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posted by cmn32480 on Tuesday October 20 2015, @12:48PM   Printer-friendly
from the people-who-should-know-better dept.

Who the hell still uses AOL? Apparently, CIA boss John Brenner. The New York Post had several phone conversations with an individual who claimed that he gained access to Brenner's email and phone accounts, downloaded a number of classified documents and posted them on Twitter. The hacker identified himself as a high school student, and part of a group called "Crackaz With Attitude".

The FBI and other federal agencies are now investigating the hacker, with one source saying criminal charges are possible, law enforcement sources said.

"I think they'll want to make an example out of him to deter people from doing this in the future," said a source who described the situation as "just wild" and "crazy."

"I can't believe he did this to the head of the CIA,'' the source added. "[The] problem with these older-generation guys is that they don't know anything about cybersecurity, and as you can see, it can be problematic."

Government officials say that the FBI and Secret Service are investigating the matter, but deny that any classified materials were compromised.

The cracker remains at large, for now. He also talked to Wired, providing some detailed information on how he pulled it off.


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  • (Score: 2) by mmcmonster on Tuesday October 20 2015, @03:08PM

    by mmcmonster (401) on Tuesday October 20 2015, @03:08PM (#252322)

    It's all fun and games until you get exported to Gitmo.

    It's one thing to social engineer the password of a low-level secretary. But to get the personal email of the head of the CIA is just plain stupid. On the parts of both the victim and the perpetrator.

    Let's just hope it's all just personal stuff.

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  • (Score: 2) by bob_super on Tuesday October 20 2015, @03:59PM

    by bob_super (1357) on Tuesday October 20 2015, @03:59PM (#252346)

    Never ... Ever ... Make the boss look foolish.