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28 Feb 2007
A poll conducted by security firm Sophos has revealed strong objections to hacking into the computers of suspected child abusers.
The poll was prompted by the sentencing of 66 year-old former judge Ronald C Kline on evidence obtained by hackers.
Canadian hacker Brad Willman installed a Trojan in a file claiming to contain child pornography and then broke into PCs looking for evidence.
The survey found that 64 per cent of respondents thought that it was not suitable to hack a computer, even if there was a suspicion that the owner was involved in child abuse.
"Not only is vigilante hacking illegal, it can seriously compromise a police investigation. For instance, a suspect could argue that the hacker had planted the illegal material on their PC," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.
"Authorities investigating potential suspects may even fall victim to cyber-attacks themselves as they download evidence from sites such as the one targeted by Willman."
Kline was sentenced to 27 months after being convicted.
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Do you agree?
If it was your kid...
A place I used to work at had a lady working there who was very worried about her 12 year old daughter, she had been being very secretive and suspicious on her PC and so the mum checked her email... there was talk of a sexual nature by someone claiming to be a 14 year old boy... Was this grooming??... Well, my mate who also worked with us is a pretty nifty hacker, so he asked for the email address of the 14 yr old boy, with that he hacked into his PC, found that he was a 21 yr old man, he screenshotted him going into chat rooms and talking to young girls, asking them for pictures, etc... wonder where this could have lead for some young girl in the future?? Anyway, my friend put all his details and dodgy data onto a disc and gave it to the mum who handed it to the police.... other than my friend then printing out a "Gotcha you sick f**k" message on the guys printer that's the last anyone heard of it. If that was your daughter, would you still have a problem with my friend doing that? Would you still think it unethical... for all we know, he might have saved some young girls life!
Posted by: Steve 20 Mar 2009
unhelpful article
yes hack child abusers pcs thats good, but how many were in this survey sating 64% thought it bad to hack abusers pcs? come on vnu this is sloppy work, i guess the 64% also view dodgy material
Posted by: D c so 01 Mar 2007
Shoot the messenger
RE: D c The survey speaks for itself. You may not agree with the 64% who say that it's wrong for vigilante hackers to break in on computers for suspected child molesters. Do you also feel that the government is allowed to lock up suspected terrorists without any judicial oversight and without a trail? Clearly the Superior Court in the US disagreed with the Bush administration on that one. Nobody is saying that hacking a computer for a suspected criminal is out of the question at all times. But having random individuals play for judge, jury and executioner is an insult to our legal system. Every person is entitled to his or her opinion. But don't start crying when the majority disagrees with you.
Posted by: Pete r 01 Mar 2007