I was just hacked by my competition... ethical question here...

16 years ago

Be interesting to see what the replies to this will be, (what a delicious ethical dilemma)

I know what I would want to do (If I was able), but then I'm a nasty vindictive bitch

Kim

Thanks
3 replies

Signature

The Easiest Dimesale Script Ever!!

EasyMemberPro is back with Mama
How To Write And Profit From Hot Romance (Kindle Product)

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53563].message }}

John Motson

16 years ago

If you can show proof, you could contact ClickBank, CJ.com etc and provide them details of this fraudster so he loses his rights to sell there.

That would hurt him the most.

John

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53573].message }}

Kim Standerline

16 years ago

Originally Posted by John Motson

If you can show proof, you could contact ClickBank, CJ.com etc and provide them details of this fraudster so he loses his rights to sell there.

That would hurt him the most.

John

But then surely all he has to do is sign up again under a different name

Kim

Thanks
4 replies

Signature

The Easiest Dimesale Script Ever!!

EasyMemberPro is back with Mama
How To Write And Profit From Hot Romance (Kindle Product)

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53576].message }}

Todd Walker

16 years ago

Hey John,

Well he was really smart that he embedded into most of my revenue streams, clickbank, adbrite, adsense, paypal, etc... Each stream brings in a little bit of money to add up to the big check... to sit and contact all my vendors would be extremely time consuming, and I don't even think clickbank would do anything because it is only a $130 from them, etc....

I might be making a small pit stop into his database, we will see how the rest of the day goes lol

Thanks
3 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53583].message }}

preets 16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

Hey John,

I don't even think clickbank would do anything because it is only a $130 from them, etc....

How do you know that?Just curious
- Thanks
- 2 replies
Signature

BUY HIGH QUALITY BACKLINKS | Party Supplies Singapore | Affordable SEO Services
Wordpress Developer | Sales Page Designing | Affiliate Site Development | HTML Website |
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53597].message }}
- Todd Walker 16 years ago
  
  Amar,
  
  I don't know that... it is an assumption.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53603].message }}
- ibringjoy 16 years ago
  
  What a dilemma!
  
  If you did stuff back to him, not only will you be getting into illegal activities yourself, but it may start a "war" with him, and this thing will continue. You will always be fighting this.
  
  Isn't there something you can do to prevent him from doing this again?
  
  Kathryn
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53613].message }}
  
  preets 16 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by ibringjoy
  
  What a dilemma!
  
  .
  
  Isn't there something you can do to prevent him from doing this again?
  
  Yes ! Prevention is better than cure.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  BUY HIGH QUALITY BACKLINKS | Party Supplies Singapore | Affordable SEO Services
  Wordpress Developer | Sales Page Designing | Affiliate Site Development | HTML Website |
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53616].message }}

seasoned

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

Hey John,

Well he was really smart that he embedded into most of my revenue streams, clickbank, adbrite, adsense, paypal, etc... Each stream brings in a little bit of money to add up to the big check... to sit and contact all my vendors would be extremely time consuming, and I don't even think clickbank would do anything because it is only a $130 from them, etc....

I might be making a small pit stop into his database, we will see how the rest of the day goes lol

It might be FAR more than $130. Anyone remember GATOR!?!?!?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53636].message }}

Evita 16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

I might be making a small pit stop into his database,

LOL!!! ...Tiny little pit stop... LOL!!!
- Thanks
Signature
Homeopathic Flea Repellent For Cats
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54666].message }}

John Motson

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Kim Standerline

But then surely all he has to do is sign up again under a different name

Kim

You have to provide your address and credit card details for signup don't you? If he isn't an experienced web "hood" he will have probably used his personal details to sign up.

John

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53584].message }}

Dana_W

16 years ago

My only concern would be the legality of it. Yes, what he did was illegal, but if you do something illegal back, potentially you could get in legal hot water.

As far as the ethics go, I think he deserves to have his life made a living hell. And even if it's not worth suing him, isn't there some legal authority that you could report him to? I guess that might depend on what country he's in.

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53588].message }}

Todd Walker 16 years ago

I will probably hand this to my attorney and ask him what I should do... I have contacted a lot of the other competitors as well, notified them... I want to see if maybe he did an all around hacking job, then all together we have a really strong case...
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53596].message }}

seasoned

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Dana_W

My only concern would be the legality of it. Yes, what he did was illegal, but if you do something illegal back, potentially you could get in legal hot water.

As far as the ethics go, I think he deserves to have his life made a living hell. And even if it's not worth suing him, isn't there some legal authority that you could report him to? I guess that might depend on what country he's in.

Actually, reporting him to the major providers is legal, ethical, moral, and DAMAGING!

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53641].message }}

Black Hat Cat Banned 16 years ago

Originally Posted by seasoned

Actually, reporting him to the major providers is legal, ethical, moral, and DAMAGING!

But hacking him back isn't, which was her point.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54927].message }}
- 2bwealthy 16 years ago
  
  this hacker needs to be taught a lesson.
  its the not amount it counts. its $1000 now but that could be a $10,000 later.
  go for the lawyer and get him nailed.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55075].message }}
  
  ShayB 16 years ago
  
  I will give the same advice I give my kids about fighting:
  
  "It's not the person who throws the first punch who gets caught - the one who hits back is the one the teachers catch."
  
  Use the proper channels to handle this.
  
  Good luck.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55108].message }}
  
  valerieSONORA 16 years ago
  
  If you can find out where he lives, I'd show up at their house with a baseball bat. But that's not too ethical.
  
  Report him to all places you can. What does he think gave him the right to hack into someone elses site and install his affiliate Id? I had a site hacked before and I know how it feels.
  
  He must not be afraid of being caught or punished because he is easily traceable with his affiliate id.
  
  Get him banned from Clickbank.
  
  It may not be worth it to bring a civil suit, but I'd probably do it anyway just to teach him a lesson.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  siggy taking a break...
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55155].message }}
  
  testaccount1234567 16 years ago
  
  Man that really sucks!
  
  Maybe the best way would be to publicly expose him. If you can let everyone know what he did it will ruin his reputation.
  
  Especially if his customers hear about it. If you can expose his site and his identity and prove that he stole your commissions no one would buy from his site again.
  
  Just a thought.
  
  Tristan
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55180].message }}

Ken Leatherman 16 years ago

Todd,

My first urge is to tell you to go get him, but then that puts you on the same level he's on.

Does he happen to live in the same country you do. If so I might be worth the time to find out what you could do about reporting him to the legal authorities. Maybe even a phone call to the Internal Revenue Service.

Can you imagine if this guy is doing it to you, how many others he's doing it too. He could be ripping off thousands and thousands of dollars.

Go get him Todd, you have the proof.

Ken
- Thanks
Signature
Ghost Writing Services Coming Soon

So Check Out My WSO
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53611].message }}

garyv 16 years ago

{on_the_surface}Don't give in to the urge to play the revenge game. It will only hurt you in the end. The back and forth will take up a lot of resources and time that you'll never get back.

I would just send him an official sounding cease and desist email, and attach the proof that you have. And then Success is the best revenge. Use your efforts to make your site better than his.{/on_the_surface}

{Behind_the_scenes}I would hack that jerk!{/Behind_the_scenes}
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53601].message }}
- Floyd Fisher 16 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by garyv
  
  {Behind_the_scenes}I would hack that jerk!{/Behind_the_scenes}
  
  And what will that solve? Do two wrongs make a right?
  
  Simply take the evidence you have, see if one of the TV judge shows will take the case, and get his arse ripped a new on on national TV. If that isn't enough for ya, get a videotape of the proceedings and post on youtube for that extra viral kick in the arse he desparately needs.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55418].message }}
seasoned 16 years ago

Originally Posted by Kim Standerline

But then surely all he has to do is sign up again under a different name

Kim

NOPE! It is FAR harder than that! Under the right circumstances, he would have to get another identity, and even THEN he could lose BIG TIME! Read my last post!

Steve
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53634].message }}

Steven Wagenheim 16 years ago

Todd, if I had the ability, I'd make his life a living hell.

I'll leave it at that.
- Thanks
Signature

My Soundcloud Music Channel
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53575].message }}

papajo

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Kim Standerline

Be interesting to see what the replies to this will be, (what a delicious ethical dilemma)

I know what I would want to do (If I was able), but then I'm a nasty vindictive bitch

Kim

I'll tell ya mates,
I kinda agree with Kim there except I'm a blok. But I 'll tell ya If it were me I'd string him along and pretend everything is all right and then when he least expected any repercussions from you. I'd resort to what ever it is you do best or possibly have another person do your bidding for you. So you are not shown leaving any type of trail.
This protects you and he or she get's a well earned lesson or 2...

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55221].message }}

yuri12 16 years ago

Hi, I'm new to this Warrior forum and was looking for something quite interesting to read today... I didn't expect the first thread that I'd read would be this interesting...
I couldn't resist replying!
If this happened to me, I will not take it sitting down! First and foremost because I don't want to be in the losing end, no matter how small (I don't think 1000 is small change , really, but if you do, well that's really good) the amount taken was.
If you can do something about it that would not cause you to be fined or jailed, why not? Find something that can hurt him, make him lose face even. If you're sure who he is, tell other people. I think he hacked you coz he thought he could get away with it. I don't think things should be left as it is coz he might do the same thing to somebody else.
Cheers!
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55763].message }}

John-K.

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

Now, $1,000, is not enough money to try to sue his sorry ass, and I have evidence...

It isn't enough to pursue a civil suit (however, it might be worth it to make this person suffer the trouble of answering a small claims complaint in your jurisdiction). But I would find out about pressing criminal charges. This competitor stole from you and committed fraud.

John

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53607].message }}

derekwong28

16 years ago

A civil suit is not worth it as it will be so messy and uncertain. Morover even if you win the judgement, you may not get a dime. I would report this matter to the FBI and also to Adsense and other publishers hoping that they may disable his accounts.

Derek

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Do not get between a wombat and a chocolate biscuit; you will regret it dearly!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53621].message }}

Todd Walker

16 years ago

Hey,

I had my assistant write an email to all the vendors giving them the details of all his publishers id and affiliate ids...as well as sending my attorney the details for him to contact authorities...

My feeling is that I'm not the only victim in this niche, and that I will hear back from all the other site owners that they have been hacked before as well, they might not even know?? :O

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53635].message }}

Todd Walker

16 years ago

Seasoned...

Well, no one ever really thinks they are going to get hacked, nor did I, and it can take time to make your site completely hack safe, which it will never be...

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53638].message }}

seasoned

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

Seasoned...

Well, no one ever really thinks they are going to get hacked, nor did I, and it can take time to make your site completely hack safe, which it will never be...

You're right, it will NEVER be, but you seem to think it will be so obviously easy for you also. ALSO, most backdoor techniques are certainly CRIMINAL, and the owner of a shared system could press charges. Also, you spoke of how you were SO hardcore.

BUT, I certainly know that it can be easy to hack. My site was hacked once. They used a hole almost all webservers have, and used a feature all UNIX systems have, and got things started through a hole in a forum, that most software has. I found the evidence though, found the rootkit, disabled it, patched the forum hole, and made the UNIX feature less standard, and the standard way is now more restrictive. It isn't perfect, but it now requires more thought. The guy was an IDIOT, and used a KIT made to hack, and used a published exploit. I don't think he could even figure out what I did, let alone how to get around it.

I ALSO now somewhat regularly scan for rootkits. Hopefully I will soon get to the point where I really care, and automate everything.

Steve

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53661].message }}

Tuzic

Banned 16 years ago

Hi,

report hime to cj & clickbank, but again im sure he will be quick to change his details.

Well how far can he get with $1000? good job wasnt mor than this (looking on the bright side!)

but still he shouldnt have done it.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53614].message }}

seasoned

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

When I was 14-16 I got into hacking, hardcore... and to be honest, I can wreck his face via hacking... do I fight back??? or just kiss my monies away for a weekend and send a friendly email saying enjoy it

What would you do?

So why didn't you make your site harder to crack? Give the companies evidence regarding the changing of IDs, etc... MAYBE you can get the money back, but you could maybe cost him a bit more than the money he got from YOUR site! DON'T FORGET! We are talking potentially a MONTHS income for him/her! AND, all FUTURE sales from hardcoded links, like those in ebooks, articles, and other sites! PLUS it could take a MONTH to get back on track!

Steve

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53633].message }}

Mark Coverdale 16 years ago

I know what I would do, and it doesn't involve a computer. There are two types of people I hate, 1. liars and 2. THIEFS. People like you are going along making a living and earning their own money to be able to enjoy certain things in your life and scumbags come along and help themselves to it.

Now that I got that out of my system there is no use in getting yourself into trouble over a scumbag.

Mark
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53648].message }}

Michael Oksa

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

Hey Warriors,

So I wake up this morning and do my roundly check on all my websites, it takes me about two hours to do this, my portfolio is huge right now... one of my prize sites was hacked on Friday by a competitor of mine.

I know it was the competitor because I have a lot of tracking information throughout my site, and, the idiot left an easy trail...

Frankly I'm kind of pissed because if he dropped my site off the map all I would have to do is upload my back up, but, he was clever, he didn't drop my site off the map, but what he did was change all the pub-id, aff-id, etc to his own id's... thus, he ran away with my weekend pay check, which averaged out to always be around $1,000.

Now, $1,000, is not enough money to try to sue his sorry ass, and I have evidence, so my question is this...

When I was 14-16 I got into hacking, hardcore... and to be honest, I can wreck his face via hacking... do I fight back??? or just kiss my monies away for a weekend and send a friendly email saying enjoy it

What would you do?

Hi Todd,

I would report him immediately to all sites involved and his ISP. If he is a Warrior, let Allen know.

Use every free and legal means at your disposal to do what is right. IMHO that is shutting him down to the best of your abilities.

I'm not saying you should spend a lot of time on it, but if you send a strong enough message you may prevent someone from becoming his next victim.

Good luck,
Michael

Thanks

Signature

"Ich bin en fuego!"

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53645].message }}

Tiger

16 years ago

I would take him to law if it was worth the time.

If I did the same thing to him that he did to me, I become
just like him.

I dont want to become a thief no matter how
bad they hit me.

I would of course, expose him to the world if he
refuses to make restitution now that he is caught.

Big Mike seems to have had a similar thing happen today :

See Big Mike's post here >> LINK

/Steve

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[53694].message }}

clawson44

Banned 16 years ago

[DELETED]

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54441].message }}

ecoverartist

16 years ago

What a scumbag... I'd have to REALLY resist the urge to tear him a new one... I vote for a public flogging!

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Sherice Jacob - Conversion Expert & Copywriter
BIG BRAND Copywriting WSO! 6+ Years Running!
101 Blog Writing Prompts for Your Business

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54450].message }}

Steve Taylor

16 years ago

Theft is theft. If this dude robbed a gas station for a grand and got caught he would be in jail.
I would go the legal route and if that didn't work...plan "B".
There is no way I would let them get away with it. NO WAY!

I'm sure once they get away with it once, then they will continue to steal money until caught.

Go get back your well deserved income...do what ever it takes

-Steve

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Ask...Because you never stop learning.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54501].message }}

Aegon

16 years ago

If I was you and knew how to hack. I would do it. He asked for it.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54512].message }}

Johnny Slater

16 years ago

I only read about half the replies and stopped reading. There is some very dangerous advice being given out in this thread.

First, never ask in a public forum what you should do. No one here can give you legal advice and anything you get here will be opinion and will most probably get you in serious legal trouble.

Second, never and I repeat never hack someone back after you have been hacked. The fact that he broke into your web site is a federal offense and before you do anything else you need to report it to the FBI and perhaps Homeland Security.

Third, after you report the offense to the FBI then consult with an IP lawyer and see what your options are. Keep in mind that you should never fight back on your own without legal councel. Only a lawyer who specializes in the areas you are having trouble with can give you the advice you need to keep you out of legal trouble yourself.

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54549].message }}

Michael Mason

16 years ago

I don't know anything about hacking, but I am assuming that's a bad thing...after all you are mad at him since he did it, right? So doing the same thing he did just brings you down to his level. I would try to do the moral thing and try not to "fight back." It is ok to try to get him into trouble and report him though, but you shouldn't resort to any hacking just because he did. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Net Space Profits 3.0- Make Money Renting Sites to Local Businesses

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54570].message }}

jasonl70

16 years ago

You guys do understand that hacking is ILLEGAL? a felony?
If he broke into your house, would you break into his?
or would you call the police?

Some of these replies have been an eye-opener..

if this person in is the US, I would contact the authorities and try to get criminal charges filed on the guy.

When I was 14-16 I got into hacking, hardcore

Dude - you're admitting to committing felonies. probably not a good idea..

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

-Jason

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54642].message }}

Todd Walker

16 years ago

Jason--

Actually not all hacking is illegal, in fact, when hacking came out it wasn't illegal, until it was misused...

So quoting me about my hacking experience does not mean I committed any felonies.

In any case, I wasn't really going to use any advice from a public forum, I had my attorney contact the correct authorities, and what ever happens happens...

It's $1,000 , nothing to cry over, just wanted to see what others would do...

If you must know, when I was 14-16 I would find flaws in systems and sites and notify the owner of the flaws, it was entertaining for me to find the flaws, but I never used any material or vandalized. Usually I got a reward for finding the flaws... this was one of my first business's

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54660].message }}

jasonl70

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

Jason--

Actually not all hacking is illegal, in fact, when hacking came out it wasn't illegal, until it was misused...

So quoting me about my hacking experience does not mean I committed any felonies.

<snip>

If you must know, when I was 14-16 I would find flaws in systems and sites and notify the owner of the flaws, it was entertaining for me to find the flaws, but I never used any material or vandalized. Usually I got a reward for finding the flaws... this was one of my first business's

any hacking is illegal if it is not done under contract by the system owner. I am not passing judgement here - the law defines hacking as the unauthorized use of computer and network resources.

Right or wrong, it is still a felony. And has been for a long time. I'm 38 - hacking was illegal when I was a teenager. The Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act was passed by Congress in 1986 - but they were arresting people even before then. I ran a bbs back then, so I was pretty much aware of the cutlure, laws, etc..

If I break into an office building at night, poke around some offices and files, and then leave a letter to the owner on my way out - it would not change the fact that I was breaking and entering.

If my neighbor leaves her windows unlocked, and I decide to sneak into her house/apartment when she's not home and snoop around - I am breaking the law.

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

-Jason

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54762].message }}

Dontrell Lyons 16 years ago

I say forget about it! You can make more money by focusing on your income producing activity. You'll lose even more money with the time you spend trying to seek revenge.

Just look over man, if it happens again tho, i would search em out and teach em a lesson, to let kno your the wrong one to mess with!

Just my two cents!
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54781].message }}

jasonl70

16 years ago

but I never used any material or vandalized

neither did kevin mitnick.. and he went to prison for 5 years.

Look, I am not passing judgement on what you did - I am passing judgement on the act of advertsing it to everyone..

I am also passing judgement on the intelligence of telling people you are going to hack his database. ie, you're saying you'll commit a felony, and this time there's no question as to your intent.

Todd - I'm trying to help you here.. either come to your senses, or keep these things to yourself.

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

-Jason

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54785].message }}

Todd Walker 16 years ago

Hey Jason,

I know... trust me I'm not hacking his shit, just thought it would be a interesting post, that is why it is here...
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54816].message }}

Pete Egeler

16 years ago

I agree with Jason that hacking is illegal in any way, shape or form.

Yet, just a couple of weeks ago in Vegas, the "def" convention was held. 8000 crooks being taught to hack into various public and private systems. And, when a target of one of these hacks goes to court to have them stopped, they holler "First Amendment Rights".

Jerks.

Pete

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

The special sale is over. No longer able to remain acitive. Domain is for sale if interested.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54824].message }}

davezan

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Pete Egeler

I agree with Jason that hacking is illegal in any way, shape or form.

Pete, does Kevin Mitnick's firm's services fall under hacking?

Mitnick Security Consulting, LLC

Client lists, credit card records, and other confidential information held in databases must be given particular protection from unauthorized disclosure. Mitnick Security Consulting tests database integrity to determine whether any vulnerability may compromise this sensitive information.

While that doesn't specifically say they're hacking, isn't what's quoted above
practically that? Is that covered in any U.S. law or so as jasonl70 described?

Then again, is shooting a man illegal or a felony in any way, shape or form? Or
is sending multiple emails to an opt-list in a single day spam in any way, shape
or form as some people here complained about?

Thanks
3 replies

Signature

David

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55222].message }}

hibernate 16 years ago

The fact that you are asking the question means you have already lost something. By giving in to hate and anger you are sapping your own constitution. Do what you can to prevent future losses, but being vindictive for the sake of hurting another will be counterproductive to your self growth.
Think of the mental energy and time you have wasted already, and more importantly, think of what you could have achieved if the that mental energy and time were used productively.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55272].message }}
- KEY 16 years ago
  
  I agree that putting too much more into this is a serious waste of your time, and will just fill you up with negativity!
  
  what if you turned it around AND make your money back???? write up how this 'entrance happened, as well as some other 'attack' techniques you know of...and tell us how to block and/or prevent them. has to be a WSO in that!
  
  KEY
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55347].message }}

Floyd Fisher

16 years ago

Originally Posted by davezan

Pete, does Kevin Mitnick's firm's services fall under hacking?

Mitnick Security Consulting, LLC

While that doesn't specifically say they're hacking, isn't what's quoted above
practically that? Is that covered in any U.S. law or so as jasonl70 described?

Then again, is shooting a man illegal or a felony in any way, shape or form? Or
is sending multiple emails to an opt-list in a single day spam in any way, shape
or form as some people here complained about?

Back in the day, Kevin Mitnick was very much doing illegal stuff.

After spending about a decade in jail, he is now much more conventional. While he may still break into servers, I guarantee you he has written/notarized permission releasing him from any liabiliy in his back pocket before doing anything like that anymore.

Anyone thinking about pulling a stunt like this as a revenge ploy needs to check themselves and go take a vacation for awhile to cool off before doing anything rash. You are much better off turning over any data you have to appropriate law enforcement and or legal team instead. Make them pay, and not you.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55400].message }}

seasoned

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher

Back in the day, Kevin Mitnick was very much doing illegal stuff.

After spending about a decade in jail, he is now much more conventional. While he may still break into servers, I guarantee you he has written/notarized permission releasing him from any liabiliy in his back pocket before doing anything like that anymore.

Anyone thinking about pulling a stunt like this as a revenge ploy needs to check themselves and go take a vacation for awhile to cool off before doing anything rash. You are much better off turning over any data you have to appropriate law enforcement and or legal team instead. Make them pay, and not you.

Right on ALL counts! AND, Kevin Mitnick today is doing LEGAL hacking! It is better to get someone to quietly do it in a controlled fashion than wait until someone does it in a public and damaging fashion. So Kevin gets to do what he loves for GOOD! He generally said that was what he REALLY wanted, THE CHALLENGE.

Steve

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[59529].message }}

KimW 16 years ago

Kevin Mitnick has also written a couple of books that I would highly recommend reading.
Great insight into thinking out of the box.
- Thanks
Signature

Read A Post.
Subscribe to a Newsletter
KimWinfrey.Com
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[59543].message }}

Johnny Slater 16 years ago
Dave,

Your picking at straws here. Those who are arguing the point have said that unless you have prior permission from the site owner then it is against the law to hack it, for any reason.

The situation you mentioned is a company that is paid to break code and look for security loopholes. That isn't hacking, thats website security checks.

Dictionary.com defines hacking as :
1. To gain access to (a computer file or network) illegally or without authorization: hacked the firm's personnel database.
2. To use one's skill in computer programming to gain illegal or unauthorized access to a file or network: hacked into the company's intranet.
There is a huge difference in what security firms do and breaking into a competitiors website and changing affiliate links. Please stop trying to brush over facts and stop trying to rationalize hacking to make it seem like it is an acceptable practice.

You can sugar coat it all you want but it is still 100% illegal in the context of this discussion.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55417].message }}
- davezan 16 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Johnny Slater
  
  You can sugar coat it all you want but it is still 100% illegal in the context of this discussion.
  
  I asked Floyd those questions earlier because he seemed to be using the word
  hacking rather loosely, just as others have used spam and scam beyond what
  they were probably intended for. Seemed, anyway, but I do agree with both of
  you it's 100% illegal in the context of this discussion.
  
  A thousand pardons if I seem to be drifting the topic away. And I do agree also
  the OP shouldn't hack the competitor's sites, as it might give him or her a legal
  ground to hold the OP liable as well.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  David
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55725].message }}

jasonl70

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Johnny Slater

I only read about half the replies and stopped reading. There is some very dangerous advice being given out in this thread.

First, never ask in a public forum what you should do. No one here can give you legal advice and anything you get here will be opinion and will most probably get you in serious legal trouble.

Second, never and I repeat never hack someone back after you have been hacked. The fact that he broke into your web site is a federal offense and before you do anything else you need to report it to the FBI and perhaps Homeland Security.

Third, after you report the offense to the FBI then consult with an IP lawyer and see what your options are. Keep in mind that you should never fight back on your own without legal councel. Only a lawyer who specializes in the areas you are having trouble with can give you the advice you need to keep you out of legal trouble yourself.

ahh. a voice of reason..

Thanks

Signature

-Jason

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[54656].message }}

Floyd Fisher

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

Hey Warriors,

So I wake up this morning and do my roundly check on all my websites, it takes me about two hours to do this, my portfolio is huge right now... one of my prize sites was hacked on Friday by a competitor of mine.

I know it was the competitor because I have a lot of tracking information throughout my site, and, the idiot left an easy trail...

Frankly I'm kind of pissed because if he dropped my site off the map all I would have to do is upload my back up, but, he was clever, he didn't drop my site off the map, but what he did was change all the pub-id, aff-id, etc to his own id's... thus, he ran away with my weekend pay check, which averaged out to always be around $1,000.

Now, $1,000, is not enough money to try to sue his sorry ass, and I have evidence, so my question is this...

When I was 14-16 I got into hacking, hardcore... and to be honest, I can wreck his face via hacking... do I fight back??? or just kiss my monies away for a weekend and send a friendly email saying enjoy it

What would you do?

How about sue his ass via one of those TV judge shows? He gets negative press on national TV, and you're guaranteed to be paid.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55331].message }}

testaccount1234567 16 years ago

Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher

How about sue his ass via one of those TV judge shows? He gets negative press on national TV, and you're guaranteed to be paid.

haha I like it, i'd tune in to watch
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55952].message }}

GarrieWilson

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Todd Walker

When I was 14-16 I got into hacking, hardcore... and to be honest, I can wreck his face via hacking... do I fight back??? or just kiss my monies away for a weekend and send a friendly email saying enjoy it

:rolleyes:

I highly dought you can hack. Just by asking and saying when you was 14-16 is why I dought it.

Running little bots and using exploites that others find, doesn't make one a hacker.

Tesla was the greatest hacker of them all.

What would you do?

Press charges. Call the FBIs cyber crimes unit AND home land security.

Before I did that, I would email him saying I hope he spends it fast and then attach the proof as a CC when you email the FBI.

Legal revenge is so sweet.

And yes, I have done things like that before.

Thanks

Signature

Screw You, NameCheap!
$1 Off NameSilo Domain Coupons:
SAVEABUCKDOMAINS & DOLLARDOMAINSAVINGS

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[55456].message }}

I was just hacked by my competition... ethical question here...

Trending Topics

Best AI for spell checking & grammar (2024)?

Google Ads, landing pages, and Clickbank links

A Very Strange Internet Problem

Carry out better target audience research

Melb, Interat, Flower Show 2024