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Adrian Lamo
I was just watching TechTV and the hacker wanted for hacking Excite@Home, Yahoo, Blogger, and several other large companies, Adrian Lamo, called in and announced his intentions to turn himself in to authorities. Lamo (an unfortunate name for someone in this line of work) reportedly exposed only blatant security flaws, often using nothing but a normal web browser, never even hiding who he was or what he was doing from his supposed 'victims', this is the reason he has avoided prosecution till now. As a matter of fact, many of the companies Lamo hacked have thanked him for his efforts. Lamo says he wanted to wait to turn himself in while he consulted a lawyer and heard the charges against him.
http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/s...517538,00.html
NOTE: the call on the article linked is not the one i'm referring to, this article refers to the first call a few days ago, the call i'm talking about was just made today, live on the air.
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Sounds like this guy wasn't in it for the glory. I hope that the fact that he didn't do permanent damage helps out with his sentence.
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I've been following his story pretty closely. He's done some really positive things with his knowledge, and though his intrusions were illegal, he did only positive things with the info (that we know about, anyway). I, too was watching TSS, and was very impressed with his attitude towards his plight, and with his willingness to accept the punishment. He's definitely well spoken, and has a substantial intellect as evidenced by his "hacks." I hope that the charges (which haven't been made clear, even to him) are not too extreme.
Viva Lamo!
Corn
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I read here else that he's homeless. literally, look: http://www.wired.com/news/infostruct...,50811,00.html
The article also contains some criticism of his simplistic hacking methods, but I think what speaks more of him as a person is what he did with them, how many administrators cosider an employee web proxy a security threat? Ask any system administrator and he'll tell you: the simplest hacks are usually the most destructive. These sysadmins are lucky it was Adrian and not one of their competitors.
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It'll make a good made for TV movie or after school special. Other than that, I can see where people sympathize with him. He's homeless and willing to take the rap. I do not see where the glory is though. I do not see this guy trying to get noteriety, but the press and people will make him a "hero." He's no hero no matter what situation he's in. Nor or the companies who lack in security measures. Look at it this way. If somebody can gain access in open proxy in less than 2 mins. needs to do a re-evaluation of their policies, update them or hire somebody that 1/2 way knows what they are doing.
Also, I do not see where prison will reform him... he will have three square meals and a roof over his head. The streets are just as mean as prison if not meaner. On the streets you have no food or shelter.
NY Times are wasting their time.
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I don't believe that he's been "homeless" recently. He's been living with his mom. I had read this somewhere, and am trying to find where I read that. The above article linked is over a year old.
Squatting for a while is different than being homeless, and we all know that tech changes much too quickly to be able to maintain a high level of proficiency without access to current tech. I'd be fairly willing to bet that he was not homeless for long.
(I could be wrong, like I said, I'm trying to find the article where I read that. Please avoid flaming if you find info proving me incorrect, like I said, I'm trying to find the article.)
Corn
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Sure enough he turned himself in yesterday...
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--A federal judge ordered Adrian Lamo released to his parents Tuesday afternoon, but barred the hacker from using computers, and ordered him to obtain full-time employment pending trial.
http://theregister.co.uk/content/55/32747.html
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Yeah, like he is going to be able to find a full time job with an employer who (1) doesn't use computers, (2) is willing to hire someone who is being charged with a federal crime, and (3) who will likely be incarcerated for many years in a very short time.
Methinks the inmates are running the asylum.
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Actually, it will probably not be inordinately difficult for him to find a job in the computer field should he be interested in obtaining one. Individuals with particularly extensive expertise in computer security are few and far between and many companies would be more than willing to overlook a criminal record in hiring him. Lamo is also a special case when it comes to his criminal record. He has always helped the companies he has hacked to secure their systems. He has not used his exploits for personal gain nor has he caused damage through them. As a security consultant he could probably make an attractive salary without any difficulty.
PS: (to drunk on duval) there is already an independent film in the works tha is based on his life and exploits.
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Quote:
Originally posted here by Drunk On Duvel
Also, I do not see where prison will reform him... he will have three square meals and a roof over his head. The streets are just as mean as prison if not meaner. On the streets you have no food or shelter.
Bubba the 300 pound rapist will get to him. That would reform anyone... ;)
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finding a job will be no problem, the companies that thanked him for helping their network security befor will probably fight over him now. the computer usage may be a problem, but he could always be a consultant or teacher of some sort.
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He was more of a "nomad" according to stories I have read. He stayed with friends and his parents sort of traveling around with his laptop and clothing. I don't think he was really poor or homeless, just unemployed and bumming around just like someone might do in Europe.
www.securityfocus.com has been following his story and has a lot of info.
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I had read about Adrian Lamo when he walked into I think the WorldCom or was it Exite office and told the system admins how to do their job...for me I think he is a role model..for all his knowledge he has not once attempted to make money of it...I think he was just unluck to get caught before he could walk in the Times office and tell the system admins how to put things right he was caught...I think we at AO should stand up and campaign for him
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Quote:
Originally posted here by Drunk On Duvel
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Also, I do not see where prison will reform him... he will have three square meals and a roof over his head. The streets are just as mean as prison if not meaner. On the streets you have no food or shelter.
NY Times are wasting their time.
It will not reform him, todays prison will do nothing more than help him become a better criminal. But you make it sound as if it is a country club, 3 square meals and a roof do not mean much, most homeless people do not get this and they would much rather have freedom. Also Im not sure what streets your talking about but prison has the worst of the worst, everyday there is real potential for him to be killed for 'disrepecting' someone.
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I think the NY Times should drop all charges against him. What he was doing was helping companies not out to destroy them. I am sure the other companies will give him a job if they don't then they are losing out on a honest hacker.
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See, this is what I dont get. Why do people like Adrian have to look at prison time while a professional sports star can kill someone and walk? It doesn't make sense to me.
