New User Information Request

Hi Everyone,

I'm writing this message in this forum since I don't really know where else to put it!! Anyway on with my request.

I'm currently studying at University in England and am researching for my dissertation which is concentrating on company security and hacking and its threat (if any, and to what degree) to organisations. As a result I thought I would try some web sites and message boards to see if I could gain some first hand information. I'm not very technology gifted (ie. crap with computers!!!) and the reason for choosing this topic is purely interest and fascination with the topic area.

Therefore, I would be interested in sending out questionnaires to members of AntiOnline. The types of questions will be based on your personal definition of hacking, other types of hacking/cracking and what they relate to, views of hacking (ie is it 'ethical' and doing companies a favour by improving security), what is considered 'OK' (just looking around, for example) and any first hand experiences etc. What I am really after is your honest opinions about the subject.

I haven't finalised the questions just yet and therefore just want to see if people are willing to participate. I don't want to be taking up too much of your time but if anyone is interested in helping out then please e-mail me at [email protected] or pm back.

If I do hear from you, I will get back in touch and let you know more.

Thanks in advance,

twocolours

My views on "what is a hacker?"
http://www.antionline.com/showthread...hreadid=253365

There is an awful lot of snooping for Hacker Knowledge going on. If this is for publication, you know we are going to be classified as Skript Kiddies, because the only ones that are so eager to answer these questions are little kiddies that are eager to be heard.

We had a guy from our home-town paper come to a 2600 meeting and ask us questions. It was so funny because all of the members refused with the reasoning "They are only going to print what they want to hear and not the fact of the matter". After that you see 3 members ages 14 - 17 who have not been members of our club for over three months take off and talk to this guy. From the questions they asked, they knew nothing. Just imagine what they told this guy.

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There is an awful lot of snooping for Hacker Knowledge going on. If this is for publication, you know we are going to be classified as Skript Kiddies, because the only ones that are so eager to answer these questions are little kiddies that are eager to be heard.

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I agree with that somewhat...

I'm willing to answer some survey questions... but I don't consider myself a "hacker" or a "script kiddie"... I just really like computers and have a huge interest in computer security...

But you do bring the good point about the kids who "know nothing" doing an interview for the reporter. Hopefully the reporter had some common sense and realized that the kids didn't know what they are talking about.... but most of the time, thats not the case.

Twocolours huh?.....Newcastle huh?..............black and white (vertical stripes)...........as a further piece of research, would you try wearing a red and white jersey and touring the pubs of West Jesmond :D

For our "overseas viewers"...........black and white are Newcastle United and red and white are Sunderland.............very fierce local rival, soccer teams !!!

Seriously folks, please consider helping this young chap.

I think that he has made a very good start, as there are people on this site from all over the World, so his work will have depth, internationality, and "local colour"? Also, we have up to the minute information which will not be found in books, magazines, or on google?

I guess that he is asking for some support from the guys in the front line? Our opinions, and our experiences. We have all seen press reports?.a lot of distortion I am afraid.

And he didn't ask how to hack his girlfriend's hotmail account?

Drew, PM me and I will help as best I can.

Cheers

EDIT:

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concentrating on company security and hacking and its threat (if any, and to what degree) to organisations

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I think that the request is for information from the "convoy & escort side" not the "submarine Wolfpack"

I would be more than happy to help. I think it is a good initiative on your part. Of course I will most probably refuse to answer any question of the type "What is the administrator password for you domain" :D Send me a PM when you are ready and I will see what I can do.

Hopefully twocolours will be able to filter out the kiddies who volunteer information (anyone who refers to themselves as 31337 should be a good clue...)

Personally, if I was to do some research on this topic. I would filter through individuals by asking what contributions have you made to the community, Has any of your work been presented or published, which organizations do you primarily deal with, and do you have any sources in which you can reveal to back the information your are giving me.

Now, questions like this would freak out any Black Hat, confuse the shingles out of a Skript Kiddies and lead you to some very open Hackers/Security Professionals that are known in the community as a solid provider of information and has performed the research to back their statements.

You should never take anything anyone says without being able to have sources to back up the information.

Good luck on your search and if I may, I would suggest talking with the guys from BinRev Radio (www.binrev.com) and RFA (www.oldskoolphreek.com) and any of the individuals here with a solid contribution to the tutorial sections.

twocolors
do you have any idea how to get all that info?

May I sugest some ways?

• Search forums for info you need. I think that you can find a lot of stories in there
• Make a .doc/.txt/.rtf file with questions... surwey or something
• "Bother" people who aready posted here with PMs ;)

Don't espect that you will get info easy.. so you have to ask, ask, ask... I hope you will ask right people...

PM me if you need help. I won't be able to help you as much as could more experienced person, but I'll try my best.

Just to clear something up: In my last post I said keep an eye out for individuals who contribute greatly to the tutorials. They are not the only sources, but I had made that comment stating you can easily use their material to back up the information they provide. I have to admit, there are some very knowledgable people here that have NEVER posted a tutorial.

To everyone above, thanks for all the input you have posted so far, it has given me much to think about. I agree that much of what is published has a negative stance and not everyone wants to be tarnished with the same brush, and this is a major reason as to why I want your views, experiences and knowledge of the subject area.

I've got loads of journals written in the past 12 months but I want to include actual peoples views and opinions from those who have hacked/been hacked instead of getting brain washed by some trumped up reporter thinking he knows everything about computers because he can use office applications!!!

Info Tech Geek, I take your views on board and will definitely try and filter out the script kiddies and I suppose this is why I'm asking people to help out so I can get an overall view. I guess the more people who are willing to offer info, the greater the significance of this part of the study, but then again I can't force people to help out so it is a little bit of luck as to who does!!

Once again, cheers for all the info and I'll be getting in touch with you all in the near future to pester you for more info.

All the Best,

Drew.

P.S Nihil - I can't imagine walking into Osbornes wearing a Sunderland shirt and actually coming out alive. Think I would be bludgeoned by Newcastle Brown Ale and thrown in the Tyne!! And the fact that I support Everton (Its the BETTER team in Liverpool for anyone who doesn't follow english footy) means it will never happen (not that i wear my everton shirt to the pub either ;) cos it would probably end up with the same result!!)