Penetration Testing mailing list archives
RE: [Fwd: Re: Pentester convicted..]
From: "Alex Moen" <alexm () ndtel com>
Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 11:48:08 -0500
My (novice) 2 cents, probably only worth 1 cent... I think Stuart has cut to the core of this discussion. Unauthorized access is the main point. Ethics and logic point to a mistake being made by the "pentester" in this case. As with any other skill or talent that any person has or learns, the knowledge must be tempered with logic and a sense of ethics to "do what's right". Tripping over a problem is different from SEARCHING for a problem. Even though a person with a very high skill set intuits a problem with something, it does not give them license to probe even shallowly to prove the existence of the problem. In this case, I would think that if a problem is intuited, it should be reported to the owner without proof. If nothing is ever done, at least your conscience is clear, and if you are affected by the problem, then other avenues should be explored to fix the problem or remove yourself from harm's way. Good samaritan-ship should not extend to using force, which in my mind can and should be defined as anything a layman or untrained person can not do. Just because you can, does NOT mean you should. Especially when not asked. Alex -----Original Message----- From: Stuart Thomas [mailto:stuartpaulthomas () gmail com] Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 3:51 PM To: pen-test () securityfocus com Subject: [Fwd: Re: Pentester convicted..] There are some interesting debates developing here! :-) I would argue the main point in this case is - unauthorised access - No matter how much good will is arguably present (think about the Daniel Cuthbert <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/06/tsunami_hacker_convicted/> case in terms of the same defense) you have gained unauthorised access. As ethical IT security experts, with all our knowledge, skill and esoteric talent, we do not have a right to gain unauthorised access. I hate to agree with Craig Wright (as I believe his comments on this list to be too acidic and un-supportive to the novice - although his frustration is completely understandable) however computer misuse legislation across the world carries a golden thread, you must have permission to access a computer system. It is frustrating to observe the naivety and yet arguably the good will of these individuals who are sentenced to a jail terms (each case on it's own merits/demerits of course). I think generally the professional community is evolving through professionals bodies, and doing a good job. However I believe it is important to maintain the distinction between the professionals who follow a code of ethics and maintain good morals and practices, with those that are not and do not. As ever the balance between liberty, freedom of speech, and suppression by the state/corporate entities is ever present as we walk through life. Interesting times. Stu ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- This List Sponsored by: Cenzic Concerned about Web Application Security? Why not go with the #1 solution - Cenzic, the only one to win the Analyst's Choice Award from eWeek. As attacks through web applications continue to rise, you need to proactively protect your applications from hackers. Cenzic has the most comprehensive solutions to meet your application security penetration testing and vulnerability management needs. You have an option to go with a managed service (Cenzic ClickToSecure) or an enterprise software (Cenzic Hailstorm). Download FREE whitepaper on how a managed service can help you: http://www.cenzic.com/news_events/wpappsec.php And, now for a limited time we can do a FREE audit for you to confirm your results from other product. Contact us at request () cenzic com for details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This List Sponsored by: Cenzic Concerned about Web Application Security? Why not go with the #1 solution - Cenzic, the only one to win the Analyst's Choice Award from eWeek. As attacks through web applications continue to rise, you need to proactively protect your applications from hackers. Cenzic has the most comprehensive solutions to meet your application security penetration testing and vulnerability management needs. You have an option to go with a managed service (Cenzic ClickToSecure) or an enterprise software (Cenzic Hailstorm). Download FREE whitepaper on how a managed service can help you: http://www.cenzic.com/news_events/wpappsec.php And, now for a limited time we can do a FREE audit for you to confirm your results from other product. Contact us at request () cenzic com for details. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current thread:
- [Fwd: Re: Pentester convicted..] William Hancock (May 11)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- Re: [Fwd: Re: Pentester convicted..] Travis Williams (May 11)
- [Fwd: Re: Pentester convicted..] Stuart Thomas (May 12)
- RE: [Fwd: Re: Pentester convicted..] Alex Moen (May 12)