Re:Haha (Score 1)

As for the number of 48-50 year olds that had access to PC's in their teens - zero. The PC was released in 1980. Prior to that, I don't know and really don't care - it was just a statement to illustrate a point. Besides, the PC was 10k in '80... doubt all that many people had access to them. My guess is that ready access to them wasn't available until people were within +/- a couple years of my own age bracket.

Security is a modern day myth, and thinking of the idea of having it is almost a joke.

I'd have to disagree with this. While I make no assumptions that what I do is 100% secure, there are always things that you can do to greatly reduce your risk.

The point I always stress when consulting for various customers is that the amount of time and effort you need to put into security is directly proportional to the value of the information you are looking to protect. If the information you are attempting to protect is worth millions, you better be willing to spend a good chunk of time and money to protect it... if it is the value of a small, personal coin collection, a $50 safe and a "free puppies" sign is all you need to seek out. Can someone take a baseball bat to your dog and an acetylene torch to your safe after breaking a window out of your house - sure... but that is (unfortunately) the screwed up, random chance you take in being a member of the human race.

Your points are well stated, however they are still script kiddies, maybe I don't follow the sought after wikipedia description, but too me, these kids annoyed thousands and we're caught, maybe it is a call for attention, but should we really be spending time debating about it or getting out there and stopping it?

I have actually spent several year of my life dedicated to just that effort. I am the author of a pair of Linux firewall distributions (Coyote Linux and Wolverine VPN Firewall) and regularly consult for companies to help them adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Internet based threats. In addition, I do what I can to educate my own children about the dangers and risks of being exposed to the Internet and the possible ramifications of "script kiddie" behavior.

During my youth and period of arrogant idiocy, I got myself in enough trouble to have a couple sit-down conversations with the Feds. I have no doubt that similar behavior to my own would turn out VERY bad for today's youth... when it comes to Virus writing - just don't do it :P