US Govt Pursue UK hacker

[Xiahou]

It's obvious that you have no idea of how computer networks work.

Really? Here I thought I worked in the IT industry, had a Bachelor's degree in Data Communications, a MCSE and a CCNA.... but it turns out I know nothing at all about networks.

I'm really not at all sure what your argument is... but it smells like a red herring. Of course its possible to 'accidently' connect to a system that you're not authorized to be on. But this clearly is not the case. He knew he was in areas that were confidential, he crashed systems and otherwise caused damage while nosing around with the specific intent to find classified information. Your argument that "He didnt know" is ludicrous. He knew what he was doing- that's not even in question.

Then, you're left with your absurd claim that if a computer is not adequately secure then there's nothing wrong with breaking in with intent to steal information. That idea is just laughable on the face of it and is very similar to the burglary and rape analogies others have made.

Just to be clear, you would see nothing wrong if he connected to a WAP setup by your average Joe who neglected to secure it and then proceeded to sift through his financial records, finding Joe's checking account information and posted it on the Internet for everyone to see before seeding Joe's system with viruses- because it wasnt secured? Because that's what you're saying.