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View Full Version : Computer hackers hauled in by the homeland boys



Donzigo
02-02-2005, 12:32 AM
My friend's wife runs a computer service data center in Los Angeles. Most of the workers are very young bright minded kids of 17 to 22 years of age. Here's the deal. I didn't know this; but, movie theaters don't get reels of film anymore. They have a password and go into the Sony, MGM, etc. website and download movies to show in the theater. Ok, so four of her workers hack into the Sony website and they are copying movies and selling them to their friends on the side. The FBI & homeland security boys walk in one day and say to my friend's wife: "Ms, are you a part of this thing along with your employees?" She says: "Huh? What thing?". These guys have IP addresses, etc, walk over the room and take four out in handcuffs. They are awaiting trial on some sort of Federal charges of breaching homeland security. Didn't know that kind of hacking could be done, didn't know the "Federalies" were that serious about stuff like this. Teenagers in hand cuffs, mind you........and she'll have fun. fun, fun, till her daddy takes her T-Bird away.........guess the fun's over, huh?

Fish boy
02-02-2005, 07:11 AM
Not sure what the homeland fellas have to do with this unless they suspect they did more than pirate some movies, but will hold them on this charge (or release and hold this charge over them) until they can get one to crack and tell on the others.

if it is on a server somewhere, it is possible that someone out there can hack in and get it- the same as if you have valuables, someone out there is capable of breaking in and getting it even if it is in the safe. Possible, but not necessarily probable. The more valuable and less security you have, the more likely you may become a victim. Besides, "hacking" could also include one of them finding out the password from a relative who who works for Sony, MGM... and just helping themselves- not as cool, but still hacking.

Donzigo
02-02-2005, 08:01 AM
That was pretty much my take, as well, Fish, didn't seem to land within the realm of homeland security issues. This company does computer website maintenance for many customers, including banks, corporations, and yes, even some porn sites. Hey, it's all about business & money. Still can't connect homeland secuirty to it, though. Thanks for the comments.

TuxedoPk
02-02-2005, 08:12 AM
Well I'll sleep better tonight knowing that we are still going to be under the right homeland security 'color' :)

I'm really excited about all of the new computerized home appliances that are being developed these days. It won't be long before someone hacks into your home refridge and defrosts and refreezes your meat while you are at work.

You don't need to wear a diaper on your head to think like a terrorist :shocking:

mattyboy
02-02-2005, 10:59 AM
doesn't surprise me at all, who knows who they sold these copies to, it could be used has a money making scheme for an unfriendly organazation( with out the hackers knowing) I also think cyber terrorism is a key issue for the GOV. if they hacked one system who knows what other systems they comprimized?? It could also be a scare tatic by big corp America who has the money and pull to have the gov act has their bulldog to stop piracy of their products and profit.

Tom Davis
02-02-2005, 12:00 PM
The FBI has jurisdiction over the movie pirating thing, just look at the notice when you begin any vhs or dvd. They take it very seriously, a friend of mine worked in the video movie supply business to the hotel industry (prior to digital) and when anything was missing from the first run (still in theaters) movies and they were found it in "shady distribution" the FBI would show up on there doorstep. Not sure of the current connection with "Homeland Security" the interdepartmental relationships are grey areas at best. Just my .02

Tom Davis
Winni Bandits

txtaz
02-02-2005, 02:21 PM
I agree it doesn't belong to homeland security, but remember they are a new organization and most likely looking to justify the existance in any way possible. Plus digital video piracy is the newest buzz word these days.
Fish is right, anything digital can be hacked, and it's not that hard. It's actually easier though to share with others than hack it yourself. The inside employee who had the password was the key, remember the Chase employee that sold 20 million ssn's? Glad I don't bank there.
Wes
"Is summer here yet?"

TMANN
02-04-2005, 11:19 AM
Wes you are correct.
All good hackers are also social hackers. That’s what separates them from the others. Some are smart but some are smart and socially capable of getting your info without even touching your computers. Those are the ones that get things done.

TMANN

txtaz
02-04-2005, 11:37 PM
I hear you TMANN, Invest in a good shredder.
Wes
P.S. Just got the new home alarm system up and running today.