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Comments
71% Say Extradition Of UFO Hacker Gary McKinnon Is Wrong
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RetiredUser
50%
50%
RetiredUser,
 User Rank: Ninja
6/20/2014 | 12:13:04 AM
UFO Hacking
I stumbled upon this while researching a recent UFO sighting.  A side of me not everyone is aware of is my fascination with UFOs and the search for extraterrestrial life.  Honestly, while I appreciate the inspiration that drove Gary to do what he did, his talents would better have been served contributing to projects like [email protected] or any number of excellent software projects out there aiding in serious research.  He could have aided groups like MUFON (on the other end of the spectrum) legally research past UFO sightings and cover-ups.

It's a good lesson.  His long battle was unnecessary and sad, but also a deterrent to others who have non-criminal intent, but whose curiosity drives them to commit a crime as a result of it.  From my perspective, I can't believe it didn't take a matter of six months to identify Gary as not a threat, or a potential repeat offender, and simply have let him off on parole.  Such a sad incident and an example of how we are nowhere near where we need to be in terms of educating the government and the public regarding this cyber world we live in, and how far the government is from writing laws and punishment that fit the cyber crime.
theb0x
100%
0%
theb0x,
 User Rank: Ninja
6/20/2014 | 7:51:03 AM
Re: UFO Hacking
I also am also fascinated with UFOs as I live in a very high activity area. The law certainly makes a point of setting an example. All Gary McKinnon did was exploit null sessions using RemoteAnywhere to gain access to the unprototected systems. I think the estimated damage accused is a lot higher than what was actually done.

The infamous Kevin Mitnick served about 9 months in solitary confinement because the court was convinced he could pick up a phone a whistle a tone to launch a missile strike.

 

 

 
RetiredUser
50%
50%
RetiredUser,
 User Rank: Ninja
6/20/2014 | 1:39:20 PM
Re: UFO Hacking
We definitely need to get more equitable laws for cyber crimes on the books, and in the process educate the legal system.  In time...

I'd be curious to see if Gary has returned to "normal" after this experience, and what he's working on other than his little company.  And, if he's kept up with the UFO chasing.  I suspect there's a great mind in that head :-)


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