[AmericanInTokyo]

Although this was not done in this case, I think it raises the standard question as to whether an experienced hacker could get into FR files and find the exact indentities of certain posters (i.e. their DNS numbers, or e mails or actual names) based on information provided when we sign up to receive our monikers and posting rights. This may have been addressed in the past, but some are probably still wondering.

[TommyDale]

Regardless of precautions that websites use to protect their participants, anyone with the proper equipment (Protocol Analyzer) can capture the traffic on a specific IP address, trace it to its origin, then do a search and locate that person. If anyone wants to catch you, and they have the proper resources, they can.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Good point. I wonder if they were as diligent at seeking the identity of Ra^ther's document source. I doubt it.

[xkaydet65]

I think someone who wanted to discover the identity of a particular Freeper and had the resources of a major daily could find out. I know I've posted enough personal stuff that could be used to backtrack me to my real identity. So I don't believe the LAT's discovery of Buckhead was the work of a hacker, but of a curious newspaper reporter.

Unfortunately if the MSM put half the effort into things like the Rather Forgeries or the Swiftboat charges there would have been no need for Buckhead or anyone else to out the forgeries. And the fact that LAT spent time trying to discover Buchead's identity and NOT trying to find who forged and distributed the memos shows why Buckhead, Bloggers, and especially Free Republic are desparately needed.

[johnny7]

They(hacker's) already have. I caught one instance of this 2 weeks ago while posting and article.

The 'Topics' screen was filled with nonsensical drivel.