You know, when you read a story like this, you get the feeling of dread. Like China has some kind of super hackers who do nothing all day long, but attempt to get into US military computer networks.
"First, you must know about the Web site you want to attack. You must know what program it is written with," says Xiao Chen. "There is a saying, 'Know about both yourself and the enemy, and you will be invincible.'"
CNN decided to withhold the address of these hackers' Web site, but Xiao Chen says it has been operating for more than three years, with 10,000 registered users. The site offers tools, articles, news and flash tutorials about hacking.
Private computer experts in the United States from iDefense Security Intelligence, which provides cybersecurity advice to governments and Fortune 500 companies, say the group's site "appears to be an important site in the broader Chinese hacking community."
Arranging a meeting with the hackers took weeks of on-again, off-again e-mail exchanges. When they finally agreed, CNN was told to meet them on the island of Zhoushan, just south of Shanghai and a major port for China's navy.
The apartment has cement floors and almost no furniture. What they do have are three of the latest computers. They are cautious when it comes to naming the Web sites they have hacked.
On camera, Xiao Chen denies knowing anyone who has targetted U.S. government Web sites. But off-camera, in conversations over three days, he claims two of his colleagues -- not the ones with him in the room -- hacked into the Pentagon and downloaded information, although he wouldn't specify what was gleaned. CNN has no way to confirm if his claim is true.
So, CNN has decided to take on a couple of script kiddies and take them at their word? Sweet Jesus, at least go with a known group of hackers who actually HAVE tangible credentials, like the Cult of the Dead Cow. Those guys have been around forever, done a lot in terms of security, and the best part? They are on our side:
WHY CULT OF THE DEAD COW WILL NOT PUBLISH WESTERN SECURITY HOLES
We ain't stupid. We have shared our findings with some security experts, selected journalists and NGOs, and they've been corroborated. But that's it. We have zero interest or motivation in providing a roadmap for bored teenagers, criminals, or any government
agencies.
WHY CULT OF THE DEAD COW WILL PUBLISH CHINESE GOVERNMENT DATA
We couldn't care less about these assholes. Any country that props up dictators and practices genocide doesn't catch a break from us. China should be grateful that we just found this bone-polishing material.
I love these guys. Back Orifice ring any bells anyone?
Travis
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