
Personal Security Issue
#1
Posted 25 October 2006 - 02:57 PM
From: Catherine Forsythe
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2006
I wanted to inform the people on this forum about a personal issue. On the first occasion of taking over for Mike Healan this year, I received some threatening email. Now, on the second occasion of assuming Spywareinfo responsibilities upon Mike's absence, the threating mail has increased in frequency and in nastiness. Therefore, I have taken steps to address this with the authorities - and I have taken additional steps for my own security.
I bring this up for one reason. Many of you write to me at my email address at Spywareinfo. What you write to me is no longer private. I want to make that absolutely clear. Your mail to me is no longer private and may be subject to scrutiny.
I think that many of you know that this is not the first intimidation that Spywareinfo has undergone. There have been previous threats and denial of service (DDOS) attacks. And Spywareinfo is still here. - I just wanted you to know about this present tactic and I will send out mailings to several groups in the security community about this.
My perspective on this is that this place must be doing 'something right', if some individuals are trying to intimidate me. For those who know me, you understand full well that they have crossed the wrong person. I will be relentless on this.
The fun never stops around here...
Catherine
#2
Posted 26 October 2006 - 12:38 AM
Hope is not a method.
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#3
Posted 26 October 2006 - 01:56 PM
I want to address something that is coming through in some of the emails and chat room discussions. It is the attitude that Mike Healan should 'pull up his socks and go back to managing his own site' type sentiment. I realize that some of this comes from people wishing for Mike's input - and I know that I do not have Mike's skill set. However, this site always has been more than one single person. It is a collective of people who are willing to help. We must keep that focus.
And, I think that there is some misunderstanding ongoing. Mike Healan is fighting depression. I suspect that this has been a pervasive factor for many years. Many think that depression is an excuse - so much psychobabble that belongs with 'new age chanting'. I, for one, disagree. It is a debilitating illness. I think it can be best explained by this eloquent piece from Chris Rose, a reporter for The Times-Picayune:
link: http://www.nola.com/...d....xml&coll=1
I really urge all to read it, in order to understand the darkness of depression - and to know how real it is. Please take a few moments and read this article. It is exceptional writing.
It is not breaking a confidence to say that Mike is battling depression. I think that there would not be any of these 'pull-up-your-socks' comments if he had a heart condition or some such physical malady. Depression is no less real - and I know that Mike will come through this. I have absolutely no doubt about that.
Meanwhile, we carry on. Assigning blame is a pointless and a waste of time. We have good things to do here - and yes, I will be careful.
Catherine
#4
Posted 26 October 2006 - 02:47 PM
While I would like to think that Mike was back in charge, I have no doubts that you will do a sterling job, Noggie.
On the threats you have received, it looks as if you are doing something right! Take care anyway.
Please support SWI forum
#5
Posted 26 October 2006 - 09:36 PM
Clearly Mr healon is taking care of his problems.
Two words in rebuttal for the whiners: back off. This includes Noggie.
#6
Posted 26 October 2006 - 09:50 PM
I am not sure how you see Noggie being one of the "whiners"... She is being personally attacked for her role at SWI and struggling to keep the site going... Do you consider revealing that information to be whining?? She is clearly not attacking Mike or doing anything else that appears to be whining behavior to me... On the other hand, you seem to be joining the ranks of people who unnecessarily attack her for her efforts...So, if Mr Healon had cancer or whatever else, would these same 'critics' still urge him to somehow "buck up"?
Clearly Mr healon is taking care of his problems.
Two words in rebuttal for the whiners: back off. This includes Noggie.
Helpful link: SpywareBlaster...
MS MVP 2006 and ASAP Member since 2004
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#7
Posted 26 October 2006 - 10:28 PM
Hope is not a method.
If I have helped in some way, please consider donating to SpywareInfo's crusade against Malware See Here
Member of ASAP since 2004 Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals
Member of UNITE since 2006 United Network of Instructors and Trained Eliminators
#8
Posted 27 October 2006 - 03:21 AM
My help is free, but if you wish to help keep these forums running please consider a donation, see This Topic for details.
#9
Posted 27 October 2006 - 03:38 AM
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#10
Posted 29 October 2006 - 06:18 AM
I am not sure how you see Noggie being one of the "whiners"... She is being personally attacked for her role at SWI and struggling to keep the site going... Do you consider revealing that information to be whining?? She is clearly not attacking Mike or doing anything else that appears to be whining behavior to me... On the other hand, you seem to be joining the ranks of people who unnecessarily attack her for her efforts...
Yeah...some clarification is in order.....

Hijack This Guide --- Ad-Aware --- CWShredder --- HijackThis --- Spybot
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Turn Off Unnecessary XP Services (XP with Service Pack 2) (recommend SAFE configuration)
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#11
Posted 29 October 2006 - 10:29 AM
I am not sure how you see Noggie being one of the "whiners"... She is being personally attacked for her role at SWI and struggling to keep the site going... Do you consider revealing that information to be whining?? She is clearly not attacking Mike or doing anything else that appears to be whining behavior to me... On the other hand, you seem to be joining the ranks of people who unnecessarily attack her for her efforts...
No way, guys; not what I meant at all. Just meant that peeps need to lay off Noggie and Mr Healon.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.

yepSince much of what is behind malware is making money based off their illicit activities, if they're upset, they aren't making as much as they might off the ignorance of others, which means we're succeeding. It's unfortunate that an indication of success is to be personally threatened.
Edited by hornet777, 29 October 2006 - 10:31 AM.
#12
Posted 18 November 2006 - 11:16 AM
Nogg's.. dont let'm get to you.. you just keep on keep'n on. You have lots of support.
Mike, you take care of yourself, hope to see you soon.
Randy
#13
Posted 26 November 2006 - 04:50 PM
I haven't been able to get here much lately so I missed this post.
Sorry to read that you are having so many problems, but hope that you are alright?
Kirstin ^_^