Hacker Wannabe’s Buying Soap-on-a-Rope
A group of young men stole and falsified credentials to break into a Law Enforcement database last year, and they are going to trial this month. They had unauthorized access to over 310,000 people’s personal information such as banking records, home addresses and social security numbers, including many famous celebrities.
They even used the information to download the photos from Paris Hilton’s cell phone. They also swapped info on Laurence Fishburn, Governor Swarzenegger and Demi Moore.
From the Register here:
Accused hackers deny ID theft
US investigators have arrested five men on suspicion of involvement of hacking into the database of LexisNexis Group in a crime linked by prosecutors to a breach that led to the disclosure of the personal details of more than 310,000 people last year.
Some of the quintet are further suspected of swiping photos and data from an account tied to the mobile phone of heiress Paris Hilton. The suspects used “stolen or illegally created accounts at LexisNexis subsidiaries to look up Social Security numbers and other personal information on dozens of other Hollywood celebrities,” the Washington Post reports, adding that the five are likely to be charged with aggravated identity theft as conspiracy and computer hacking offences.
The accused have been named as: Jason Daniel Hawks, 24, of Winston Salem, North Carolina; Zachary Wiley Mann, 19, of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Timothy C. McKeage, 21, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Justin A. Perras, 19, of New Bedford, Massachusetts; and Jeffrey Robert Weinberg, 21, of Laguna Beach, California.
According to prosecutors, McKeage (AKA Krazed) broke in a computer run by police in Port Orange, Florida and used stolen credentials from this systems to access Accurint, a law enforcement database service, maintained by Seisint, a local subsidiary of LexisNexis.
The Accurint login credentials allowed the group to look up police records and other data on various high-profile celebrities. Among those targeted were California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and actors Laurence Fishburne and Demi Moore as well as Paris Hilton.
Mann (AKA Majy) admitted accessing personal data on Laurence Fishburne and other celebrities but denied accusations that he and his cohorts did anything wrong. “I don’t think what we did was that bad. We never used anyone’s identity. Besides, don’t you think it’s wrong that a company like that has all this information that’s available to anyone who’s willing to pay for it?”
Ol’ Zach Mann is whining about how wrong it is to broker security information in a law enforcement database? Is he intending to use that old “information just wants to be free” gimmick as his defense at his trial? So the ends justifies his means because the “database was the one that was bad.” Riiiggght. Good luck at your trial, stupid.
While doing research on this story, I went to the original article published by the Washington Post here. The Washington Post tracks everyone who links to the article. Another member of the hacking crew, Justin Perras, has posted his whinings on his MySpace Page, and linked his page to the article. Another brilliant move by another dope who thinks he knows better than everyone else.
On his blog, Justin writes:
That story upsets me a little bit. I didn’t tell the secret service anything was true, not to mention he twisted everyone’s words around. I am not comfortable with what he wrote. So much for utilizing ‘defensive journalisim’ to shape public opinion to workin our favor. Instead, his editor chopped the story up to portray us all as a group of hackers trying to compromise the identities of multiple celebrities.
Contrariwise, Kevin Poulsen from wired.com might also be publishing a story for wired. Hopefully, his will portray things a little differently. As far as my thoughts concerning the case and consequences, I don’t think about that. It makes me suicidal.
So the hacker team is hoping that they can get a favorable news article written that will diminish the extent of their crime? Good luck. Messing around in law enforcement databases is considered an attack on national critical infrastructure. It may not be cyber-terrorism, but the government takes this sort of thing very seriously.
The group is charged with aggravated identity theft, which has a minimum of two years. Justin and Zach- make sure you get soap on a rope. And don’t forget your shower slippers. Here is another list of tips for you and your friends.
Thanks for that tip. Do you have a website or a news source regarding this breach? I’ll post an update on the site. You know, many of the weaknesses we discussed above have likely not been resolved- i.e., weak authentication.
Weak security remains weak security.
well guys … I have to commend you on the coverage of the Lexis Nexis ordeal. I am a good friend of Justin’s and it’s only been recently (about a month or two ago) that he’s been completely blocked from using the internet or telephone services, but … in terms of being incarcerated… i’ve heard nothing.
Although you guys love to criticize him for his “misbehaving” … he’s just trying to teach people a lesson, that I’m sure I will learn as time goes on …. being as its still a complete mystery to me …
Yet, Pat … you’ve mentioned “weak security will remain weak security”
hmmm … interesting observation …
maybe Justin’s point with hacking into the LN files were to show that thinking serious about life is droll and our farcical attempts to hide things is actually something we can all have a good laugh about. I mean … i love watching people run circles around themselves to hide their “nudity” (being exposed) or the possibility of being vulnerable to … absolutely no one because we are no better than one another.
also … going way back … Justin’s attempts of mentioning “god” are a way to convey this simple message …
remember in the garden of eden when adam and eve ate the apple and became aware of their own nudity? We try, though our attempts through religion and being good, to be closer to a “higer being” (whatever the hell that means) … but … to get to that feeling of being complete … we have to aim to achieve innocence and purity again … (try to remember when you were younger and you didnt need money and cars to make you happy) … and that doesnt happen with secrecy and everyone trying to hide who’s dick they sucked when your mother does it, too.
He’s not an idiot … he wants to get caught and he wants everyone to know about it. And, I’m sure he’s hacked into even more secretive information … he wants to reveal everyone … even the government and their silly attempts to hide things from the public. So … you see … he’s not such a bad “kid” … he’s trying to teach the rest of us an interesting lesson.
much love & peace,
Dari
Dari, you are a not a philosopher, so quit trying to be one. Also, quit trying to excuse your friend’s behavior. He is a criminal, and a really bad one at that. He is not trying to teach anyone a “lesson” and there is no moral lesson here either, so please quit trying to quote the bible.
If Justin wanted to breach the security of networks, he should have gotten a job that allowed him to do such things legally. He knew what he was doing was against the law and he will have a long time behind bars to think about that too.
Babe … reread what I wrote … and read it slower – apparently you have a problem absorbing information and letting in simmer.
I am a philosopher … a natural gift (thank you) …
I am not EXCUSING Justin’s behavior … he did what he did … it was a weird way, but … apparently people don’t learn unless they’re stripped …
and … Justin doesnt give a shit …
neither should you …
Oh … and … while we’re on the topic of “job”s …
how about finding one that worries less about the business of other people (ESPECIALLY since you are COMPLETELY closed-minded).
Justin knew what he was doing … AGAIN … he’s not an idiot and he’s not sorry for what he did … he doesnt give a shit … he exposed a weak system … had a few laughs out of it … and i’m sure he’s laughing even till this day.
He’s a 20 year old that has more wisdom that anyone would acquire because … he thinks and exercises that ability ….
So … stop whinning to me “oooo … he did a bad thing and now he’s gonna SUFFER for it.” … because no one gives a shit … he’s a happy cocksucker.
Justin’s a whizz and … again … no matter how many times you come up with this bullshit argument … you need to open your eyes and see the big picture … how about interviewing him … i’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
And … you should come up with better responses … “quit it” … this only did it for me in elementary school
big kiss,
Dari
Dari,
How well did you know Justin? Did you know him well? Did he tell you these things such as “he meant to do it” and “he’s not sorry?” Did you know him well enough that I pass your information to the Secret Service so that they can subpoena you to testify as a character witness? Im sure they would love to hear from you and Justin would appreciate you confessing these things on a webpage.
Justin was a screw-up and an idiot. He was not wise. He got busted robbing cars and using stolen ATM cards while he was awaiting trial for his hacking crimes. You think he had wisdom? You admire this nitwit? You are a seriously deluded girl. You need to get over yourself. You may think you are special because Mom and Dad are sending you to college in New York City and you are studying a few languages. But you still don’t know shit from shinola when it comes to the real world.
You want a better response than “quit it”? Fine. How about this? When you work at H&M as a sales clerk for a little more than beer money, don’t go around posting on other peoples’ blogs about what they need to be doing or not doing for a living. My employment is certainly no concern of yours. As far as interviewing Jusin, I’ll pass. I don’t make it a habit of associating with known felons. And if you want to put your languages major to a good use some day, such as working at the State Dept or at the UN, then you shouldnt associate with criminals either. It looks really bad on a background check.
And finally, stop putting three periods everywhere in your sentences. Its like corresponding with someone who lisps in morse code.
pat, i dont, but a family member received a letter, and my son was one of those indicted. my family member did not call lexisnexis, my son did, and claimed to be him, and asked if this was from the breach last year. they said no, a new breach. this info was not used by my sons defense atty. but i really believe that the sentence was preordained, and probably fair. i think its funny though that they give out information before confirming your identity. it could have been a reporter calling! (which would have have more impact than what parents or friends said at trial). when are companies brokering information going to held accountable for haphazardly releasing that same information? sony is going through that now.
Hey you idiot how do you know that justin sold stuff to a pawn shop after he broke into the cars in fairhaven you dont know you bitch cuz only me and his friends know the truth he only wanted money from the atm you dumbass thats the only reason for breaking into the car cuz he knew he could figure out the password to the atm card so fuck your lies you stupid fuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
You know, I will take the word of the police and the District Attorney over Justin and his loser friends any day and twice on sundays. That’s how I know.
I thinkj Justin’s good friend has caused PROBLEMS, maybe for him,
Pick better , well -spoken friends
I totally get where you are going with this…i just wonder, hmmmm .why are you not reporting on albert gonzalez, a squealer that is probably going to get killed in prison. My son was one of the charged, refused to cave in and squeal, and has done fine in prison, at age 19. AG was an undercover informant, paid $75k per year, after stealing way more and being paid by the secret service. He was caught and turned loose, hired by the ss. Then he throws it in their faces, hacking more than any other person, and tells the agents about the more than a million hidden in his parents backyard. Lets talk about current hacking . And dont act so sanctimonious. You are supposedly a reporter, do your job. what happened with lexisnexis was not near on this level. Go read wired.com
A.G. good luck to you , you will probably die in prison, unless in protective custody. Shadowcrew member, eventually charged, charges dropped, and then you worked as a confidential informant.I hope you get protection, because after you get more than 30 people arrested, also in the bop, you have to watch your back. Good luck with all that. People hate others (squealers) that throw others under the bus just to save their ass.
Btw, ss and fbi, this is just a mother’s words, not anyone trying to wreak havok, just someone feeling a miscarriage of justice (and i dont own a gun).
I am a mother with a son in prison, at age 19 for more years than a murderer. State offenses, you get 50% timne, not federal. You are threatened by my son becuz he is more clever than you are and the judge is. He is doing fine, not a c.i. so he has nothing to fear. He is a man owning up to what he did. And i am sorry, MRBELCH, the soap doesnt really come into it. At least not with my young son. He has never has issues, in fact, he’s made too many friends, with lots of schemes.
I hope he will write a prison cookbook, he is a great cook, and many others than prisoners may buy it. or rap. it doesnt matter. I just wanted to call you out for disrespecting my 19 yr old son. Pick on criminals your own age. Pick on murderers, rapists, abducters. At least realize that computer criminals are not the heinous people you believe them to be. (other than albert gonzalez)
Jaa,
Welcome to the blog! I’m sorry your son is in jail and its good to hear that he is handling incarceration well. I hope he keeps his head down, behaves and gets out soon.
I did blog about Albert Gonzalez and I agree the Lexis-Nexis was kids stuff compared to the organized criminal acts of stealing credit cards. That story is here:
http://www.belch.com/blog/2009/12/17/tjmaxx-hacker-flaps-arms-hopes-aspergers-keeps-him-out-of-jail/
Oh my god… so much hate. Its not like any of these people killed or hurt anyone! Weren’t they all teens or something too? This may have been a stupid crime, but I am certain the author of this blog
is not a nice person at all. New Bedford (according to Google), is a heroin-homicide infested city in southeastern Massachusetts. Don’t judge people, and most importantly, don’t threaten anyone with police because they will mess with you one day Patricia.
Of course I judge. You already judged too by calling me hateful.