The Kids Who Hacked The CIA
fern・20 minutes read
Hackers like Default and Krakas with Attitude engage in cyber activism, targeting high-ranking officials, exposing vulnerabilities, and sparking global debates on privacy, leading to significant consequences and legal repercussions. The breach of sensitive documents and personal data highlights the power and impact of individual actions on global issues.
Insights
- The hacking activities of individuals like Default and Kraka, influenced by groups such as Anonymous, have significant real-world consequences, from wiping out student debts to shutting down illegal websites, showcasing the power of cyber activism in driving social change and legislative actions.
- The ease with which hackers like Default accessed sensitive information from high-ranking officials like John Brennan and Mark Giuliano highlights the critical need for robust data privacy measures and cybersecurity protocols to safeguard against cyber threats, preventing potentially damaging breaches and protecting individuals' personal information.
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Recent questions
What sparked a global debate on privacy?
Edward Snowden's whistleblowing
How did hackers target high-ranking officials?
Exposing vulnerabilities and embarrassing them
What led to Denmark banning bestiality?
Targeting Danish dog brothels
What was the significance of Default's hacking activities?
Showcasing the shadow industry of data brokers
What was the impact of Wikileaks' publication in October 2015?
Revealing sensitive information and causing damages
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Summary
00:00
Cyber Activism: Hacking, Whistleblowing, and Privacy
- October 2015, John Brennan, head of the CIA, receives a phone call demanding $5 trillion, leading to a larger conspiracy involving identity theft and cyber terrorism.
- A 15-year-old named craer, leader of crackers with Attitude, leaks personal data of officials and engages in activism attributed to Anonymous.
- Default, a teenager in 2008, starts hacking after being inspired by Anonymous, leading to involvement with Anon sec, a group performing hacking operations.
- Default hacks a Canadian Medical School's server, wiping out $9.4 million in student debts, showcasing the shadow industry of data brokers and the importance of data privacy.
- Default and Anon hackers target Danish dog brothels, shutting down websites and raising awareness, leading to Denmark banning bestiality.
- Default accumulates over 1,000 Bitcoins, values at $40 million today, and adopts extreme security measures to protect his activities.
- Edward Snowden, a US intelligence contractor, becomes a whistleblower, revealing government surveillance secrets and sparking a global debate on privacy.
- Krakas with Attitude, led by kraka, targets high-ranking intelligence officials like James Clapper and John Brennan, exposing their vulnerabilities and embarrassing them.
- Kraka gains access to Brennan's private email and phone number, leading to relentless spam calls to the CIA director, causing him to go into hiding.
- The actions of default, kraka, and other hackers highlight the power of cyber activism and the potential impact of individual actions on global issues.
16:08
Wikileaks Exposes CIA Secrets, Hacker's Downfall
- Wikileaks published sensitive documents in October 2015, including John Brennan's 47-page sf86 application revealing his criminal history, psychological records, and drug abuse, along with Bush-era recommendations for Middle East operations and Senate committee suggestions on interrogation methods.
- The breach cost the agency $1.5 million in damages and relocation costs, leading operatives to hide, despite the low threat level initially perceived. Hacking into Brennan's email was embarrassingly easy, exposing private information easily.
- The hackers accessed FBI Deputy Director Mark Giuliano's account, revealing personal data of 9,000 DOJ officials and 20,000 FBI agents. They also obtained records from the Justice Department's database on US prisoners and posted them online, causing chaos and embarrassment.
- Default, involved in the hacking, was betrayed by a friend to the FBI, leading to a raid where agents seized his equipment, including a hard drive with nearly 1,000 Bitcoin. He received a 5-year sentence, $145,000 restitution, and spent time in solitary confinement, regretting his actions later in court.
