(Clip from a documentary)
(Narrator)
"But while the crimes may be technical and complex,
The motivation of the perpetrators tends to be fairly simple.
Cybercrime seems to be how some people, particularly juveniles,
Feel important. For YTCracker, a 17-year old dropout, this meant
Compromising and defacing multiple websites."
(YTCracker)
"Kids, like us, you know, we go out everyday, we have fun,
And then we come home and rule the world."
(Narrator)
"He came to the attention of DCIS when he illegally
Accessed a defense contract management agency web server.
Once inside, he replaced DCMA information with text and graphics
In which he bragged about his exploits. The pattern
Was repeated on over 40 websites, including servers
Maintained by NASA. Agents from DCIS, NASA, as well as the FBI
Began to close in on the juvenile. Meanwhile, police
In Colorado Springs were conducting their own investigation.
They were tracking down an individual who had hacked
Into local school records. The minor responsible for
The defacements was soon identified, and agents began
To build their case. YTCracker knew they were on to him."
(YTCracker)
"Detective DeHardt told me that they had a 314-page case report
On the whole thing, and I was just like, that's huge."
(Narrator)
"The 17-year old suspect eventually confessed to one count
Of computer crime under Colorado law. He was placed on
Two years' probation and fined $24,000. The youthfulness
Of these perpetrators and the relatively trivial motive
For the attacks may mask their importance. But to DCIS,
Cases like these are serious. Perpetrators need to be
Treated more seriously. Systems may be critical.
Intrusions can threaten national security. And prosecution
Should focus on deterrence, as much as security."