Chicago Hacking Services: Risks Of Record Changes And Scams

Chicago Hacking Services, Security Risks, And Potential Scams

Apr 04, 2002 •

1 - 2 min read

A group of Chicago Web site operators say they will break into school, government and corporate computers and alter records, for fees starting at $850. But at least one security expert thinks the operation probably is a scam. . . . A group of Chicago Web site operators say they will break into school, government and corporate computers and alter records, for fees starting at $850. But at least one security expert thinks the operation probably is a scam.

Among the services promised by Chicago-based 69 Hacking Services, is changing "bad grades" and other records on elementary, high school or college computer systems. The site is co-owned by a 23-year-old identifying himself as Akbar "Andy" Hooda.

William Knowles, a computer security expert and editor of InfoSec News, said the hacking service most likely is a scam aimed at snaring "script kiddies" or young, naive computer users.

"I'd be curious if there is a money back guarantee if they can't get in," said Knowles.

Even if the operation is legitimate, unauthorized access to computer systems is a violation of federal and state computer crime laws, according to Matt Yarborough, an attorney with Fish & Richardson and a former U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor.

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