The Difficulties of Reporting the Underground
By: Space Rogue
The computer underground is a complex world that can pose many challenges
to the mainstream reporter attempting to accurately write about the
activities within which that effect a larger group of people. It is a
world made up of hackers, crackers, fakes, security specialists,
cryptographers, programmers, virus writers, frauds, warez traders,
electronic hobbyist, cyber libertarians, radio aficionados, wannabes, and
other seemingly disparate persons.
This wide cross section of technologies, motivations, political
affiliations, and ideologies may be overwhelming to the beginning or the
experienced reporter whose job it to report on events that break out of
this culture to effect a wider more mainstream population.
Unfortunately it appears that many media organizations assign new
inexperienced journalist to cover this area and usually not as their
primary responsibility. This can leave the reporter bewildered without a
clear course to follow when an important story breaks. While a degree in
computer engineering would not hurt it is not necessary for a journalist
to become an expert. A firm understanding of how technology works and
what is and is not possible will however be of immense help.
Unlike other topics that have a clear cut avenue of approach the computer
underground can seem scary and intimidating to some. For example if the
space shuttle blows up the reporter will obviously contact NASA, if the
stock market takes a dive then questions posed to financial analysts
would be appropriate. When a new virus is discovered or a high profile
web site gets defaced where does the reporter turn. Who should they talk
to?
Things are little more complicated in the cyberspace ghetto. Charlatans
and snake oil salesmen abound. Normally these frauds are disguised as
straight forward business people or even respected experts who hide
behind the publics lack of knowledge about the product or subject they
are trying to peddle.
The deeply ingrained culture, slang, strong attitudes, disrespect for
authority, and other aspects seemingly separate this world from the
outside. This makes it extremely difficult for the reporter to break into
this supposed closed community.
It is important for a journalist to find accurate and respected sources
that they can call upon when a story breaks. It is important to cultivate
these relationships long before they are needed. When a deadline is two
hours away and you need a quote immediately sending a blind email is not
going to garner the best or even accurate response.
While every profession has its unintelligent members who are just seeking
fame it is none more prevalent than in the cyberspace wasteland. Script
Kiddies, wannabes, and snake oil salesmen are everywhere. They will tell
you that they can move satellites, that their product is 'unhackable', or
that they have complete control of classified networks just to get their
handle or company in the news.
As with any type of reporting, outrageous claims should be questioned,
verified, questioned again and confirmed prior to going to press. If you
don't understand the technology then find someone who does. While this
may seem like it is direct from Journalism 101 it is amazing how often
this does not happen and inaccurate or just plain wrong information gets
put on the air or in print.
Avoid the temptation to sensationalize. While this is more prevalent in
local TV News broadcasts every reporter has an editor who wants the
"Hackers are evil and will cause the end of the world" story. This type
of story does nothing than make you look like a fool and an idiot to
those who know and will ruin any chance you have of finding a reliable
and accurate source for a future story. Hackers have long memories and
while you may not remember that article you wrote that appeared in the
local Saturday edition of a rural newspaper, we do.
Be careful how you use the word 'hacker'. Many have given up trying to
correct the media in the denomination of this word, others have grown to
accept it, and others still get violently ill when the hacker=criminal
analogy is made in the mass market. Personally I suggest any clear
substitute such as computer intruder or cyberspace vandal. These work
just as well. If you feel that you must use the word 'hacker' get your
point across make sure that your meaning of the word is clear.
Do your research before the story breaks. If have no idea what a word
macro is find out. It is not necessary to know how to write one but
understand how they work so that when the next Melissa strikes you are
ready to immediately dismiss the charlatans and crackpots and will be
able to report accurate informative stories.
Be very careful about getting to involved in a story. Be sure to keep a
safe distance between you and any illegal acts that may be committed. If
a new exploit becomes available be sure you understand the implications
before you point and click on that 'test script' that was just mailed to
you. Don't be responsible for taking out a major section of the internet
backbone or executing a DoS attack against the FBI.
It is very easy to get too close to the story. This is one of the biggest
issues that I face with HNN almost everyday. It is a fine line between
observing and participating and very easy to cross. While I have never
been in a position where my action may have prevented illegal activity it
is understandable how easy it would be to cross such a fine line.
Realize that almost all hackers have a serious distrust of authority.
They have been portrayed inaccurately in the media for so long they are
hesitant to speak. They become wary or impatient when people start
asking what they seem to them as irrelevant or simplistic questions.
This can create a rather large obstacle but if relationships are
cultivated prior to needing them this can hopefully be avoided.
As mentioned earlier hackers have long memories, not only of the bad but
also of the good. If your reporting is accurate and not sensational you
might find people seeking you out specifically so that you can tell their
story. Don't believe me? Think this is all bunk and that anything and
everything written by a reporter is true and come direct from the
Almighty? Then take a look at this Eratta. These are
just the worst offenders.
Do your research early. Of course I personally recommend the reading of
HNN every day. There is no better way to keep abreast of what is
happening in the underground and the issues that effect it on a daily
basis. As a bit of historical perspective I recommend the book Hackers;
Heroes of the Computer Revolution by Steven Levy. He remarkably
describes three separate cultures from which hackers where originally
born. I also recommend the print verion of The
New Hackers Dictionary. This book is available online as the Jargon
File but you will learn so much more (and laugh quite a bit to) by
reading this book from cover to cover and then refering to it from time
to time. It is filed with old jokes and anecdotes that make it a pleasure
to
read.
And don't forget the most important - HNN every day.