FBI asks computer shops to help fight cybercrime

[The Sushi Bandit]

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Feb/05/ln/ln01a.html

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Cyber Crime Squad have been approaching O'ahu computer-repair specialists, network consultants and software developers and asking them to report any overtly criminal activity they find in customers' computers.

Owners of computer repair shops reported that FBI agents have come calling for at least a year. Some business owners and network security consultants favor the approach, which enlists old-school police beat work to combat high-tech crime. Others — like the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Hawai'i and some local computer users — are wary of the tactic, saying it comes dangerously close to violating a person's privacy rights.

[Tempest]

1. Great way to kill off the computer repair business

More and more users will get familiar with repairing their own systems, or using friends to help.

I used to work on computers and mainframe systems.

If I open another business I'll be sure to advertise that a customer's information will be safe from government agents.

Anyone who takes a computer to a shop should first first remove the hard drive or encrypt incriminating evidence.

I'll be sure to advertise that I'll instruct users in encryption software too.

[colonel odis]

2. first they ask ups drivers and cable installers

to keep an eye on us.

now they want computer repair shops to look over our hard drives.

of course, they can enter our homes and go through our things as they please.

they can hold us in a cell as long as they like without charging us or letting us tell our families where we are.

how much more disgusting can this administration get?

[Tempest]

3. Don't forget about TIPS

The American version of the Nazi's Stazi (neighbors spying on neighbors) program.


How much more disgusting can they get?

They haven't even skimmed the surface.

[Jokerman]

4. My IT Certifications Say No

It's been some time since I received my network certifications and I don't have the agreements in front of me, but I seem to remember a statement about protecting the privacy of users in regards to their computers and data.

I'll have to look that one up.

[Cannikin]

5. I had a neighbor who downloaded child porn on his computer...

Apparently, he took his computer in for a memory upgrade, and Best Buy turned him in after examining his hard drive. I've read similar stories of people taking computers in for servicing and getting arrested. I have no doubt that Best Buy has already been doing this for some time...
But hey, at least they got the pedophile out of the neighborhood!

[frylock]

6. and while your digging through peoples hard drives..

looking for "criminal activity" (whatever the fuck that means), maybe you could be a good little patriot, and install this for us too.. mkay?