Hacker mailing list goes corporate

[InfoSec News <isn () C4I ORG>]

http://www.msnbc.com/news/459092.asp#BODY

[Heh, Offers anyone?  -WK]

Russ Coopers popular NTBugTraq sold to ICSA.net

By Bob Sullivan
MSNBC

Sept. 19 One of the most prominent gathering places for hackers and
security experts has been acquired. Russ Cooper, moderator of the
popular e-mail list NTBugTraq, is selling the list to ICSA.net.
Cooper, who will stay on as moderator, says the sale will let him
broaden the lists focus to attract some attention from average
computer users. Its always been my goal to get to the moms and pops
out there, he said.

LONG BEFORE SERIOUS computer security flaws and viruses make headlines
in mass media, they are discussed on one of two expert e-mail lists
BugTraq or NTBugTraq. In fact, most computer hackers use those lists
to publish their exploits to the world. The lists offer the best of
both worlds anonymity and a chance at recognition from like-minded
peers.

For security professionals who subscribe, the lists serve as a kind of
emergency warning system.

Cooper announced the sale to the 32,000 avid readers on his list
Tuesday. While NTBugTraq currently focuses on Microsofts corporate
operating systems, Windows NT and Windows 2000, Cooper said he would
now expand it to include Windows 95 and Windows 98 concerns.

For some time now my goal has been to have the opportunity to raise
the level of overall awareness with the average person regarding
computer security, he said.

While corporations are important, we cannot forget the threats posed
to home users...and the threats they can pose to corporations.

ICSA.net CEO Adam Joseph said he understands Cooper has spent a lot of
time and effort building trust with the computer hackers and the
software vendors who participate in the lists, and he pledged not to
do anything that would undermine that trust.

Of primary importance is the fact that Russ will remain effectively
the moderator and owner of NTBugTraq, Joseph said. And he will remain
involved to make sure we dont screw it up.

Cooper said he has a four-year employment agreement with ICSA.net and
will take on the title of Surgeon General to reflect his expanded
roles as spokesperson to home computer users.

He told his subscribers that the general function of the mailing list
would not change, but with the added resources of ICSAs test computer
labs, the information he posted to the list would be more timely and
accurate.

I have more money behind the whole exercise now, he said. He would not
discuss terms of the deal, other than to say he received some payment
in the acquisition. The cash amount wasnt an incredible amount but it
made me happy.

ICSA.net, which offers security consultant and research data on the
effectiveness of antivirus products, said it was attracted to
NTBugTraq by the forums 32,000 participants and the inside information
they often provide

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