Defcon owner now works for Homeland Security

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Jeff Moss (a.k.a. The Dark Tangent) is widely known for his yearly convention called Defcon, where hackers from around the globe meet in Las Vegas to perform certain tasks and win prizes. Jeff is also the founder of Black Hat, a world premier technology security conference. His most popular feature event is called "Spot the fed" where real world hackers try and find the FBI agent sitting in the audience.

The 39 year old hacker, Jeff Moss was called late Friday and was asked to join the Homeland Security Advisory Council. Jeff Moss will help out in projects that are focused on protecting the southwest border with things like Fastpass and Safe Flight, protecting the technology component from other hackers who may try to compromise the technology.

Although many people want to see Bruce Schneier, a famous hacker who has written many books on security in the digital world, on the council instead, Jeff Moss says that he is "fantastically honored and excited to contribute" to the HSAC.

(3 replies) #1 +warwagon on 11 Jun 2009 - 02:31

Finally they are getting a clue. Don't put the hackers in Jail, hire them!!

#1.1 +Frazell Thomas on 11 Jun 2009 - 03:51

If a person commits a crime they have to suffer the penalties. Just hiring them and not pursuing the legal actions under the law doesn't deter hackers from breaking the law and instead encourages them to do so (as the best end up with a job so it becomes the ultimate status symbol).

This comment was directed at your general comment. I wasn't saying Jeff Moss was a crimminal or isn't as I simply know nothing about him.

#1.2 neoraptor on 11 Jun 2009 - 06:10

warwagon said,

put them in jail, and then hire them while they have no other option... ask Mitnick

#1.3 RawGutts on 11 Jun 2009 - 11:27

Welllll they have been doing this for past couple decades. They just don't come out and say it, and really I don't think they care.

(3 replies) #2 toadeater on 11 Jun 2009 - 04:48

They all sell out eventually.

#2.1 badblood on 11 Jun 2009 - 07:27

toadeater said,

How is it a sell out? If I were him, I'd jump at the chance, especially as Homeland Security is probably one of the only government branches that has been allocated significant funding to continue working. At least he's guaranteed a pay check!

#2.2 MMaster23 on 11 Jun 2009 - 09:32

badblood said,

Government = $$$
Private sector = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

#2.3 amanechoir on 11 Jun 2009 - 11:03

MMaster23 said,

keep telling yourself that.

#3 neowinid on 11 Jun 2009 - 11:00

It's not about the money. He has sold BlackHat for millions, and Defcon gets him the real bucks.

If he joins HSAC, that's for other reasons above money: patriotism i.e ...

#4 Skullpture on 11 Jun 2009 - 12:40

No wonder hackers don't mind getting caught. Depending on how bad their illegal actions were, the better their chances of a guaranteed job for the guys who booked them. How ironic.

#5 Phalesafe on 11 Jun 2009 - 18:00

Looks like Obama is finally gathering his team for the Fire Sale!

#6 Antraxek on 11 Jun 2009 - 18:58

You know the difference between hackers and crackers? I don't think so.

#7 jingarelho on 12 Jun 2009 - 15:06

this might be the beginning of the cyber warfare team that someone spook about last month.

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