Adrian Lamo

Bostonborn security enthusiast Adrian Lamo has been alternately described as the most effective and controversial hacker of the 21st century the Bobby Fischer of hacking and a common criminal His alleged highprofile computer intrusions have been the subject of hundreds of news articles television segments and book citations Spurred into an awardwinning career in journalism and a reconsideration of his hacking ways by a 2003 arrest Lamo has worked and collaborated with publications ranging from techcentric 2600 Magazine Network World and Mobile Magazine to more egalitarian publications like The American River Current and XY Magazine Lamo has also been a regular guest and creative consultant on TechTVs The Screen Savers and his life is explored in an upcoming documentary film under the care of Kevin Spaceys independent film outfit TriggerStreet His intrusions historically carried a twist Lamo was never detected by the companies he compromised instead electing to help them secure their systems free of charge and then with prior notice air their misfortunes to the public Critics have derided Lamo as publicitymotivated and have ascribed him a variety of ulterior motives charges which he has consistently declined to respond to Lamo has publicly stated that his criminal career is behind him but his work in journalism has left him no fewer opportunities for adventure his interviews have run the gamut from John Ashcroft to the ecoterrorist Earth Liberation Front Lamo has cut contact with the press since 2004 living a private life in far Northern California with his elderly cat as a sidekick