contributed by Apocalypse Dow
The Pentagon has effectively cried "uncle" to the constant onslaught of computer attacks that it experiences every day. The government realistically admits that recreational vandals will be unlikely to leave defense systems alone. The Pentagon nonetheless pleaded with attackers to ease up so that the government will be better able to focus its efforts against "more important" threats to national security.

Reuters - via MSNBC

contributed by Weld Pond
In a step backwards for freedom of expression on the net, the Chinese government closed the first dissident Web site in that country. Chinese law enforcement officials are now on the hunt for the alleged "criminals" who operated the site. The government's charge against the site, i.e. posting "counterrevolutionary content," reeks of irony.

The Nando Times
The Register

contributed by Pyle
In our ongoing look at the entertainment industry's fight against file sharing programs, we've seen a debate centered around responsibility. Namely, can software authors be held accountable for the actions of file sharers? In the latest example, a game sharing program called Swapoo is getting the attention of the multi-billion dollar video game industry. The program's writer says that the stated intention of the tool is to enable freeware swapping.

The Red Herring

contributed by Weld Pond
The growing trend among older consulting firms is to warn the world against hiring "reformed hackers." In this article, a Deloitte and Touche employee falls back on fears of media stereotypes to warn firms and potential clients against enlisting the aid of the underground in studying security. This plea stands in stark opposition to another conservative establishment, the U.S. government and its associated intelligence agencies, who came out at Defcon to recruit talent (regardless of hair color or fashion statements). (If you can't join them, beat them? Perhaps this appeal to fear has more to do with a frustration that accounting firms are having difficulty recruiting talented and progressive security thinkers)

Globe Technology

contributed by Pyle
While the media continues to make an issue of former "hackers" entering the security industry, many new firms point out that it is possible to hire top-notch talent and be responsible at the same time. All too often, the media (and firms such as the one mentioned in the previous article) assume that underground security experts are dangerous and look like they walked off the set of "The Matrix." While this article dwells on Mitnick (isn't it getting old yet?), it also shows that security firms can be both progressive and trustworthy.

BusinessWeek

contributed by Pyle
The headline of this Wired story, "Protesting Hacker to Walk Free," leads one to believe that some political activist must have been nabbed for an online disruption. As it turns out, ShapeShifter was engaged in a good old fashioned street demonstration that led to his arrest. (So this is how an otherwise mundane story can be sensationalized)

Wired

contributed by Weld Pond
A Charlottesville, Virginia company, Chain Mail, has released a free version of its encryption software for ISP's who wish to provide customers protection from the FBI's Carnivore. Mithril Secure Server, nicknamed "Antivore," has been downloaded by more than 50 users thus far.

The Washington Times

contributed by Apocalypse Dow
A group of individuals hoping to purchase counterfeit satellite access cards were surprised by a U.S. Customs Service online sting operation. The perpetrators will face a maximum of five years in jail and/or a $500,000 fine.

E-Commerce Times