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From: DEMAR@FNALE.BITNET
Newsgroups: comp.os.vms
Subject: re:  DCL DECnet command procedure
Message-ID: <8711231109.AA29035@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU>
Date: Tue, 17-Nov-87 09:29:00 EST
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.8711231109.AA29035
Posted: Tue Nov 17 09:29:00 1987
Date-Received: Wed, 25-Nov-87 23:33:47 EST
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Organization: The ARPA Internet
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    Last week there was an inquiry from BEN@VMSA.TECH.AC.IL about a DCL
command procedure that can be used to examine remote DECnet systems.  I want to
add a word of warning about the use of this type of program.  It works by
sending a copy of itself into the default account of the remote system, then
utilizing task-to-task communication between the two programs.  It is a primary
weapon of hackers; and, infact, is a form of hacking in its own right, since
the user is copying and executing a file on a the remote system without any
authorization to do so.  I happen to be quite involved in the daily network
management of the High Energy Physics DECnet network (HEPnet).  The HEPnet
network management considers any use of this type of program to constitute
hacking, and we agressively pursue people who use it, requesting the facility
involved to deal with the situation in a manner "that STRONGLY discourages any
future occurrances".  We are, infact, willing to involve the FBI and the
Justice Department, if necessary.  While I can only speak for HEPnet, I know
for a fact that the Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN), another large DECnet
network, also aggressively pursues users of this type of program.  My advise
for anyone thinking about using this type of program across any wide-area
is to recognize this as a form of hacking, and to refrain from utilizing it.
Either that, or be prepared to have the wrath of the gods or the law descend
upon them.


                                                           -- Phil DeMar
                                                              DEMAR@FNAL.BITNET