legion@cs.utexas.edu (Legion of Doom) (02/22/90)
[Moderator's Note: This anonymous message came in the mail today. PT] Well, I had to speak up. There has been a lot of frothing (mostly by people who believe everything that they read in the paper) about Legion of Doom. I have been involved in the group since 1987, and dislike seeing irresponsible press concerning our "plot to crash 911" or our "links to organized crime." LOD was formed to bring together the best minds from the computer underground - not to do any damage or for personal profit, but to share experiences and discuss computing. The group has *always* maintained the highest ethical standards of hacker (or "cracker," as you prefer) ethics. On many occasions, we have acted to prevent abuse of systems that were *dangerous* to be out - from government systems to Easter Seals systems. I have known the people involved in this 911 case for many years, and there was *absolutely* no intent to interfere with or molest the 911 system in any manner. While we have occasionally entered a computer that we weren't supposed to be in, it is grounds for expulsion from the group and social ostracism to do any damage to a system or to attempt to commit fraud for personal profit. The biggest crime that has been committed is that of curiosity. Kim, your 911 system is safe (from us, at least). We have been instrumental in closing many security holes in the past, and had hoped to continue to do so in the future. The list of computer security people who count us as allies is long, but must remain anonymous. If any of them choose to identify themselves, we would appreciate the support. I am among the people who no longer count themselves as "active" members of the group. I have been "retired" for well over a year. But I continue to talk to active members daily, and support the group through this network feed, which is mail-routed to other LODers, both active and accessible. Anyone who has any questions is welcome to mail us - you'll find us friendly, although a bit wary. We will also be glad to talk voice with anyone if they wish to arrange a time to call. In spite of all the media garbage, we consider ourselves an ethical, positive force in computing and computer security. We hope others will as well. The Mentor/Legion of Doom legion%anytown.uucp@cs.utexas.edu [Moderator's Note: As an 'ethical, positive force in computing', why can't you sign your name to messages such as the above? Usually I don't even consider anonymous messages for publication in the Digest; but your organization has a perfect right to tell your side of the story, and I am derelict if I don't print it. Real names and addresses go a long way toward closing credibility gaps here. PT]