RE: Teenager cleared of hacking - Off Topic?

[John.Airey () rnib org uk]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jonathan A. Zdziarski
> To: Randal L. Schwartz
> Cc: John.Airey () rnib org uk; full-disclosure () lists netsys com
> Sent: 17/10/03 18:12
> Subject: Re: [Full-disclosure] Teenager cleared of hacking - Off Topic?
>
> > John>  I have to wonder how many companies do deals to employ hackers
> > John> (like the movie "Catch me if you can").
> >
> > I know at least one company that doesn't.
>
> There's a big difference between hiring a hacker to do a specific job,
> and hiring someone then finding out he's hacking.  I guess it also
> depends on whether you are defining a 'hacker' as a criminal hacker or
> expanding it to include professionals.  Based on what I read at the URL
> you provided, I would be very surprised if Intel hired a rogue criminal
> hacker to test their security, but I can certainly see companies like
> Intel hiring professional white-hat hackers or possibly x-"hackers" who
> have learned their lesson to do the job.

I should have said "criminal hacker" to make it more clear. Of course, you
have raised the issue of trust which is something for everyone to think
about. How much more trustworthy is an employee who doesn't have a criminal
record than one who doesn't? What if the only difference between them is
that one hasn't been caught? Also, how can you tell if someone is really
reformed? Can you examine their heart?

At this point I get back on-topic. You can have all the security you wish,
but if the people you employ can't be trusted, you're in a mess. I've heard
of many security companies whose security guards run away with security vans
and the money.

John

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