Man Hacks 911 System, Sends SWAT on Bogus Raid

[Werewolf]

I personally don't have too much of a problem hacking for informational purposes, IE how stuff works.  I DO have a problem with using that knowledge to screw other people over.

If one enters another's computer without permission and takes something (information) they are doing the same thing as a burglar who enters another's home and takes their material posessions.

The only difference is that the hacker doesn't get shot. AND, that's too bad because their potential for doing damage to persons is far, far greater than that of a burglar taking just material items.

Hackers, crackers - I don't care what you call them - are THIEVES! They deserve the same punishments as all thieves.

[Brad Johnson]

I personally don't have too much of a problem hacking for informational purposes, IE how stuff works.

So if I can get into your house without you knowing and poke around in your stuff (for "information purposes only" mind you), you'd be okay with that?

I second Werewolf.  If you break into someone's computer you are a common thief and should be treated like one.

Brad

[MechAg94]

I think he is talking about hacking secure programs on his own computer, but I could be wrong.

[Firethorn]

I think he is talking about hacking secure programs on his own computer, but I could be wrong.

That was my assumption as well.  I've done a fair amount of that myself.

[Hawkmoon]

It's not an offense until there's been a conviction.

Wrong. It is an offense even if nobody has been arrested. Until he is convicted, it is an offense of which he is the "alleged perpetrator," but there should be no doubt that an offense was committed.

If you question that, perhaps we should deploy the local SWAT team to your place of residence at oh dark thirty and see if you then feel that no offense has been committed.

[Phyphor]

I think he is talking about hacking secure programs on his own computer, but I could be wrong.

Pretty much.

Hacking to steal information or do damage does richly deserve an ass kicking.