Reply to post: Inappropriate charge

I was authorized to trash my employer's network, sysadmin tells court

Sparkypatrick

Inappropriate charge

It seems to be the norm in the US to go for maximum sentences or the most serious charge available to pressurise defendants to take a plea. This looks like a case of applying anti-hacking legislation to a case of criminal damage, presumably on the basis that it carries a higher tariff. It deserves to get knocked down for over-reach.

"If he is found to have acted without authorization, the question then becomes: does that make other sysadmins criminally liable for mistakes they might make unless they get explicit permission beforehand? That would create a hell of a problem."

Really? I thought getting permission in advance was called Change Control. I'd certainly be required to follow that process for any of the changes he made.

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