Re: Recent Attacks

[Michael Cassidy <cassidy () panix com>]

At 10:01 PM -0800 2/19/00, Ryan Russell wrote:
> > So are you suggesting that perhaps it is time software such as ISS, etc,
> > to not only be made available with strict controls over which targets
> > they can be used against (article about this went to bugtraq some time
> > ago) but also be required for those buying the product/license keys
> > in order to undertake such work ?  I think this is almost a inevitable.
> > I can't see why professionals would object to this - every `respectable'
> > procession has some sort of official "badging" which is required before
> > you practice in it.
>
> Because then if I want to write a tool, I have to take on the
> responsibility of serial numbering, licensing, probably some sort of
> insurance, etc.. which means I can't do it for free anymore, can't release
> source...
>
> It's going to squash the little guys.
>
> It may in fact be inevitable, but it sucks.

i doubt this will happen.

first, this would seem to attack the open code/freeware movement that is
gathering steam.

second, it would *not* stop people from writing their own code; many times
the hard part [tedious part] of writing code for sale [distribution] is
covering all the things a user who isnt you will do to explode your code.
if you are the only person using the code, it can be very quick&dirty and
at this moment there are alot of people who can write quick&dirty code that
can scan ports etc.

michael

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