June 2001 - cypherpunks-legacy

Re: DCMA: You must use Ford Gas in Ford Cars or Else We Repo The Car
by George＠Orwellian.Org 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

From: Steve Schear <schear(a)lvcm.com> # # No need, you can buy these kits for about $100 (by the time you've # used up the initial ink supply included with the kit you've save # about $300 by their reckoning) from MIS http://www.inksupply.com. Heh. http://www.inksupply.com/index.cfm?source=html/arcnew.html # # We have brand new cartridges that are pre filled with the archival # ink. These are available for the all Epson printers except the # 777, 870, 875, 1270, and 2000P. # # Epson has put a chip on the cartridges for # these printers that prevents refilling. Elsewhere they have a link for defeating the chip.

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The Register - UK govt. new encryption system only works with MS kit
by Jim Choate 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/20037.html -- -- ____________________________________________________________________ Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent. Ludwig Wittgenstein The Armadillo Group ,::////;::-. James Choate Austin, Tx /:'///// ``::>/|/ ravage(a)ssz.com www.ssz.com .', |||| `/( e\ 512-451-7087 -====~~mm-'`-```-mm --'- --------------------------------------------------------------------

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Poll: More Americans Think Amendment Goes Too Far
by Jim Choate 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=383930&nav=0s3c -- -- ____________________________________________________________________ Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent. Ludwig Wittgenstein The Armadillo Group ,::////;::-. James Choate Austin, Tx /:'///// ``::>/|/ ravage(a)ssz.com www.ssz.com .', |||| `/( e\ 512-451-7087 -====~~mm-'`-```-mm --'- --------------------------------------------------------------------

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apt bugs considered cheap
by John Doe #N 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

EL asks: >Do you bug your apartment, and leave subliminal tripwire >implements around? Given that computer-ready cameras are essentially free (e.g., at Fry's, with rebates) it makes a lot of sense to run a frame-differencer and log the events offsite.

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Microsloth Rich Text Format security hole!
by George＠Orwellian.Org 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

http://www.kaspersky.com/news.asp?tnews=0&nview=1&id=199&page=0 # # Thursday, June 14, 2001 # # Malicious Code in RTF Files: Yet another Prediction Comes True # # A Trojan program penetrates computers when reading RTF files # # Kaspersky Lab, an international data-security software-development # company, warns users about the discovery of the Trojan "Goga" # that steals and sends out from infected computers user details # for Internet access (i.e. login, password and other information). # Kaspersky Lab has already received several reports of the Trojan # being detected "in the wild." # # "Goga" has two distinguishing features: the first is that it # utilizes files in RTF format as a means for spreading, confusing # users in as much as they believe these files to be absolutely # safe, often opening them without first administering an anti-virus # check. The second is that the Trojan exploits a well-known breach # in the Microsoft Word security system, allowing a malefactor # to launch a malicious code, unbeknownst to a user, immediately # following the opening of an infected document. # # Breach hyperlink: # # http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security… # # Should a computer not be installed with the proper patch thwarting # this breach, then when the infected RTF file is read, MS Word # automatically downloads a template containing the malicious # macro-program from a remote Web site without any warning # whatsoever. This macro-program extracts additional utility from # the RTF file?s binary section. This utility searches the infected # computer and creates another TXT file containing user Internet # access details. At this point, "Goga" starts up the script program # that publishes the newely created TXT file in a Web-site guest # book open to the general public. The virus writer is now able # to periodically cull stolen information from this site. # # Kaspersky Lab warned users about falling prey to this RTF-file # danger on May 29. We once again recommend that users install # the MS Word patch defending against this Trojan and any other # malicious programs exploiting this breach ASAP. # # Detection and removal procedures have already been added # to the Kaspersky Anti-Virus database daily update.

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Cyborg deployment in Scotland
by George＠Orwellian.Org 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

Excerpt: # ...the extension of Restriction of Liberty Orders... # # There are also plans to use the orders as a condition of a # probation order or a drug treatment and testing order... http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,10-2001221674,00.html # # THURSDAY JUNE 28 2001 # # All sheriff courts to have power to tag offenders # # BY GILLIAN HARRIS, SCOTLAND CORRESPONDENT # # POLITICIANS and community leaders gave a cautious welcome # yesterday to plans to increase the use of electronic tagging # of offenders. # # Every sheriff court in Scotland is to be given the option of # electronically monitoring offenders under a scheme announced # by the Scottish Executive. Iain Gray, the Deputy Justice Minister, # unveiled details of the move during a visit to General Security # Services Corporation Europe in East Kilbride. # # Pilot schemes are already under way in Hamilton, Aberdeen and # Peterhead and the firm has the contract to provide the electronic # monitoring service to Hamilton Sheriff Court. # # Mr Gray said 418 offenders had been electronically tagged since # the pilot scheme was launched in August 1998. He described the # initiative, which predominantly sees offenders limited to their # own home for up to 12 hours a day, as a success that should be # extended throughout Scotland. # # Donald Dickie, a senior manager with the community safety # organisation Safeguarding Communities Reducing Offending, welcomed # the move as an alternative to custody. He said that the prison # population in Scotland was too high and that not all offenders # need to be locked up. # # Mr Dickie also welcomed moves to use tagging for inmates released # from prison on licence and under supervision. He said: "It has # the potential to assist in helping people to lead stable lives." # # Roseanna Cunningham, the SNP's Shadow Justice Minister, gave # the announcement a muted welcome but expressed concerns that # no timescale had been given. She said: "I cautiously welcome # the announcement today by the Deputy Justice Minister that # Restriction of Liberty Orders will play a greater role in the # criminal justice system. # # "It is important, however, that these orders are used as a direct # alternative to custody as it makes a great deal of sense both # in terms of justice and in terms of cost." # # Phil Gallie, the Scottish Conservatives' justice spokesman, said # tagging should be used as an additional tool in the fight against # crime. He said: "Electronic tagging must not be an instrument # with which the Scottish Executive can empty our prisons. I have # always been an advocate for electronic tagging, however I never # envisaged that this would provide an easy option for criminals. # # "At all times our courts must ensure that punishment and # deterrence along with protection of the public stands as the # highest priority." # # Mr Gray said the extension of Restriction of Liberty Orders, # under which offenders are fitted with electronic transmitters # so monitoring authorities can keep track of their movements, # would take place once a competitive tendering exercise has been # completed. # # There are also plans to use the orders as a condition of a # probation order or a drug treatment and testing order and for # monitoring of prisoners released on licence under supervision # such as sex offenders. ---- Occasional double emails: I'll be off PSINet within a week.

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DCMA: You must use Ford Gas in Ford Cars or Else We Repo The Car
by John Doe #N 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

>Or does the DCMA make my decrypting a DVD (which I own) using unauthorized >software (i.e. not part of the consortium) illegal, period? When someone sells you something (e.g., a phonograph, or phonograph recording) they can claim that the warrantee is void [1] if you use other than *their* parts (phonograph needles, licensed phonographs), but they cannot tell the govt that they are harmed by your use of unapproved gear. The DCMA folks need to understand this. Badly. [1] An OEM may not be always be able to void a warrantee for objectively bogus reasons, e.g., a car manufacturer probably couldn't get away with dropping a drive-train warrantee because you used generic oil that fullfilled published specs.

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CNN.com - Feds charge 8 with stealing, selling FBI records - June 27, 2001
by Jim Choate 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/06/27/fbi.records.probe/index.html -- -- ____________________________________________________________________ Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent. Ludwig Wittgenstein The Armadillo Group ,::////;::-. James Choate Austin, Tx /:'///// ``::>/|/ ravage(a)ssz.com www.ssz.com .', |||| `/( e\ 512-451-7087 -====~~mm-'`-```-mm --'- --------------------------------------------------------------------

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DRUG WAR ON THE WEB Village Voice : 'Narco News' Ready For Libel Suit In New York
by Matthew Gaylor 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

Story from Guardian follows Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jun 2001 Source: Village Voice (NY) Copyright: 2001 Village Voice Media, Inc Contact: editor(a)villagevoice.com Website: http://www.villagevoice.com/ Author: Cynthia Cotts Referenced: http://www.narconews.com DRUG WAR ON THE WEB <truthout(a)lists.truthout.com> Last month, when Citigroup bought Banamex, the second largest bank in Mexico, the deal was praised as good for the Mexican people and good for the banks. Citigroup vice chairman Robert Rubin told the press that the deal was the result of an overture from Banamex chairman Roberto Hernandez Ramirez, who is worth $1.3 billion and has been promised a seat on the Citigroup board. On May 18, The New York Times faithfully regurgitated Hernandez's rags-to-riches success story. But the fruit vendor turned billionaire has a dark side. According to statements made in 2000 by Al Giordano, publisher of the Mexican-based NarcoNews.com, Hernandez has also been called a money launderer and a drug dealer. Giordano says he has reviewed published photos and testimony suggesting that Hernandez has shared his Yucatan beachfront with the boats and planes of the cocaine trade. Hernandez has denied the allegations since they were first reported in 1997 by the Mexican newspaper Por Esto! Last summer, after failing in his efforts to get Por Esto! prosecuted in Mexico, the banker decided to sue his critics in New York. He hired Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, a firm that has represented alleged money launderers in the past, to file a libel suit on behalf of Banamex. His lawyer calls the portrayal of Hernandez and Banamex as drug traffickers "utterly false," and claims that Giordano's comments "injured Banamex's business reputation"oa conclusion which seems especially odd now that Banamex has been snapped up by Citigroup for $12.5 billion. Wherever he found his money, Hernandez has enough of it to sue Narco News for yearsoor at least until the Web site shuts down. But it would be a mistake to underestimate my friend Giordano, a respected reporter and activist who plans to defend himself against the libel charges. In what is shaping up to be the summer's most entertaining media trial, Giordano will appear in New York State Supreme Court on July 20, where he plans to throw curve balls during the first round of oral arguments in the case. In his motion to dismiss, Giordano chronicles his lifelong commitment to free speech and claims that every one of his supposedly libelous statements is what the courts call an opinion, because in each case he cited the facts on which his opinion was based. Via e-mail, Giordano wrote that the opinion defense has solid precedents, including a case in which an umpire sued Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for mocking his calls as "ludicrous" and incompetent. Because Steinbrenner referred to specifics to back up his opinion, his statement was found to be not defamatory. Giordano says, "We razzed the umpire in this case, the government, which leaves certain white-collar traffickers alone." Attorney Thomas Lesser, who represents Narco News, also filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the court cannot allow Banamex to sue the Web site in New York for content uploaded in Mexico. According to Lesser, that would be tantamount to giving any libel plaintiff permission to sue any Web site anywhere in the worldoa precedent that would seriously threaten free speech. In its response, Akin Gump calls Lesser's argument a "straw man" and paints Giordano as having superhuman powers to raise money and affect public opinion. The plaintiff also claims jurisdiction in New York because Giordano has business contacts and does fundraising here. It's too early to call a winner, but as of this week, Giordano will stop posting new reports on his Web site. When he arrives in New York, he intends to dispense with the technicalities and turn the spotlight on the drug trade, which is the heart of the case. "We may be out-hollered and out-dollared," he quips, "but we're not outsmarted." Unlike Hernandez, who Giordano says is "hiding behind his bank," the journalist will step up to the plate. "Just showing my face," he says, "will speak volumes about which side of this dispute is telling the truth." Given his passionate opposition to the drug war, Giordano should have plenty of fans cheering from the bleachers. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Pubdate: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 Source: Guardian, The (UK) Copyright: 2001 Guardian Newspapers Limited Contact: letters(a)guardian.co.uk Website: http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardian/ Author: Sean Dobson Referenced: http://www.narconews.com HACKS HIT IN DRUGS WAR An American Investigative Journalist Is Being Sued Over His Website's Reports Of Drugs Trafficking In Mexico. So What Are The Implications For Freedom Of Speech? In 1997, a notable Mexican billionaire, Roberto Hernandez, general director and majority owner of the National Bank of Mexico (Banamex) and one of the richest men in the world, picked up a copy of Por Esto, a modest Mexican daily newspaper. In its pages was the first of 15 investigative reports which alleged that he was a major drugs trafficker. After a lengthy criminal libel trial lasting more than two years, a Mexican judge ruled that Banamex had not been libelled, a decision that was upheld on appeal in May last year. A third attempt to press criminal charges in Mexico was thrown out of court. Hernandez has never personally filed a libel lawsuit over any of the allegations made by Por Esto. It could have ended there and it nearly did. But next month Banamex will be back in court - this time in Courtroom 205 of the New York State Supreme Court - and a new defendant will stand in the dock alongside Por Esto's editor Mario Menendez and his team of reporters. On July 21, the Mexican hacks will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Al Giordano, a US investigative journalist and publisher of a crusading website, www.narconews.com. At stake, say the defendants, is the future of free speech on the internet. The Banamex suit charges the journalists with "defamation and interference with prospective economic advantage", accusing them of "maliciously smear[ing] Banamex with accusations that, among other things, it is controlled and operated by narcotics traffickers and has engaged in illegal activity". If it hadn't been for Giordano, much of the world would never have heard of Por Esto's allegations. Since leaving his native Boston, the former political reporter has been operating - often in secret - deep in the heart of Latin America's "narco states". He is the sole publisher of Narco News, a website that aims at the reform of US drugs policy. It attempts to expose corruption, offers translations of the Latin press into English and aims to shatter "the illusion that the drugs war is about combating drugs". Banamex's lawyers claim that the defamation occurred last year when Menendez and Giordano went on a publicity tour to New York. The tour included an interview with Menendez in New York's Village Voice, a radio interview with Giordano and Menendez, and a lecture the pair gave at the Columbia University School of Law - all well within the court's jurisdiction.But crucially, the libel action also cites a number of articles Giordano published on his website, which is produced and maintained in Mexico and uploaded to a server in Maryland USA, not New York. Speaking from an undisclosed location in Latin America, Giordano told MediaGuardian: "If the National Bank of Mexico can sue a website published from Mexico, over stories investigated, reported and uploaded from Mexico, and sue that website in New York, that would set a dangerous precedent that chills free speech throughout the internet. If you say something that a large corporation doesn't like, not only can you be hauled into court in Mexico, but you can be hauled into court anywhere in the world." According to Tamsin Allen, a specialist in media law at City law firm Bindman and Partners, Banamex is practising a form of "forum shopping". "It happens quite often," says Allen. "What it means in effect is that the bank is looking around for a forum which is going to give it the best result." Giordano says he left the US because "journalism, as I once knew it, seemed to be dying". After a year in Chiapas, living with the indigenous Zapatista rebels, Giordano began operating from his secret base in Latin America. In a little over a year, Narco News has broken a string of scoops focusing on the war on drugs. It exposed a conflict-of-interest scandal surrounding a series of Associated Press articles about Bolivian politics, which led to the resignation of AP's Bolivia correspondent, Peter McFarren. It also broke the news that the president of Uruguay Jorge Batlle has recently begun calling for the legalisation of drugs. "None of the stories were about Banamex," says Giordano. "So you have to ask: why doesn't Hernandez bring the suit himself?" Narco News will be represented by Charles Nesson, the Harvard law professor who came to prominence in 1987 when he defended Abbie Hoffman and Amy Carter in their fight against the CIA. Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld - the third largest lobbying firm in Washington with clients including Colombia and Bolivia - will represent Banamex. When proceedings begin next month the debate will centre around whether Banamex has acted properly in bringing its lawsuit in New York, when it has already been defeated three times in Mexican courts. In a bid to establish jurisdiction over Narco News, Banamex claims that it is an "affiliate" of a media watchdog group called the Media Channel, which is based in New York. "There's no money involved," says Giordano. "Nobody pays to affiliate with organisations of like interests. But imagine if affiliation could be used to sue Media Channel in New York. It will have a chilling effect on media organisations and citizen groups." Other affiliates include 78 UK organisations, including Amnesty International, Comic Relief and Guardian Unlimited. "If this case is allowed to proceed, it means that any British website, or any site in the world, could be dragged into a New York court," says Giordano. "This case is costing me a lot of money that I don't have. It's costing me time that is taking away from my journalism, and it's a warning to every journalist that the same thing will happen to you if you report about the activities of billionaires." Despite this, Giordano is relishing the fight. "If we go to trial, the drug war goes on trial," he says. "This case has many interesting elements, including photos of cocaine trafficking, and the outrageous story of Mexican state persecution of journalists for taking such photos and reporting the facts." Also, "there is drug-money laundering, including in the tourism industry, a US president and ambassador who were guests at the accused trafficker's estate, and official complicity with and protection of white-collar drug trafficking on both sides of the border." __________________________________________________________________________ Distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. --- ************************************************************************** Subscribe to Freematt's Alerts: Pro-Individual Rights Issues Send a blank message to: freematt(a)coil.com with the words subscribe FA on the subject line. List is private and moderated (7-30 messages per week) Matthew Gaylor, (614) 313-5722 ICQ: 106212065 Archived at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fa/ **************************************************************************

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Phoning Home
by mmotyka＠lsil.com 28 Jun '01

28 Jun '01

I'd be steamed if I had a laptop stolen. Recovering stolen property sounds good but the little zTrace widget is probably in the flash or on the hdd - reflash bios, reinstall os. Might want to use a pcmcia nic to get a new mac address, I have seen an enet chip that uses a small eeprom for the mac and can be reprogrammed in circuit, use Linux to avoid the cpuid sneaking out. Now how does it phone home? Best bet is watch it closely or lock it up when you can't. Mike

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