Colbert on HBGary v. Anonymous

This is Stephen Colbert's hilarious take on the recent events between HBGary and Anonymous. via Threatpost.

Grow Up

Many jumping on the Anonymous bandwagon are teenagers with too much time and too little skill. Seeking acceptance and respect from their peers, they are seduced by an alluring sense of community—a mob with no direction, no leaders, no code of ethics, and no cause. Armed with illusions of grandeur, this hive mind trolls about the internet, brandishing the banner of freedom. They fool only themselves. Ironically, the Guy Fawkes mask they wear is intended to symbolize the fight against tyranny; they also believe this mask will hide their accountability. Notwithstanding, they are easily caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Vigilante Justice

Recently the Jester (th3j35t3r) has come under increased public scrutiny as a result of his wikileaks attack and ensuing scuffle with Anonymous. His behavior is illegal, but legal and ethical are not always synonymous. The internet is a lawless frontier much like the wild west: the government cannot police it, but citizens cannot simply allow themselves to be thrown to the wolves. We have the right to defend ourselves and the responsibility to defend others when the government can or does not. For example, Batman is a one-man vigilante; still, he is typically viewed as a hero—we find something noble and good in him. The Jester has similarly inspired others: people leave words of support on his blog; some ask how they can help; and others are thinking of more villains, such as child pornography, to target next. Vigilante justice is a complicated beast. Are the Jester's actions lawful? No. Are the Jester's actions ethical? Considering that his attacks aid law enforcement, hinder terrorist communication, protect lives, and cause no collateral damage, I would be inclined to say that they are.