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Feds Bust Cable Modem Hacker

Posted by kdawson on from the grey-area dept.

Several readers noted the indictment of hardware hacker Ryan Harris, known as DerEngel. Harris wrote the 2006 book Hacking the Cable Modem, explaining how to get upgraded speed or even free Internet service by bypassing the firmware locks on Motorola Surfboard modems. He has run a profitable business at tcniso.net since 2003, selling unlocked cable modems. (The site is now offline.) Harris has been charged with conspiracy, aiding and abetting computer intrusion, and wire fraud. Wired quotes Harris's reaction: "I read the indictment — it's complete bull****. I'll tell you right now I'm not going to plead guilty."

9 of 658 comments (clear)

  1. WOW!!! The Feds must be really working overtime! by Vinegar+Joe · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now when are they going to get around to catching Osama?

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    "The average reporter we talk to is 27 years old......They literally know nothing." - Ben Rhodes
  2. Re:WOW!!! The Feds must be really working overtime by ILuvRamen · · Score: 5, Funny

    Probably as soon as he tries to steal broadband lol. That or if he changes his name to Osama Bin Hackin.

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  3. Re:It's NOT like arresting gun sellers! by gatekeep · · Score: 5, Funny

    Also, they have guns.

  4. Re:What!? by Nicholas+Evans · · Score: 4, Funny

    What if I'm hunting deer that happen to have body armour on?

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    The Yasashii Syndicate ||
  5. Re:Paperwork infraction by tomhudson · · Score: 4, Funny

    The punishment SHOULD fit the crime.

    What do you suggest the sentence for spammers should be?

    Isn't it obvious? Convert them to Spam. Soylent Green forever.

  6. Re:What!? by Datamonstar · · Score: 5, Funny

    There was a recent case (a week ago) when, IIRC, three street thugs conspired to kill someone; one obtained the gun, another fired it, and third disposed of the weapon. All three got prison terms.

    It's nice to see that street thugs these days are keeping up on their Agatha Christie.

    --
    The eternal struggle of good vs. evil begins within one's self.
  7. Re:This is not a crime by narcc · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wow! Someone found a way to explain this very simple concept without using an unnecessarily complicated analogy involving cars.

    Bravo

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    Required reading for internet skeptics
  8. Re:I wish I saw this earlier by NekSnappa · · Score: 5, Funny

    That is the worst car analogy ever!

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    I want to shoot the messenger!
  9. Re:What!? by duguk · · Score: 4, Funny

    Depending on the jurisdiction and if that person did murder someone or not, you may actually be guilty of Negligent Homicide.

    Or if that person did murder someone from TV's "The Hills" or Paris Hilton, you may actually be guilty of Negligible Homicide.

    Or if you murder someone in a pink girly dress, you may actually be guilty of Negligee Homicide.