Security News > 2022 > November > First Review of A Hacker’s Mind

The author, a fluid writer and tech communicator, reveals how the tax code lends itself to hacking, as when tech companies like Apple and Google avoid paying billions of dollars by transferring profits out of the U.S. to corporate-friendly nations such as Ireland, then offshoring the "Disappeared" dollars to Bermuda, the Caymans, and other havens.

Schneier cites "The Pudding Guy," who hacked an airline miles program by buying low-cost pudding cups in a promotion that, for $3,150, netted him 1.2 million miles and "Lifetime Gold frequent flier status." Since it was all within the letter if not the spirit of the offer, "The company paid up." The companies often do, because they're gaming systems themselves.

"Any rule can be hacked," notes the author, be it a religious dietary restriction or a legislative procedure.

With technology, "We can hack more, faster, better," requiring diligent monitoring and a demand that everyone play by rules that have been hardened against tampering.

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News URL

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2022/11/first-review-of-a-hackers-mind.html