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> “...Manning did not have administrative-level privileges and used special software, namely a Linux operating system, to access the computer file...” Clearly

by koolba 8y ago

> “...Manning did not have administrative-level privileges and used special software, namely a Linux operating system, to access the computer file...” Clearly only hackers would use a hacker operating system like Linux.

Tomte 8y ago
On a government-provided, non-Linux computer? Yes. Everyone else is not using Linux on those.
overkalix 8y ago
No need for tricky hacking really. Physical access is total access after all.
0815test 8y ago
First of all, Manning was trying to crack a system, which has nothing to do with hacking, properly understood. Secondly, they obviously mean "special" in that she was not expected to use Linux in connection with her duties - much less to boot a system running some other OS. The context is what makes this "special".
- ASalazarMX 8y ago
  > trying to crack a system, which has nothing to do with hacking, properly understood As much as I'd like that distinction to be made, I think that boat sailed a long time ago. I think the public has a clearer distinction between white/gray/black hat hackers than between hackers/crackers.
shireboy 8y ago
Cringe-worthy quote. Maybe it was Kali or similar and they just didn't want to announce it?
mrguyorama 8y ago
Strictly speaking, the way the CFAA works is that if files stored on a hard disk are protected by permissions and not actual encryption or anything, and you load that hard drive into another operating system that ignores those permissions, you have accessed things you are not supposed to and in violation of the law. So yes, using a different operating system can be punishable It's similar to a way the open window or door in your house does not suddenly make stealing all your stuff legal
aitchnyu 8y ago
Some court charged an insider data thief with using the ominously named "Subversion Repository". IIRC.
belltaco 8y ago
If you brought a drill to your government office to break into a safe that you didn't have keys or authorization to open, that would read as "brought and used special hardware, a drill, to open the safe". Even if said drill is available at the local hardware store.

by koolba 8y ago

Tomte 8y ago

On a government-provided, non-Linux computer? Yes. Everyone else is not using Linux on those.

overkalix 8y ago

No need for tricky hacking really. Physical access is total access after all.

0815test 8y ago

First of all, Manning was trying to crack a system, which has nothing to do with hacking, properly understood. Secondly, they obviously mean "special" in that she was not expected to use Linux in connection with her duties - much less to boot a system running some other OS. The context is what makes this "special".

ASalazarMX 8y ago
> trying to crack a system, which has nothing to do with hacking, properly understood As much as I'd like that distinction to be made, I think that boat sailed a long time ago. I think the public has a clearer distinction between white/gray/black hat hackers than between hackers/crackers.

shireboy 8y ago

Cringe-worthy quote. Maybe it was Kali or similar and they just didn't want to announce it?

mrguyorama 8y ago

Strictly speaking, the way the CFAA works is that if files stored on a hard disk are protected by permissions and not actual encryption or anything, and you load that hard drive into another operating system that ignores those permissions, you have accessed things you are not supposed to and in violation of the law. So yes, using a different operating system can be punishable It's similar to a way the open window or door in your house does not suddenly make stealing all your stuff legal

aitchnyu 8y ago

Some court charged an insider data thief with using the ominously named "Subversion Repository". IIRC.

belltaco 8y ago

If you brought a drill to your government office to break into a safe that you didn't have keys or authorization to open, that would read as "brought and used special hardware, a drill, to open the safe". Even if said drill is available at the local hardware store.