The ability to disrupt security systems, throw bureaucratic institutions into disarray and essentially cause temporary chaos within established electronic institutions could and can be a very valuable tool, depending on how one is philosophically inclined... Provided hacking and virus-making is developed with 'positive' goals in mind (I believe anti-authoritarianism was a rather celebrated virtue in your country a few centuries back no?) I think it is certainly worthy of respect.

You may argue that there is no immediate need for it now, and that government and corporate entities in the Western hemisphere and largely generous and positive entities. But alot could change in the ensuing century(ies) to come. Best to keep rebellion-skills alive and well for if they are ever needed in future. It may mean that you will need to protect yourself from rogue hackers, but I'd rather that these skills were still present than totally gone...

Do you use the same argument to support someone's right to own firearms? You know, just in case they might be needed to fight off some malevolent future government? [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Virus writers and hackers help our security like Ebola and AIDS helps the medical field! [img]graemlins/1pissed.gif[/img]

I agree with Ronn and Sir K. It's exactly like the guy who goes around keying cars for no reason.

Now, if Tyler Durdin incorporates them into Project Mayhem, perhaps I'll be on board. :D

Dang right I'd turn them in.

On the other hand I wonder what it will take for Microsoft to provide a decent service to their customers. I dread the next version of Windows where an AV will be included. $10 says it'll suck and it won't be turned off quietly. ;)

[ 11-05-2003, 05:15 PM: Message edited by: WillowIX ]

Not if i got paid overtime :D </font>[/QUOTE]Well that would be different, but I'm on salary [img]smile.gif[/img]

Not if i got paid overtime :D </font>[/QUOTE]Well that would be different, but I'm on salary [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>[/QUOTE]I feel your pain. :D

[ 11-05-2003, 05:25 PM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

That sums it up pretty well.

Hackers cost businesses money and customers - I wonder how many jobs might have been saved or created if companies hadn't had to deal with the effects of virus outbreaks? Who knows if lives have been lost because patient records at hospitals have been lost or damaged?

I wouldn't hesitate to turn in a virus writer...

Hacking and virus writing are not evil per say. Just as any weapon is not evil. As a soldier and a programmer, I recognize them as tools for attacking and disabling an enemy.

That said, while guns are not bad, the thief that uses one to rob a bank is. As is the person that opens fire upon innocent bystanders. People that release virii into the wild indiscriminatly and use hacking tools for personal gain are just criminals and should be treated as such.

without virueses + hackers, there would be no Norton, no Mcaffee, no Zonealarm... i think whichever way it goes jobs are going to be lost. its lose lose. :(