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[POSTED TO comp.dcom.modems.cable; PLEASE REPLY THERE]

In <87vg9t0m2e56ni69sf5ss5j1gtkdtkqnq6@4ax.com>, Masked Phrogg
<erexshun@bellsouth.net> wrote:

>On Sat, 24 Feb 2001 08:45:37 -0500, "Michael" <mgbaker@bellsouth.net>
>wrote:

>>For all the analogies to ones house or cars and whatever else scanning and
>>probing might be compared to, it is not a matter of personal safety or a
>>threat to ones being.

On the contrary; e.g., identity theft, a problem that is real, serious,
and growing.

>Xactly! Not w/o choice anyway. There will be those who argue about
>valuable personal info on the PC. 
>Well, dufus, don't make that data available!
>If you don't understand how a tool works, why are you using it?

Because they weren't properly informed of the risks by those that are in
a position to know.  They have the reasonable expectation that consumer
products don't post unnecessary risks, and that vendors act responsibly.
Since these products are services are being marketed to average
consumers, it shouldn't be necessary to become an IT expert to use them.
(And it does take real IT expertise to really understand the risks.)

>>Mr. Navas made a comparison about not having to be an expert in automotives
>>to drive, and one shouldn't have to be an expert in computers to operate one.
>>But you know, you do have to take classes on safety and pass tests before you
>>can get behind that wheel and drive that car.  Do people still wreck?  Do
>>people still drive like idiots?  Yes.  There are tons of laws dedicated to
>>the vehicle and driving .  Most are probably needed.  Because this involves
>>personal safety and others well being.  Surfing the net does not.

In fact personal safety is what's at issue here.  There's more to safety
than physical injury.

>>When LB first made me aware of Sharesniffer I wondered how it could be legal.
>>Well, borrowing from others, knocking isn't illegal.  Standing on the street
>>looking at your house isn't illegal.  If you don't want me to see you then
>>close your blinds, or build a wall around your house.

Bad analogy.  ShareSniffer doesn't just look -- there's no way to look
at a port -- it attempts to connect (enter).  This isn't knocking --
this is trying to open the door.

>I wondered how anyone could think this scenario would ever be
>_illegal_

Because society takes a dim view of trying to open private doors without
authorization.  It's widely recognized that there is no legitimate
reason to do that, and that people have a right to be secure in their
private property.

-- 
Best regards,
John Navas     <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/>
     CABLE MODEM/DSL GUIDE:  <http://Cable-DSL.home.att.net/>