North American Network Operators Group

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Re: UK ISP threatens security researcher

  • From: Simon Lyall
  • Date: Thu Apr 19 21:27:36 2007

On Thu, 19 Apr 2007, Gadi Evron wrote:
> Looking at the lack of security response and seriousness from this ISP, I
> personally, in hindsight (although it was impossible to see back
> then) would not waste time with reporting issues to them, now.

These days there is almost never any reason to report a security issue
unless you are a professional security researcher who is looking for
publicity/work. [1]

If you are a random person who comes across a security hole in a website
or commercial product then the best thing to do is tell nobody, refrain
from any further investigation and if possible remove all evidence you
ever did anything.

There is almost zero potential upside of reporting these holes vs the very
real potential downside that the company might decide to go after you with
their legal team or the police.

Anonymous notifications to 3rd parties like security forums or
journalists might be an option if you really fell it is important. However
in the scheme of things giving $50 to your favorite charity is likely to
be safer and do the world more good.

[1] - An exception might be for open source projects or as part of your
 normal job with your companies products. Even then you should only follow
 normal channels and always be careful.

-- 
Simon J. Lyall  |  Very Busy  |  Web: http://www.darkmere.gen.nz/
"To stay awake all night adds a day to your life" - Stilgar | eMT.