RE: [cobalt-users] PortSentry works !

["Clark E. Morgan" <prlhkr@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Is it really illigel to do a portscan?

All by itself, a portscan probably isn't illegal; but as a foreign system
has
no damn busness running one on your machine, it could certainly demonstrate
intent. Here in Jacksonville, they busted this guy who was driving around in
a white van talking to kids at bus stops. I don't know what he'll get when
his court date comes up - after all, talking to kids is not illegal either.
But it's pure naivete to think he was just being sociable.

There was a time when this "hacker ethic" of simply satisfying some
intellectual
curiosity played rather well. Heck, I can understand that. But after the
events
of the past month - a portscan is a declaration of war as far as I'm
concerned
and we should all treat it as such. I don't go to court on every one I get;
but
every isp gets a letter; and for the most part, I'd say they appreciate
being
notified and are of the same mind we are - they are more or less in the same
business, aren't they.

Clark E. Morgan