People seem to think that authors of computer viruses and exploits are criminals who deserve punishment. I don't agree. Viruses and exploits are technical problems. They're only possible because the software systems targeted are poorly designed.
I think anyone who writes a successful computer virus is a hero for showing people the low quality of the affected systems. Instead of trying to put these people in jail, we should switch to software that doesn't suck so these people have nothing to do.
What do you guys think?
writing proof-of-concept code to demonstrate a security vulnerability = GOOD.
writing a worm to DDOS web sites you don't like and steal people's credit card numbers = BAD.
True...I believe that showing security vulnerabilities are good although they should not have to totally destroy a computer. I've been hit by viruses 3 times...And it's not fun learning about security vulnerabilities first-hand.
If it discourages people from releasing dangerous things into the wild, I'm for it... it's one thing finding a problem, another exploting it for their own good.
And if people weren't tempted into "hacking" then it would be better for numerous reasons imo. But that's never gonna happen...
Virus writers have traditionally been attention whores. However, this is rapidly changing, and virus writers are now more likely to be working for spammers to create zombie machines, or trying to commit fraud by grabbing stuff like credit card numbers.
Writing a virus can be a fun intellectual challenge, but nobody who does it for that reason would ever release it.
>>5
If you don't release it, how do you know if it would be effective? How do you know if you succeeded?
setup a virtual network
while a virus can show you your system's weaknesses, i dont think that to find them and fix them, you shouldnt have to compromise say, your HD or bank account. i mean, it sucks getting hit by a really bad virus. i think alot of people just get mad, and maybe never fix anything.
>>5 = wisdom.
He's also the only one in this thread not stuck in about pre-2000, unfortunately. : (
All rise for the entrance of Alexander to this unworthy thread!