[lug] CLUE: Possible Lawsuit against those with unsecured online systems? (fwd)

[Wayde Allen]

The following message was recently posted to the CLUE mailing list.  Kind
of makes one wonder if it is a good idea to be involved with system
administration.


- Wayde
  (wallen at boulder.nist.gov)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 11:30:24 PST
From: Jim Intriglia <jimintriglia at hotmail.com>
To: clue-talk at clue.denver.co.us
Reply-To: clue-talk at clue.denver.co.us
Subject: CLUE: Possible Lawsuit against those with unsecured online systems?

Thought this was appropriate to post with the current CLUE focus on online 
security and Linux. For anyone that may not be presently be too concerned 
with securing their online Linux boxes.

What follows below crossed my mind when the recent web attacks occurred. Now 
the idea is in print and the legal-beagles will surly pickup the scent:

"..there is a move afoot to prosecute the owners of the zombie machines. The 
idea is that because the owners haven't adequately managed their systems, 
they have put other people's computers at risk. "

Complete article at:
http://www.nwfusion.com/columnists/2000/0221gibbs.html

Something to consider if you are not taking (due diligent) steps in 
reasonably securing your online linux box (??).

Anybody venture a guess as to when the first lawsuit will be filed against 
the owner(s) of the systems responsible for the web attacks on Amazon, 
etc..?

Jim Intriglia