Worse Than Death(Death Penalty For Hackers?)

NY Times ^ | July 12, 2005 | JOHN TIERNEY

[adam_az]

The punishment should fit the crime.

Define hacking.

It's not this simple, folks.

[xmm0]

However, would you blame the gun manufacturer if your gun blows up in your hand? That's what MS is doing.

[muir_redwoods]

They should be flogged to death naked with a barbed-wire whip while being hosed down with vinegar.

But then I'm a moderate.

[GOPJ]

There's lots of people in the world. We don't need this guy and we don't need child rapists.
But, the death penalty the first time for spreading a virus is too much. First time put him in prison for a few years. Take away everything he owns to pay for the damage he's done, then if he still doesn't "get it"... Nah, the death penalty should be saved for the worst of the worst -- killers, child rapists, and people who molest children.

[staytrue]

If that's true, we must blame the hackers, not Microsoft; regardless of how easy Microsoft made it to pull the trigger, it's still the hacker who did it.

You don't let children play with loaded guns or have access to the car before they are ready.

[xmm0]

I am suprised by FReepers reaction to a program wrote by a 15-year old boy. This guy writes a program that takes advantage of a flaw programmed by Microsoft and now you want death. Pardon me, but I'd rather drop MS (and I have) and go to something a bit more secure.

But, this was all just a prank gone out of control. Even "the Woz" (co-founder of Apple Computer) was known for doing such things as rewiring his highschool bells to go off at every other minute. This kid just happens to have a better hold on technology than most of you do. Imagine, this guy could potentially go on to do some great things.

I'd liken this situation to a security company providing a single code to bypass all of their mechanisms and then not fixing this inherent flaw and just hoping no one finds out. If I were to fall victim to this, I'd sure be mad at the perp, but I'd also be all over the company that put me at risk when it was their responsibility to protect me. I sure wouldn't stick with this company. However, I am sure most of you FReepers are still with MS just hoping another flaw doesn't get discovered.

[trebb]

I'm not so moderate - replace the vinegar with tobasco...

[Gaffer]

These 'hackers' are playing with the facts, $$$, and information of OUR lives....if they're caught misusing the information (i.e., STEALING, ROBBBING, or CORRUPTING someone's life's history of information) they should lose their life..plain and simple...

[Gaffer]

These 'hackers' are playing with the facts, $$$, and information of OUR lives....if they're caught misusing the information (i.e., STEALING, ROBBBING, or CORRUPTING someone's life's history of information) they should lose their life..plain and simple...

[Vicki]

Yes I see you agree with me. They should get death.

[anti-ignorance]

Microsoft continues to be protected by microsoft users. This is complete bullshit. Someone wants this computer hacker to face worse punnishment? That's bullshit. Do people even realize that it is the fault of the product manufacture to allow the access of a computer worm, such as the sasser. If people would stop thinking they are using a system (microsoft) that is secure, this would be understandable. What the sasser writer did wasn't wrong at all. It's microsoft's fault because they never care to perfect their software, they only care to release it, or "get it done".
As for the sasser writer, think of what he did as a wake up call. Do you realize that recent terrorist attacks on American Soil are far from what should be expected in the future? One can imagine, if the terrorists are smart, to attack the digital soil america possesses. In fact, i read some article that pointed out that the Talliban was "breeding" computer hackers for the next generation of "terrorist attacks." Also, people should keep in mind what influence computers have on their everyday life.
My father, for instance, hates computers. I can understand why, because he has no choice but to accept the fact that everything and anything is done with a computer "now-a-days." The water you drink, the power you turn on is all controlled by networked computers. Realize that, and then realize my previous statement about Microsoft's laziness.
If there are microsoft developers out there simply putting in the wrong code, who knows what systems out there are using it, and to what extent they are protecting and controlling our everyday lives. I hold Microsoft accountable for every computer problem (worms, viruses, etc.) because they are not taking the necessary precautions to protect every user.

[Darksheare]

For your handles statement, you sure show a lot of it yourself.
But hey, we know that you aren't here for any conservative ideals anyway.

"Do you realize that recent terrorist attacks on American Soil are far from what should be expected in the future? One can imagine, if the terrorists are smart, to attack the digital soil america possesses."

Actually, the people who COULD do something about digital attacks on the US are way ahead of you, BUT the LIBERALS and certain hate America first types insist on insane crap such as terrorists rights to such things as gourmet meals while pushing for invasive garbage to keep ordinary citizens in line.
In other words, the Libs want to give the enemy more rights and freedom than you enjoy.


"I hold Microsoft accountable for every computer problem (worms, viruses, etc.) because they are not taking the necessary precautions to protect every user."

So we should hold Ford, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn, and automakers in general because they aren't doing enough to protect all users from drunk drivers?
Same flawed logic and premise.
Difference is, you expect us to swallow your flawgic on it, I do not.


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