h@cking / w a r e z / other sites - a query

is it legal to run these sites in the UK / USA?

[Crazy_Fool]

i've just discovered that one of my hosting customers is running a "h@cking" site - how to write a virus / trojan etc, how to h@ck into a computer or web server, how to take control of the machine, how to send spam and so on. the site is in clear breach of our terms and conditions so has been deleted.

i know that most hosting companies in the UK and USA prohibit the hosting of these sites, but is it actually illegal to provide this sort of information in the UK or USA? virtually all these sites seem to be hosted in russia, czechoslovakia and other former eastern block countries.

should i report the site owner to the police or some other authority?

[EliteWeb]

I wouldn't report them to the authorities unless you feel your server can without a hack. If you are uncomfortable hosting them I'd go the route of saying that you got a complaint, and ask them to remove the offending content because it is not allowed on the server anyways.

Hacking sites are not illegal, well anything is illegal under the DCMA however we like to call it hard core security.

Warez sites on the other hand are illegal is they are physically hosting the software on your servers you can have some problems as the anti-piracy groups come to yer kneck of the woods with automated letters saying take it down now or else!

How to write viruses, I have been very educated from these how to files that I have gained enough information to write anti-virus software. As long as they're not pissing people off they should be fine - your the host you offer the service they are reasponsible for their own content. If the groups come to you then remove them but if they're paying for hosting - hehe w00t most people dont for those type of sites :)

I've seen how hacking/warez/other sites are handled in the US, in time most of them are shut down unless they dont actually host the warez then they stay up. I hosted a hacking site for ummm 6 years now still up and running :p gets the most traffic for my server too!

[incywincy]

imho hacking and cracking sites are the most valuable source of information there is. how can you defend yourself from attack if you don't know what form it may take?

i would imagine that the majority of their targets are adult sites, i can't say i have too much sympathy for them.

[EliteWeb]

incywincy, is right the sites are used for security purposes too. I know that many administrators, government agencies security admins etc goto hacking sites to keep informed. Again if there are w@rez on it then ya can do what you want but we love hacking info couz it keeps us secure because I can goto a site and see the issues and fix the problem myself often quicker than the vendors even release patches ;)