databases of several of the corporate sponsors of the program. He was forced to leave the program. What a shame.

[Tanja Heuring]

Originally posted by Valerie Roach
Does everyone know that last year or so, it was a 10 year old who wrote the program whereby malicious viruses could be sent thru email and not be traced back to it's point of origin?! At 10 years old, I was wondering where my next meal was coming from....wow.

It sure is amazing how bright some kids are, but let's not forget that they are still kids. In today's fast paced society lot's of children are left to their own devices, sure that promotes self-reliance, however, it promotes more negatives suchs as;
loneliness, un-social behaviours, hermit-syndrom, and getting in trouble more than necessary for attention reagardless if it is negative attention, it's attention they receive nevertheless! But they need to learn the difference between good and bad, and without human interaction and guidance and someone that takes them away from virtual stimulation, they will starve emotionally and spiritually!

It ails me to see kids sitting in front of either a computer screen or tv screen 24/7 without noticing the beautiful world around them. Weather permitting, when I was a kid I jumped on my bike early in the morning and did not return until the street lights came on, there was way to much awesome stuff out there to investigate instead of sitting in front of the tube....!!

Ciao,
Tanja

[Glenn N Klipp]

I agree with you Tanja. Too much time to spend in front of the TV. And with the parent(s) away at work, the kids are given free rein with the TV set.

[Susan E Philbrook -]

You know these kids get a big thrill out of hacking. In Las Vegas ever year, there is a big hackers convention, where all these people get together and brag about what they can do.

And to think of all the harm it does to the individual computer user!

Thanks for posting the story!

S. Philbrook

[Glenn N Klipp]

It's sad that the hackers see nothing morally or ethically wrong with what they are doing. Although, in a sense I can understand the "thrill". Its all in beating the system.

[Angela Virgo -]

Originally posted by Glenn N Klipp
This reminds me of the young gentleman I knew in the Computer Training for the Disabled class I was in. A very bright young man, allegedly living in a tent behind K-Mart before Vocational Rehabilitation came along. Within the first couple of weeks in the class, he had managed to hack not only the data bases of the instructors, but also the databases of several of the corporate sponsors of the program. He was forced to leave the program. What a shame.

What the shame is that the people who need the vocational rehab programs aren't getting them. Due to funding, and I'm certain thanks to people like this we all suffer much more than monetarily.:(

[Glenn N Klipp]

I had not thought about it that way, Angela, but I think that you are right.

http://www.zooish.com/_borders/front_eagle_sky_sonr_md_clr.gif

[Tanja Heuring]

Originally posted by Glenn N Klipp
It's sad that the hackers see nothing morally or ethically wrong with what they are doing. Although, in a sense I can understand the "thrill". Its all in beating the system.

I agree with you Glenn, I fully understand the "thrill"factor. I remember beating the highest scores on Atari Packman and Astroids which gave me a major thrill. But the buck stops when you harm others...I am not in a postion to say what punishment should be applied to those "criminal" endavours of hackers, but I believe that they need to be guided in the right direction to be able to channel their knowledge for something useful.

Ciao,
Tanja

[Glenn N Klipp]

Tanja, I agree. The "thrill factor", or adrenaline rush if you will, is all fine and good. But when it hurts someone else, then it is wrong. And I wonder if these hackers realize that. Or do they care?

[Charlie M Holiday-Wilson**]

Hi, I just completed reading the various thoughts from each of you regarding "Hackers" and I find each of them unique in their own way; for example:

1. I can remember being 10 and then there was not many
families that had television, so of course we stayed outside.
2 We had families then with two parents for the most part and
the MOTHER was at home to monitor our every
move.
3. I don't know about you, but my mother did not play, if you
misbehaved in a manner that someone was Disrespected, hurt
or harmed, let me say you would know it and never forget it.
But most Important!! YOU would NEVER!NEVER!! do it again.

Parents today must take an active interest in their children, their school and their friends. It is not a crime to question your children "WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY". Also don't be afraid to discipline if and when necessary! Children, whether you know it or not, actually want discipline and yes I hear you corporal punishment is not always the answer, but there are circumstances that it is.

Parents must also monitor what their children are watching, (watch tv with them), what games they are playing (play with them). Stop being too busy or tired.

We can judge, justify and even be in shock, but the question I want to pose is WHAT CAN WE DO TO STOP IT? Thrill, yeah! right!

[Glenn N Klipp]

Charlie, you're dating yourself! ;) But seriously, I see a lot of merit in your statements. Howvever, one thing you have to consider is that the divorce rate is much higher than when you and I were kids. High divorce rates means one-parent homes. One parent-homes means for a lot of undisciplined and unmonitored kids. Back when I was a kid, it was consered nothing to spank a child. Nowadays, you spank a child, you are labeled a child abuser!

[B Ann Craig]

Glenn, you have one to many /s in the last img code of your image. Take that one / out, and it will come out fine. I hope this helps. ;)

http://www.ipiu.org/images/Equip/badgesm.gif

Have a wonderful week. Take care. :)

[Charlie M Holiday-Wilson**]

Originally posted by Glenn N Klipp
Charlie, you're dating yourself! ;) But seriously, I see a lot of merit in your statements. Howvever, one thing you have to consider is that the divorce rate is much higher than when you and I were kids. High divorce rates means one-parent homes. One parent-homes means for a lot of undisciplined and unmonitored kids. Back when I was a kid, it was consered nothing to spank a child. Nowadays, you spank a child, you are labeled a child abuser!



Of course, my point exactly! so what has to happen, parents take control of their kids using the time they have. As I see it parents now are interested in time for themselves and being buddies, friends, dawgs' etc instead of parenting. Marriage is no longer the sacred institute it once was, why? because there is no respect or love for God, other people or themselves. Girls relate love to sex, guys relate love to sex; marriage on the other hand is shacking, living together or coming around for a you know call.

Until we as people start accepting responsibility for the children we bring into this world and stop letting the Government (Federal, State or Local) dictate to us what is best for children or what I see most is letting the children dictate to you what is best for them, we will continue to have unhappy, unstable or lost kids!!!

PS: No need to datel I found the right mate 25 years ago and still married (til death us do part)!!! :)

[2gees]

hey can u hate him cuz he know what others do not it may take people to go to school it may not all i am saying is that the kid need to be in a good place where he can help people so the warm can not happen i think bill gates need him cuz win have a lot of holes but who am i to say i think his time shold be fixing the wrom so no more can get in i think the kid needs a right trun cuz he is a baby and think for a min if u had the time to think of doing some thing like that will u do it or will u teach some one how to and how to fix it if it got u i know i will but like i say show him a good way and not the bad way a fine that is not good cuz he will fill like he got a way with it and bet that he will do it one more time but he will :cool:

[Glenn N Klipp]

Originally posted by B Ann Craig
Glenn, you have one to many /s in the last img code of your image. Take that one / out, and it will come out fine. I hope this helps. ;)

http://www.ipiu.org/images/Equip/badgesm.gif

Have a wonderful week. Take care. :)


I saw it Ms. Craig. Thank you though for telling me. As usual, you are the best!:)

[B Ann Craig]

Originally posted by Glenn N Klipp



I saw it Ms. Craig. Thank you though for telling me. As usual, you are the best!:)
Glenn, thank you so much. You are learning very well. http://www.ipiu.org/forums//images/icons/icon14.gif Keep up the good work. ;)

Have a wonderful week. Take care. :)

[Michael To]

I hope people relize that is really easy to write a virus or a worm.

And he shouldn't of said anything at all when he was questioned.

Should of been like I need to consult with an attorney. I have the right to remain silent, and I excersice my right to remain silent.

[Joyce C Dixon]

I think this is such a shame and to think this kid is from my state of Minnesota. he is smart and he could have gone far in this world if he would have done it right now he can be smart in JAIL and thats where he should go and do not pass go.

what a shame

[Tammy A Nelson]

Hello everyone,

As a person with personal experience with this blaster worm virus,I must say how frustrating it is to have your computer/personal property invaded in this way. Luckily I got tech.support from Microsoft,and I had a virus scanner,but it cost me time,and aggrevation.

It is such a shame to know that there are people out there with nothing better to do than try to hurt other people for their own personal satisfaction. It seems a waiste to me.If this boy had used the intelligence god gave him ,he might be working for microsoft ,,or starting his own company,instead of faceing jail,wich by the way is where he belongs in my opinion. This in just another sad example of a wasted life and a waste of talents. His future is ruined,and for what a little ego boost,or attention.

It is as simple as reading your scriptures.. God said..".Do Not Hide your light under a bushle." sadly yours:
Tammy

[Joyce C Dixon]

Hello: I know just how you feel I am having so much trouble with my computer because of all the spam and junk that these heartless people send you. I at times can not even get on to my home page and sometimes I end up ---- well god only knows and there has been times when I find myself on a web page that I can't even get out of.. I have to shut down my computer and start all over and loose what ever I may have been doing.

these heartless people who are doing this should be hung out to dry.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Joyce, Tammy,

I agree with you, in most of the cases, such bastards deserve to be punished. I have two remarks in this respect: 1) If they will be hanged, what about the rapists, serial kilers, etc.? 2) Sometimes hakers could be recuperated in order to use their brains for serving people, working in their best interest (Did you see the movie "Catch Me, If You Can"?).

God let the "Evil" on the Earth for people in order to compare and chose versus "Good". A lot of our prayers mention "God protect us against evil". At the same time, I remember an old proverb, having the same meaning in different countries: "God brings it to you but He does not put it directly in your hands".

The crime is old as mankind is. The hackers ("evil") were born soon after the Internet ("good") was born. The society (Police, FBI, Microsoft experts, and... PI) started the fight against them. In parallel, we also have to protect us.

Here, at IPIU forums there are some topics related to computer 0000 and anti-virus systems. I suggest for Joyce to visit the topics and ask those who are skilled in this field how to
fix the damages, as well as how to prevent them happening again.

[Joyce C Dixon]

Hello Dragos. thank you for the information right now i have a program that was suppose to stop all this but for some reason this virus got through. So here I am sitting at my computer and want to go to one of my favorite web pages and bang I 'm in some porn junk and can't get out of it. I had to shut my computer right down. then I go back on and bang I go to another web page and once again I am stuck this went on for some time I tried everything. so finally I found a web page called skybot and downloaded a program and set all my settings different and now its a little ok. But at lest now noone is suppose to beable to get into my computer. with this new program. these people make me so mad.

Thank You again I will also go on different forums here to read and learn more.

thank You, have a great day





http://royaltyfreeclipart.com/animation/pics/comp6.gif

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Hello Joyce,

I am glad you got rid of the bug. Try to keep the computer healthy, it is our most important tool here, at IPIU.

Take care. Have a great day too.

[Jennifer Zimdars]

I was hit with the blaster worm. I didn't even realize that's what it was at first. I would be online for a couple minutes and get kicked. It was EXTREMELY aggravating, but a friend of mine sent me to Microsoft for a patch.

I agree this boy should be punished, but I don't agree that he should be sent to prison for life or punished overly severly. I agree that someone should help him invest his talents into something worthwhile.

And on a side note, I have 2 young children. Both of which have computers in their classrooms both at school and daycare. My youngest is 5 and can frequently be found playing on it when I pick her up from daycare.

I have a computer at home that they love to play on. The only online site that I allow them to go to is a PBS kids website. When they get a little older I'm sure they'll be online more and you can bet your last dollar I'll be checking the sites they go to.

[Tammy A Nelson]

:)Hi Everyone,
I am so sorry to hear about all my fellow forum members who have been affected by this Blaster worm virus:{.
As I stated in an earlier post I was hit by it too.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Originally posted by Jennifer Zimdars

.... The only online site that I allow them to go to is a PBS kids website. When they get a little older I'm sure they'll be online more and you can bet your last dollar I'll be checking the sites they go to.


Doing this checking will certainly avoid you having unpleasant surprises.

[Tammy A Nelson]

Sorry I hit enter instead of shift:o.Anyway I just wanted to pass along a little info that I picked up on the web.This is a sight to help you get free software to help block spam in your e-mail.I know we all as ipiu members have Yhoo e-mail accounts,but this will help with your other e-mail accounts[if you have any,such as hotmail or outlook express].Alot of new viruses are comming through our e-mails:eek: and we may not know it untill it's too late..
Hope these links help.
click here to visit the sight (http://www.spaminspector.com). Ihope that my hyper link worked,and I hope this helps.
If it doesn't work please 'post' and let me know.
sincerely yours;

[Robert Cooksey]

I am a trainee for PI work right now, but I've worked as a videogame artist for eight years and believe me I've met dozens of people just like this jerk. Virtually every single IT person I ever worked with has admitted to me that they've created viruses at one time or another, and the only reason they can ever give is "because I could."

You have to understand that most of these hackers are severe loners--they never really form interpersonal connections with other people, so they couldn't care less what damage they do to people or their property. You know, kind of like sociopaths. The computer age has created a whole new species of introverted, mad at the world young people who get off on being malicious.

When this blaster worm came out, I did my own little profile of this hacker-late teens to mid twenties, severely over-weight, sloppy dresser, probably a videogame addict, and mad at the world! How right I was!

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Hello Robert,




Originally posted by Robert Cooksey

...The computer age has created a whole new species of introverted, mad at the world young people who get off on being malicious.

When this blaster worm came out, I did my own little profile of this hacker-late teens to mid twenties, severely over-weight, sloppy dresser, probably a videogame addict, and mad at the world! How right I was!


Your experience related to haker psychology is really interesting. This would be a reason to ask you a question, widely debated in this forum: "Should be these guys sent to prison, or should they be forced tp follow a "re-education" program?". Also, do you image any other solution in this matter?

[Robert Cooksey]

The reason these guys do these viruses is because for the most part they are outcasts who got picked on a lot in High School, and being able to wreak havoc like this is power. It's really pretty pathetic.

Think about it--for the first time ever , High school/college kids are more sophisticated (in a lot of cases) at doing a type of crime than adults are, and they are more sophisticated than the people trying to catch them. Only in the past year or so have any of these brats been caught and punished, but for ten years it was open territory! I know because I was there! They were totally conscienceless, too.

What needs to happen, IMO, is we need to make some very high profile arrests, and show these people that they are no longer uncatchable. Word travels fast on the internet!

While in prison, the feds should hold meetings with them, find out their methods, and use that info to shut them all down. Unlike organized crime, where they have a vetsed interest (money) in doing crime, hackers usually just do it for the thrill of getting away with something. Sooo--it'll be easy to send a message but first law enforcement has to catch up to them technologically.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Robert,

Commenting the "reasons", I would totally agree with you for the second one. Considering the first reason, IMO, a talented HS student, when becoming a "computer wiz", gets appreciation from colleagues and teachers. It is difficult to believe that such a kid is an outcast. It seems to me that his/her rising ego and selfesteem, built by the environment (people), should not let him/her commit a crime against people... unless he/she is not normal.

But let's get back to the main issue, the punishment. Again, I agree with you, they have to be caught (everybody agrees that).
What happens next?




Originally posted by Robert Cooksey

While in prison, the feds should hold meetings with them, find out their methods, and use that info to shut them all down...


Prison... this a radical, tough decision, marking their lives at a time when they are not yet mature.




Originally posted by Robert Cooksey

....They were totally conscienceless, too.


They were conscienceless about being caught, and (maybe) about the gravity of their crime.

In this respect there are some questions in my mind: Do some of them deserve some leniency? When in jail, their lives already marked by criminal records, would they co-operate with the feds? After serving prison terms would they go back to normal lives and (most important), use their brains in the interest of people?

Unfortunately, we can not answer firmly these questions. This favors a radical decision as a solution of the problem.

My only firm conclusion is that, if being a judge, I would not like to handle such a case in the Court.

[Robert Cooksey]

The guys I worked with were picked on and bullied non-stop in high school--so they've told me on many occasions. Of course I'm generalizing but it's true in many cases. I think people who don't work in games have a hard time understanding how isolated some of these hackers are or how much their lives revolve around cyberspace. Let me give you two examples:

One guy who told me he used to create viruses all the time was a guy named Ken. He was about 20 when I knew him, and he dropped out of High School a few years before, partly because he was picked on so much and partly because his parents felt a computer was a substitute parent/babysitter when he was younger. Anyway--Ken was a really unattractive kid but fairly smart and was so addicted to videogames and the internet that he almost never left the computer. He hated sunlight--would block off the windows in his office, and drank nothing but Jolt cola (he had something like 1,000 enpty cans lining his office). His diet was horrendous--he basically lived off frozen mini-pizzas and fast food.

Ken got so addicted to an online videogame named Everquest that he would go to Taco Bell and buy three days worth of food just so he didn't have to leave his house. He had no friends--didn't want any either. If he lost at Everquest he wouldn't speak to anybody for days. Then he started missing work--why? Because he was staying up until 6:00 am playing Everquest, and was just too exhausted to come in. Eventually he got fired.

People outside my field have no idea that these people exist--but I just saw a case of a kid who shot himself because he lost at Everquest or a game like it. We had another guy who was so pathetically introverted that he actually had sexual fantasies about Laura Croft from Tomb Raider--and I am talking about the cartoon character, not the actress who eventually made the movie version. He also collected guns and slept with an assault rifle next to his bed--he decorated his office with metal plates which were riddled with bullet holes and more than a few of us thought he might snap one day. It was pretty scary.

So anyway--these guys grow up in a world which isn't real and their only "friends" are online. They make these viruses as a joke, but making them also gets them attention and a sense of power that they never have in their personal lives. When I worked at Kinesoft we got a virus which whiped out over a month's worth of work, which cost the company hundreds of thousands of dollars, so don't downplay the seriousness of these malicious viruses.

Hackers today, I'm told, have created viruses which will actually attach themselves to anti-virus shields and enter your computer that way! I have also been informed that some of these anti-virus software companies actually make the viruses so they never run out of work!

See what I'm saying? Cyberspace is the great new frontier in crime. In some cases yeah the hackers are too immature to understand the gravity of what they're doing, but so what? Some know exactly what they are doing and don't care. These hackers who steal credit card numbers are theives as much as a person who robs a bank!

[Jennifer Zimdars]

Originally posted by Dragos Sfinteanu


Doing this checking will certainly avoid you having unpleasant surprises.

I'll be doing it with everything that goes on in their lives. I want to stay involved.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Originally posted by Jennifer Zimdars

I'll be doing it with everything that goes on in their lives. I want to stay involved.

Jennifer,

Your devotion for children is admirable. It is an asset for both family and society. If most of the parents would carefully watch their children, as you do, hackers would not practically exist (almost all of them are young).

[Robert Cooksey]

yup--so many kids today are being baby-sat by computers, it's pretty sad.

I think that the obesity problem with children in the US these days is at least in part due to kids sitting at a computer rather than going out into the world. Maybe I'm just getting old!

[Jennifer Zimdars]

Oh my GOD don't get me started on the obesity issue! I could go on for hours on that issue, but I won't because I'm sure I'd end up offending someone. :(

Dragos, parenting is kind of a sticky issue with me. I grew up in a broken home. My mother's parenting skills were pretty lousy, but she loved us. I ran wild as a teenager and as a result I made quite a few bad choices and some of those choices I made I'll be paying for the rest of my life.

I don't want to parent my kids the way my mother did us. I never married the father of my children and we are no longer together so on the weekends they see him. He is a waste of space as far as I'm concerned. He can't keep a job longer than 6 months because he's always getting fired..he says it's all a conspiracy. :|

ANYWAY, I'm trying to do the best I possibly can for my children because I want them to grow up to be healthy, independent adults who think for themselves and make the RIGHT desicions.

As far as computers and todays youth are concerned, well it's definitely a GOOD thing to know how to work it, but at the same time they need to be out doing things, getting involved with extra-curricular activites.

I can understand how parents have less time to be with their children because I am a single parent myself, but people need to take time out of their busy schedule and do something with their children. Even if it's just for a little while. That little bit WILL make a difference.

People need to take more pride in not only themselves, but in their surroundings.I honestly believe that if more people, children and adults alike were out getting involved in their community there would be less crime.

ok! /end rant]

[Robert Cooksey]

Hey I love the internet--but like you say it shouldn't be your whole life

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Originally posted by Jennifer Zimdars

... I'm trying to do the best I possibly can for my children because I want them to grow up to be healthy, independent adults who think for themselves and make the RIGHT decisions.

....people need to take time out of their busy schedule and do something with their children. Even if it's just for a little while. That little bit WILL make a difference.


This is right, Jennifer. But you do more than "a little while" and your reward will be a generous one.

I remember what means breaking bussy schedules (mine and my wife's) in order to spend more time with our daughter. We fought heavy fights to counter some tendencies that teenagers consider "steps towards independence". We knew, such tendencies could lead to possible dangers for a teen. All our spare time was dedicated to her... Now, when she is on her own, having in her backpack a degree, a promissing career and the plan for her wedding, I feel relaxed (a little bit). My greatest reward came when she told me for the first time: "Dad, you was right..."

Jennifer, you are struggling like I did, like many other parents.
I assure you, again, you will be fully rewarded.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Robert,

I am impressed by your clear and professional presentation regarding "hacker psychology", as well as the "new frontier of crime" - Cyberspace.



Originally posted by Robert Cooksey

... I have also been informed that some of these anti-virus software companies actually make the viruses so they never run out of work!.....

....Cyberspace is the great new frontier in crime. In some cases yeah the hackers are too immature to understand the gravity of what they're doing, but so what? Some know exactly what they are doing and don't care. These hackers who steal credit card numbers are theives as much as a person who robs a bank!

This is not only a new topic for media, but a new domain for FBI and Police. Also, the domain is widely open for PI. I think your competence in the matter would make you a virtual candidate for Cyberspace Crime Investigation.

[Jennifer Zimdars]

Originally posted by Dragos Sfinteanu


This is right, Jennifer. But you do more than "a little while" and your reward will be a generous one.

I remember what means breaking bussy schedules (mine and my wife's) in order to spend more time with our daughter. We fought heavy fights to counter some tendencies that teenagers consider "steps towards independence". We knew, such tendencies could lead to possible dangers for a teen. All our spare time was dedicated to her... Now, when she is on her own, having in her backpack a degree, a promissing career and the plan for her wedding, I feel relaxed (a little bit). My greatest reward came when she told me for the first time: "Dad, you was right..."

Jennifer, you are struggling like I did, like many other parents.
I assure you, again, you will be fully rewarded.

I love being a mother. :) It's one of the toughest jobs in the world and one of the most rewarding. :)

[Robert Cooksey]

Hey I've worked with hackers for nearly a decade and have come to understand that subculture. Most hackers grow out of that phase where they just wanna stir up trouble for the thrill of it, but others don't.

This technology is changing so fast that it's almost impossible for anybody to keep up--and Law Enforcement is always a few steps behind, unfortunately.

The biggest wild card for internet crime is the anonymity of the internet and e-mail. People can sell drugs over the net, traffic kiddie porn and dream up money 00000 all day long and 99% of them don't get caught because nobody knows who they really are. They can disguise their identity a thousand different ways--and they do.
I have gotten the exact same penis enlargement ad easily 1,000 times and yet the "sender" is different every time.

So--some states have already started legislation prohibitting people from assuming multiple false cyber identities and it's about time. Buying online is incredibly risky--because of this anonymity.

[Jennifer Zimdars]

I used to get the penis enlargement ad. I didn't really think I needed a bigger penis. :o ;)

The only place I buy online from is Amazon. It always made me nervous to put my credit card number online.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Originally posted by Jennifer Zimdars

The only place I buy online from is Amazon. It always made me nervous to put my credit card number online.


I believe you, Jennifer. The only place for me are Airline companies, for plane tickets... and I am still uncomfortable.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Rob,

I got an idea...



Originally posted by Robert Cooksey

Hey I've worked with hackers for nearly a decade and have come to understand that subculture....

This technology is changing so fast that it's almost impossible for anybody to keep up--and Law Enforcement is always a few steps behind, unfortunately.



The "cyber-space crime" domain is a new one. I am convinced, FBI is trying hard to organize its staff in this matter. They should appreciate and welcome individuals having the experience and background that you have. Just a thought.

[Robert Cooksey]

Yeah Drag and I feel like I know very little compared to some of the geeks I worked with. I know that people in foriegn countries right now are advertising medicine and even pet medicine so that Americans (and others) can get the meds without a perscription, and usually for a lot less money. This is whole new domain. I get ads for Xxannax and other drugs every day and I'm sure a lot of those sites are 00000.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Rob,

I heard about that (foreign and american sources). It is just a new branch of the tree. I believe there are also other ones, we are not yet aware about... This supports my idea from the previous post.

[Joyce C Dixon]

Hi everyone. Just reading through the forum here and boy how true how true. every day I get ------click here to enlarge your penis or click here I need to see you. Like you said Jenifer you and i both do not need a enlarge penis at lest God for bid !!

the other day I was just getting on the internet and bang I found myself on a pron web page and could not get out of it and i mean I couldn't do anything. the only thing I did do was shut down my computer and start all over.

I am getting real sick of this all. I really enjoy the computer and I feel this junk should be stopped.

so what can we do to stop this? any ideas besides keeping the computer off

[Neal Naughton -]

Hey Guys,
Not to change the subject to much, but I believe a lot of hackers live outside the US. While I was a contractor at NASA, hackers from China breeched the firewall and were trying gain control of my computer. Luckly for me Security was tight enough to stop them and determine their location. Just a thought. -NFN

[Jennifer Zimdars]

Everytime I've heard of a hacker being caught it was always someone who lived outside the US.


Like you said Jenifer you and i both do not need a enlarge penis at lest God for bid !!

Yeah Joyce, not only would that be scary, but difficult to explain!@ ahah

[Robert Cooksey]

Joyce--absolutely. I have gotten the same penis enlargement ad, from "different" senders, easily 1,000 times. I have missed important e-mails because they have been lost in the midst of hundreds of spam. This is INSANE. It is sad that once again our government will have to start regulating the internet, but idiots always ruin it for everybody.

If I sign up for an internet forum, it should be ILLEGAL for them to sell my information to ANYBODY else, end of story And how can it pOSSIBLY be legal for porn sites to send porn to my e-mail address, unsolicited, when a person has to have Adult Check or something like it to legally enter a porn site? This is absolutely illegal, and yet it is happening all the time. I say prosecute these idiots and send a message. If I want to go to a porn site then that's my perogative--I don't want my inbox inundated with ads for "incest Sex" and "Barnyard sex."

[Tim Hentenaar]

Hi all,

I saw this post and thought I'd make a couple of comments:

I agree, hackers can do some good things, Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux (http://linux.com), is/was a hacker. ;)

It's a shame that all these people call themselves "hackers" but are simply what we call "script kiddies" (The term is used to describe kids who would simply use other people's exploit scripts to damage systems). All they've done is give the term "hacker" a negative connontation over the years. :(

Hackers are generally in it for the knowledge, not for the cheap thrill of damaging another system, or selling sensitive info from it.

As for spam, I even get my fair share, most of it through an old forewarding account I use. I don't generally reveal my true email address, just a forewarding address that does get to my real box. Unfortunately spam is a problem that I don't see going away any time soon. You can allways determine the true source of an email, but it's up to the ISP to do anything. Yes, it is quite annoying...

Persuing litigation against spam would be a waste of time and money in my opinion. As far as I know, there aren't any laws against spam, in the United States at least. I believe there are some measures against that in the EU, but there are only bills in the US, that get shot down every time.

On another note: Since the "MSBlaster" worm exploited a security hole in Microsoft Windows, being a Linux user, I was unaffected ;)

[Joyce C Dixon]

Hello Robert, Oh yes I sure do agree with you. The other day I was in my e-mail delected all the junk and praying Ididn't delect the good stuff and then all of a sudden bang I was in a porn sight and no matter what I did I could not get out of it. I was so MAD... I did find a sight that I downloaded for Free and now it is helping me to stop allmost all of this. But I know these hackers will find another way to get me.. But I am ready I HOPE..
Thank goodness my children are grown can you see them having this going on to little kids? These sights need to be stoped once and for all!!!

[B Ann Craig]

Tim, thank you for all the great information. I would like to invite you to post an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself. This way other members can welcome you to the forum. I will give you the link. ;)

Click Here: Forum Member Introduction's Lounge! (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45)

Be sure to click on the http://www.ipiu.org/forums//images/newthread.gif button to post your introduction.

This is another link that will be of interest to you. You should add your computer information in this forum.

Click Here: Home Office, Computers, Satellite & Internet Tips (http://www.ipiu.org/forums//forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=34)

This link will help you get started.

Click Here: Newcomer? Do This First (www.ipiu.org/forums//showthread.php?s=&threadid=5008)

Have a wonderful, and safe holiday season. Take care. :)

[Tim Hentenaar]

Originally posted by B Ann Craig
Tim, thank you for all the great information. I would like to invite you to post an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself. This way other members can welcome you to the forum. I will give you the link. ;)


I have done so, though I'm not particularly good at introductions :P

My Intro (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=12897)





Originally posted by B Ann Craig
This is another link that will be of interest to you. You should add your computer information in this forum.

Click Here: Home Office, Computers, Satellite & Internet Tips (http://www.ipiu.org/forums//forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=34)

Have a wonderful, and safe holiday season. Take care. :)

I read a few topics there and replied. :P I just got laid off from my job, btw.

You too :)

[B Ann Craig]

Tim, this is a bad time to get laid off.:( I hope you get called back to work very soon. Thank goodness for unemployment. I hope you are getting to draw that, at least. ;)

Have a wonderful, and safe holiday week. Take care. :)

[Joyce C Dixon]

Hi Tim. I sure hope you are not laid off to long. I wish you all the luckgood luck and happy Holiday :)

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Originally posted by Tim Hentenaar

"Was kann ich tun weil ich bin gestorben?"


That means: (What can I do if I am already dead?)

You are... dead wrong Tim. Keep the head above water and swim towards the shore. You will certainly reach it.
God gave us the strength to perform this "swimming". We have only to remember that.

Dragos

P.S. According to my German souvenirs, your (uninspired) logo should sound better as: " Was kann ich tun weil ich gestorben bin?"... Am I right? ;)

[Alfonso Pelote]

This story really enforces the need for all of us that uses computers to ensure that we have the tools needed to at least limit a hackers ability to cause problems with our computer files.

Installing firewalls and anti-virus software can help to reduce an attack on our computers from worms like this gentleman has caused.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Alfonso,

When posting, was you inspired by "The bank robber gentleman"?
:confused: :D :)

[Raymond Fogle]

I just wanted to interject something in here if I could. I agree with everyone concerning the joyous feeling that people like this are tracked down and stopped. They would have so much more to offer society if they just thought critically about what they were doing before they did it.

However, Hacker is really a good term. Hackers, like previously mentioned actually gained the name hacker because they would "hack" software and see how it worked, make it better, and lots of times fix bugs prior to the vendor being able to do it.

Crackers, on the other hand tend to be the bad guys out there. Some "script kiddies" as they are called, who simply copy someone else's ideas and viruses as there own call themselves hackers and give the good hackers a bad name.

I am in no way condoning illegal activity and spend a great deal of my time combating it at work and at home on a daily basis in my current profession. However, I hate to see good "hackers" get a bad name for doing good things. One way to distinguish them is whether they wear a white hat or a black hat.

Search the Internet if you have time on hacking and you are sure to find some very interesting stuff concerning the good and bad of it all. I only wish I had more time between, school, studying to be a PI, work, and family. I would devote every waking moment to identifying, tracking, and sending in tips on these people who commit cyberspace crime at our expense.

Thanks.

[VictoriaTBrown]

Okay here we have a prime example of an intellegient teenager using his abilities to corrupt society. To many hackers out there this young boy is a hero. Think About It!!

[Jonathan J. DiBello]

Everyone's right! Lock that jerk up. He deserves to be locked up and caged. Hopfully, he'll make new "friends" in there if you know what I mean.

Thanks,

Jonathan J. DiBello

[Terence Mack]

I wish to also interject my opinion into this discussion. First of all this script kidde is hardly a genius of any sort. He was out to make a name for himself and instead of doing it anonomously he wasn't smart enough to cover his tracks.

I too am a laid off computer professional (AT&T Broadband Network Administrator). We were constantly on the lookout for malicious malcontents (hackers who wear the black hats). We needed to know most of the tricks of the trade or our network would have been toast!

We always strived to stay one step of the black hats, afterall we wore the White hats 8)). Understanding why hackers do what they do is a full time occupation. Education is the ultimate key. Go to the right sites and you can find all sorts of information. 8o
...and you can meet some of these characters.

One word of caution to those malcontents...We are out there educating ourselves everyday to do battle with the 'black hats'. Some of us know a lot more than you do so beware! When you least expect it...BUSTED!

Everyone Stay Safe! Keep your Antivirus software updated regularily and believe me run trojan nabbing software like Pest Patrol! It is amazing how many viruses get through Norton and McAfee!!! The trojans include keystroke loggers which can capture credit card numbers, social security numbers and the like as you type them on your computer. As a matter of fact backdoor trojans can take over your entire computer remotely!

Ok, I don't mean to alarm people (but do mean to educate)although there many things that go on on the dark side of the internet. Do what you can to protect yourself...and we'll keep doing what we can to protect the internet from itself!

[Michael Harris]

Originally posted by Diane Jarosz
What a total waste of a young gifted mind.
Diane,

I agree that his mind and talents are being wasted.

[Michael Harris]

Originally posted by Dragos Sfinteanu
There are definitely two groups here.
...The second (and smaller) group suggests that instead to be isolated , the "expert" could be recovered and used to catch other hackers (the quote of the couple Leonardo di Caprio - Tom Hanks from "Catch me if you can" is excellent in this respect). I am joining the second (and smaller) group: the guy is young and the essence of human nature is a good one...
Dragos,

Using him to catch other hacker is a noble goal. I like the reference - good movie.

[Dragos Sfinteanu]

Michael,

You are right. It is a noble goal, and at the same time, a
certain... revenge of the fate.

[Bridgett Brown]

Originally posted by Michael Harris

....the mind and talents are being wasted.

The young man is very talented. I'm thinking maybe he did this to make a name for himself or to prove to someone that he could do it.

Whatever the reason.... you do the crime; therefore, you must serve the time.

[Abraham King]

It seems as though this young mans technical prowess far exceeded his moral maturity, and with a generation that has the benefit of having access to computers at an early age but the lack of parental involvment I fear that we will see many more of his kind, with each one trying to outdo the last.



Abe King

[James L Parmenter -]

Obviously this talented, gifted young man had several resourses. Seven Computers? Most of us are lucky to have one or two. I agree that he should be punished in an appropriate way but i dont think prison is the answer. The damages sustained by his actions lead software companies and anti-virus programmers to beef-up their detectors and actually incorporate more bug-sniffing devices. Warnings were posted on most Internet sites stating not to open suspicious e-mails.....which would prevent the worm from becoming active on that computer....

[Patrice-Maria Love]

I remember the story well because I live in Minneapolis. The deterrant wasn't enough. He should have been jailed. I have learned not to open emails that I'm not expecting.
I hope he isn't allowed to get back on the computer by his parents. Instead, he should apply himself to further his education and get a full time job while abiding to his house arrest. I agree that he have too much idle time.

[Victoria S Kinney]

I agree this is a waste of a good mind. You could try to change him and he could play the system and turn right around and do it again. I saw some one made the comment that kids should spend time with their friend and play outside. Now a days it is not safe for kids to play outside .

[K Morse]

I'd have to admit I've gotten a lot of computer (repair) work from guys like this! I'd never wishi it on anyone, and now, as I've been infected myself through all the protection anyone could buy...it's a relief to know hackers are being prosecuted. Thanks for sharing this.
K

[Patti Schubert -]

I will never understand hackers nor tolerate them. I don't know how someone can intentionally infect someone elses computer and they haven't done anything to them. How visious to reach out to millions of people and hurt them for no reason. As far as I'm concerned, reason or not it is unacceptable.

:(

Patti

[Joanne DeHerrera]

This young man obviously has the knowledge and skills to get himself into trouble....but he is still young enough that possibly he could be directed in a more positive direction.

Hackers who use their skills to "break into" secure systems, searching for loopholes can help make computer networks more secure in the future.

I do think he should be punished, but I also think his skills should be directed to a more positive use.

Okay, maybe I'm a bit of a liberal ;)

I am a bit of a liberal as well. I am this way because I could not get into the F.B.I. because as a kid (18) and younger I did things I should not have done, but I am 36 now and since 18 + I have been an outstanding person morally and ethically.

If I could take all the dumb things I did as a kid back I would not – because I am today what I am because of my past mistakes.

My greatest joy life – my greatest achievement would have to at least have passed Quantico, but unfortunately I will never have that pleasure or honor.

I respect their ways and bi-laws, and I do believe everything happens for a reason, but I do not think that an 18 year old kid or younger (what they did) should not effect their adulthood, that of being over 18 years of age.

I know the F.B.I. attends and tries to recruit young hackers at their conventions; perhaps they will have mercy on this young man and give him a career that he can be proud to have. At least give him the opportunity to be a great man for the United States Government.

Joanne

[Kristie L McKinley]

Where were this boy's parents who missed seeing SEVEN computers? Did they never go into his room? If that was me, my Mom would have kicked my butt. :D
This worm caused a lot of problems where I work to the point where now if anyone is responsible for letting in a virus for a "dumb" reason (ie, opening e-mails from outside the company from people they don't know, etc.), they could very well possibly loose their job, AND be financially responsible for the damages caused by the virus. :eek:
Too bad draw-and-quartering is illegal.
Darn. ;)

[Katrina Burton Todd]

Yes, he should be locked up. I remember reading about his story. Computer hacking is very serious it can really do some damage across country if he hacks into the wrong information. It seems at 18 years old he should be putting his energy into something positive like getting a real job or going o college. What a waste.

Katrina

[Colleen L Hayes -]

[W O W

It's really unbelievable how many, many people think they are above the law or they are invinsible.

If the younger generation knew now what we know they would make wiser choices. I know if hindsight were foresight. I think they should make him work for them while he does his time and offer him a job when he gets out. That way they can keep an eye on him and put his wonderful skills to good use. :( :mad: :confused:

[Daniel Farnsworth]

Isolating a worm's code and modifying its behavior requires some skill, more than the typical script kiddie Ken Rohrer described at the Techie Night Out at his church. I've had some experience with hacking myself (nothing illegal), and am certainly familiar with the various aspects of the culture.

Some things about this case bother me. This kid faces a maximum of ten years in prison, yet rape (without a weapon) is looking at four years maximum (typical). While his variant did reach some circulation, it was just a variant. He wasn't the original author of the worm, whose version(s) did far more damage, and Parson's version only had a small piece of the attack. But "somebody has to go to prison" and go to prison he should (but not for ten years). I just hope it doesn't detract from finding the original authors. (As a side note, they may have been found... Filipino hackers, but I could be confusing that with another incident.)

Anyway, I think it would help if people didn't think of the workings of computers as voodoo so much. To a lot, hacking is tantamount to witchcraft in Salem, and they comprehend it about as much. I knew somebody back in high school who created an (obviously) false email address impersonating the school police officer in order to intimidate another student (a friend of mine). I gathered as much information as I could about the emails and then hopped on a telnet prompt. It was a simple matter of picking a random server and logging on anonymously on port 25 (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). There I specified the return address of a message to be this "officer's" supposed email address, made a fake header, wrote a message parodying the original perpetrator's email to my friend and then added a couple of paragraphs detailing the nature of the federal offense involved in impersonating somebody else, and signed, "Not Officer ____, or you." Then I sent it to her normal email address. Needless to say, she never tried something like that again, and in fact, completely changed her email address. (I didn't impersonate anybody, nor did I bypass any security measures on any servers, so I was safe legally.) Funny, she never knew it was me, and later had a crush on me. Heh. But the point is: it's not hard to do or learn about, there are very useful things that can be done with it, and if you take the time to educate yourself about it, it's not nearly so scary. Just this past month, I traced a hacker back to a Salt Lake City ISP. He sent a file with a virus in it to somebody at an email server that scanned for the virus, and sent it back to the return address, saying, "this file has been infected." Here's the thing, though, he had made MY address the return address. Nothing tricky, just a little clever. Too bad for him he didn't bother to fake his headers. :)

I hope this Parson kid learns his lesson that his skills would be better put to use on the other side of this battle, but I also hope people won't be too vindictive or angry over his dumb choices.

[Greg Ray]

hopefully this kid will get guidance to do some good in this world. This is what I feel was a BIG contributing factor to his downfall...no guidance.

A lot of times these bored kids will do stuff like this just to see if they can. After that it is just an addiction to see if they can top their last hack. Too many parents out there do not take an active role into what their children are doing on the internet. They just assume everybody out there is a good guy, and really..."how much trouble could my kid get into on the net." YIKES! More trouble than they realize. I am sure that is what this kids parents have realized now.

[Michael Harris]

Greg, et al,

I am in the middle of Ken Follett's Whiteout right now. One of the characters makes a comment that the only way to become good at computer security is to be a good hacker first. I fear that this might be truer than we would like to believe.

Hackers do so much harm to everyone that we need to punish them severely.

[Greg Ray]

Very True, Michael. I think there is A LOT of truth in that.

[Curtis Blodgett]

With the speed at which technology is growing and the age that we begin teaching out children about it gets younger and younger this kind of thing is going to become more and more common place. To paraphrase one of my favorite sayings "mankinds technology always exceeds it's humanity." It's always a question of when "not" to use your knowledge.

[Jan Conklin]

Again the question arises in my mind - with all of the technology out there that can easily give us virtually impenetrable security, why aren't folks using it?

I blame alot of the problem on Bill Gates' neverending Microsoft and its bullying the marketplace into using only MS programs. Using alternate software can be so much better, if people only knew.

Not to detract from the seriousness of the crime in any way; but the fact remains that it's much easier to avoid being burnt than to put out the fires and clean up the mess after being set afire.

It could be so much easier, with the proper amount of thought and use of diversified [yet compatible] software.

[Heavy sigh]

/Jan

[Cheyenne Wolf]

Very sad story his is. With just one look you know he was shunned and shut out, not welcomed by his peers. I know it sounds like so much psychobabble. But in this babble remains a point. As a former PI who is reembarking on this journey I would like to say one of the things that assisted me in the past was some basic understanding of some basic human behavioral patterns. Unfortunately for this manchild :( with little or no direction towards positive behavioral patterns and how to use his talents he more than likely used them for his personal gain alone. His revenge will certainly be short lived and he will more than likely be given plenty of time to think about it. I would also have to agree Bill Gates missed a person with talent. I doubt that Mr Gates sees it that way. Mostly I feel sorry for all involved including this manchilds family. He definitely should be prosecuted. Let the punishment fit the crime. :(

[Kenneth Owens -]

I think it is good to give him 10 years and a $250,000. fine. You want to set an example of what happens to criminals then hit them hard the first time and let them know laws are made for a reason. Parson asked for it when he broke the law.

[J Ginsberg -]

I'm sorry to see this individual was from Minnesota. I know this thread is old, but this "gentleman" I hope has been made an example of what should happen to individuals who cause this type of disruption. I also hope he's so not enjoying his stay at the "Greybar Hotel." (Sorry to be so vindictive, but these persons **** me off.)

[Ashley Mayne--]

I'm sorry to see this individual was from Minnesota. I know this thread is old, but this "gentleman" I hope has been made an example of what should happen to individuals who cause this type of disruption. I also hope he's so not enjoying his stay at the "Greybar Hotel." (Sorry to be so vindictive, but these persons **** me off.)


Hey, I agree with you Johnny. It really makes you wonder what goes through these fools heads.
Greybar Hotel? Hahaha. These people also **** me off.

[Alan J Krutz -]

all i can say is HOLY COW..!....he should have used his knowledge for the good...but being young and naive....look where that gets ya...!

[J Ginsberg -]

Did anybody bother to publish an update? I found out he was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a community service obligation of 225 with 75 hours done each year. And this was back in 2004 or 2005. He got the easy break since he was 18 years of age, had a history of mental illness, and was unsupervised by his parents. I won't assess if this was a fair sentence in my book or not, since that's for the general community to decide. I just thought I would let you all know what I found out.