The Haus

Friday, September 28, 2001

Be Careful What You Read -- 10:14 am CST, Update by A.T. Hun

Last month Slashdot posted a story about an Oklahoma ISP tech named Brian West who was supposedly arrested for informing a competing ISP about a security flaw in their system. The Slashdot community naturally broke out its usual anti-government rhetoric and sent many flame mails to the prosecutor. Well, there was a follow-up this week where it appears that Mr. West was not as cherubic as he was portrayed. Here's the real scoop from the trial press release. Here's a taste:
WEST penetrated a security hole in the website of the Poteau Daily News and Sun, employed a user ID and password, and downloaded computer files of value. WEST reported to the newspaper editor that he had penetrated the website, accessed the site using a username and password, and downloaded several files. West told the newspaper editor that his intrusion accidental. The website owner reported the unauthorized access to law enforcement authorities.

Pursuant to an application for search warrant, a United States Magistrate-Judge ordered a search of WEST's employer's place of business. Files which WEST had downloaded from the website were found on WEST's laptop. A copy of the search warrant was left with WEST's employer as provided by law. WEST was not arrested nor charged at the time. Subsequent investigation revealed that WEST had downloaded the computer files, was in the process of rewriting the files, and intended to market the revised software program.
So he wasn't a "white hat" hacker after all, he was a common thief. Wired has more information too.

News for 09/28/2001

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