1337 police hack Tony Blair's PC - bit-tech.net Forums

WilHarris · 22nd Jan 2007, 11:14

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2007/01...ony_blairs_pc/

samkiller42 · 22nd Jan 2007, 11:34

The security for PC's is probably as low down as the other things this county needs, Health, Education, Transport etc etc, so this is not surprising that someone can get in.

Sam

DougEdey · 22nd Jan 2007, 11:44

Go police! Corruption is the order of the day by the sounds of it, now they just need to hack into companies records.

specofdust · 22nd Jan 2007, 11:56

S'not really hacking if they just went to the physical computer and retrieved the info they needed, now is it? Maturity in headlines isn't too much to ask for

As for personal security on a machine, there is little that a noob could use that would deter the police. You need some fairly hefty stuff to keep them from getting info out you have to be very anal about keeping it clean. Not the sort of stuff a PM would have time for.

Mother-Goose · 22nd Jan 2007, 12:00

Its not data theft either, the police have (and need) the right to access the information. It is just digital questioning where the answers are less likely to be lies. I fully support this kind of investigation.

cpemma · 22nd Jan 2007, 12:11

Quote:

The Sunday Telegraph said that detectives used computer experts to find confidential information and are also believed to have contacted the Internet suppliers for his offices to penetrate government email records.

Not so much hacking as undelete software. Eavesdropping on the PM is done by MI5, not CID.

mikeuk2004 · 22nd Jan 2007, 12:14

If only the queen would sack Tony and and do away with parliment all together.

Silence · 22nd Jan 2007, 14:31

I'm assuming the computer experts were computer forensic experts, or any evidence they find would probably be laughed out of court. Computer forensics requires specific protocols/techniques to be met in order to ascertain continuity of evidence (to stop tampering accusations).

It seems that security isn't an issue at all, the experts were allowed access (and rightly so!). As has been pointed out, the only security speedbumps would be if partial or full disk encryption was used, although i suspect that, unless the PM wants to block the investigation (not a smart move), any passwords needed would be freely given.

Lazarus Dark · 22nd Jan 2007, 15:25

Over here, across the pond, we have people whose only job is covering stuff up, especially in the white house. Could I just walk in over there and sit down at tony's computer or what? I'm a little disappointed in the world's most big brothered nation. You'd think with a camera on every corner, you guys would lock down your leaders email a little better.

yodasarmpit · 22nd Jan 2007, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus Dark

Over here, across the pond, we have people whose only job is covering stuff up, especially in the white house. Could I just walk in over there and sit down at tony's computer or what? I'm a little disappointed in the world's most big brothered nation. You'd think with a camera on every corner, you guys would lock down your leaders email a little better.

Do you honestly think your average Joe would be able to gain access to the PM's data? I would hazzard a guess at it being the most secure system in the Country.

DXR_13KE · 22nd Jan 2007, 16:12

if he did the crime he will do the time

randosome · 22nd Jan 2007, 16:19

now if only they would plant some child pornography or something on it so he gets locked away forever, id even donate £10 for that

Its a bit worrying when the prime minister has such naff security though

Silence · 22nd Jan 2007, 17:12

I think people are misreading the article, it doesn't say that the PM has naff security, it's saying that the techniques used to access the PM's email have not been reported.

I think it's safe to assume that the PM will have good security on his computer, let alone access to the study that the computer is sat in. The 'computer experts' will undoubtedly have been given any passwords and clearance needed to do their job and recover any/all email.

Oh, and the comment about planting child pornography i'm going to assume is a joke, albeit a rather unfunny one.

samkiller42 · 22nd Jan 2007, 19:10

Ok, he may be our PM, but as it says he is an email n00b, and there fore would most likley have Norton to protect his PC, and basicly, that says it all

Sam

specofdust · 22nd Jan 2007, 19:22

Some realism guys. He may be a noob, but you can be damn sure there are entire departments of government people who's job is solely to secure government computers, including the PM's. Just as managing directors don't get hacked if they're noobs, PM's won't get hacked either.

Burnout21 · 22nd Jan 2007, 20:32

first off as said there was no 'hack', just some hack down at the news room made it sound better.

MY real worry is the fact that the police are investigating are government! What if there is a potentional 'water gate' again??!!!

I am very worried atm.

specofdust · 22nd Jan 2007, 20:36

Quote:

MY real worry is the fact that the police are investigating are government!

My worry would be if the police weren't investigating the government. I think it's outstanding that our police have approached this openly and properly. Labour have managed to sully themselves by putting pressure on the investigation, but the police have handled it extremely well so far I reckon - and unlike so many countries where a cash-for-honours type thing would be swept under the carpet or just accepted as part of politics, here you've got the police arresting people who might be guilty of crimes.

Makes me glad to live in this country.

Tyinsar · 23rd Jan 2007, 02:16

Somehow I can't imagine state secrets (or dealings with North Korea and such) being discussed via e-mail (not by the current generation anyway) so I suspect there hasn't been any serious attempt to make it more secure.

randosome · 23rd Jan 2007, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyinsar

Somehow I can't imagine state secrets (or dealings with North Korea and such) being discussed via e-mail (not by the current generation anyway) so I suspect there hasn't been any serious attempt to make it more secure.

i think that sums it up pretty well, i doubt he would be discussing confidential, and important matters via email

cpu121 · 23rd Jan 2007, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpemma

Not so much hacking as undelete software. Eavesdropping on the PM is done by MI5, not CID.

Technically wouldn't this come under GCHQ's remit? Wouldn't be surprised if they copied the emails while in transit.

22nd Jan 2007, 11:14	#1
WilHarris Just another nobody Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Oxford Posts: 2,671	1337 police hack Tony Blair's PC http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2007/01...ony_blairs_pc/

22nd Jan 2007, 11:34	#2
samkiller42 KEEP IT CLEAN! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Havant, Hampshire, England Posts: 3,193	The security for PC's is probably as low down as the other things this county needs, Health, Education, Transport etc etc, so this is not surprising that someone can get in. Sam __________________ The Rig: i7 920 D0, Gigabyte EX58-UD5, 12GB DDR3 1600mhz, BFG GTX295, Samsung 64gb SSD, WD 640gb Black, Samsung F2 Eco 1TB, Dell 3007WFP, Windows 7 RC. The Netbook: Samsung NC10 Black, Intel Atom, 2gb DDR2 The Mac: Awaiting Delivery

22nd Jan 2007, 11:44	#3
DougEdey I pwn all your storage Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 13,933	Go police! Corruption is the order of the day by the sounds of it, now they just need to hack into companies records. __________________ Burnout: Paradise Stats!XBL: DougEdey Bindi PSN ID: DougEdey Twitter

22nd Jan 2007, 11:56	#4
specofdust Banned Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Aberdeen, UK, EU Posts: 7,622	S'not really hacking if they just went to the physical computer and retrieved the info they needed, now is it? Maturity in headlines isn't too much to ask for As for personal security on a machine, there is little that a noob could use that would deter the police. You need some fairly hefty stuff to keep them from getting info out you have to be very anal about keeping it clean. Not the sort of stuff a PM would have time for. __________________ Like marmite, only no-one hates it Mmm bop!

22nd Jan 2007, 12:00	#5
Mother-Goose Tories ftw! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: England - Surrey Posts: 3,750	Its not data theft either, the police have (and need) the right to access the information. It is just digital questioning where the answers are less likely to be lies. I fully support this kind of investigation. __________________ Goose Q6600, Striker Extreme, 4GB 6400C4 Dominator DHX, Raptor X, 2x400GB spinpoints, BFG 8800GTX OC, Stacker 830 Evo, HX620, Nova T 500, Freezer 7 Pro

22nd Jan 2007, 12:14	#7
mikeuk2004 What you Looking at Fool! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sheffield, UK Posts: 3,052	If only the queen would sack Tony and and do away with parliment all together. __________________ -\|- Xfire - Mikeuk2005 -\|- Xbox Live - Mike UK 2006 -\|- Playstation Network - Mikeuk2004 -\|-

22nd Jan 2007, 14:31	#8
Silence Multimodder Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: UK Posts: 190	I'm assuming the computer experts were computer forensic experts, or any evidence they find would probably be laughed out of court. Computer forensics requires specific protocols/techniques to be met in order to ascertain continuity of evidence (to stop tampering accusations). It seems that security isn't an issue at all, the experts were allowed access (and rightly so!). As has been pointed out, the only security speedbumps would be if partial or full disk encryption was used, although i suspect that, unless the PM wants to block the investigation (not a smart move), any passwords needed would be freely given. __________________ If you can't take a joke, you have no business having a heart condition.

22nd Jan 2007, 15:25	#9
Lazarus Dark Supermodder Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: US Memphis, TN Posts: 292	Over here, across the pond, we have people whose only job is covering stuff up, especially in the white house. Could I just walk in over there and sit down at tony's computer or what? I'm a little disappointed in the world's most big brothered nation. You'd think with a camera on every corner, you guys would lock down your leaders email a little better. __________________ My gun kata is greater than your kung fu.

22nd Jan 2007, 16:12	#11
DXR_13KE Madeira's banana is the best!!! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Madeira ; Portugal Posts: 6,485	if he did the crime he will do the time __________________ RENEGADE X CONTEST! <---- CLICK if you want to win a free Command & Conquer 4 beta key!

22nd Jan 2007, 16:19	#12
randosome Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 226	now if only they would plant some child pornography or something on it so he gets locked away forever, id even donate £10 for that Its a bit worrying when the prime minister has such naff security though

22nd Jan 2007, 17:12	#13
Silence Multimodder Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: UK Posts: 190	I think people are misreading the article, it doesn't say that the PM has naff security, it's saying that the techniques used to access the PM's email have not been reported. I think it's safe to assume that the PM will have good security on his computer, let alone access to the study that the computer is sat in. The 'computer experts' will undoubtedly have been given any passwords and clearance needed to do their job and recover any/all email. Oh, and the comment about planting child pornography i'm going to assume is a joke, albeit a rather unfunny one. __________________ If you can't take a joke, you have no business having a heart condition. Last edited by Silence; 22nd Jan 2007 at 17:13. Reason: Addition

22nd Jan 2007, 19:10	#14
samkiller42 KEEP IT CLEAN! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Havant, Hampshire, England Posts: 3,193	Ok, he may be our PM, but as it says he is an email n00b, and there fore would most likley have Norton to protect his PC, and basicly, that says it all Sam __________________ The Rig: i7 920 D0, Gigabyte EX58-UD5, 12GB DDR3 1600mhz, BFG GTX295, Samsung 64gb SSD, WD 640gb Black, Samsung F2 Eco 1TB, Dell 3007WFP, Windows 7 RC. The Netbook: Samsung NC10 Black, Intel Atom, 2gb DDR2 The Mac: Awaiting Delivery

22nd Jan 2007, 19:22	#15
specofdust Banned Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Aberdeen, UK, EU Posts: 7,622	Some realism guys. He may be a noob, but you can be damn sure there are entire departments of government people who's job is solely to secure government computers, including the PM's. Just as managing directors don't get hacked if they're noobs, PM's won't get hacked either. __________________ Like marmite, only no-one hates it Mmm bop!

22nd Jan 2007, 20:32	#16
Burnout21 is true bit-techer! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Nott's Posts: 4,862	first off as said there was no 'hack', just some hack down at the news room made it sound better. MY real worry is the fact that the police are investigating are government! What if there is a potentional 'water gate' again??!!! I am very worried atm. __________________ DFI P45-T2RS Plus, Q6600, 4GB Reaper HPC, GTX280 & FX3450, X-Fi Xtreme Music, 1570GB Storage

23rd Jan 2007, 02:16	#18
Tyinsar 6 screens / 1 card Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: AB.CA Posts: 2,005	Somehow I can't imagine state secrets (or dealings with North Korea and such) being discussed via e-mail (not by the current generation anyway) so I suspect there hasn't been any serious attempt to make it more secure. __________________ It's not about how life treats you, it's about how you treat life.