Symantec: we didn't "bribe" hackers, police did

[Simon]

Symantec has said it didn't offer $50,000 to hackers holding source code to some of its products, saying the payment negotiations were conducted by law enforcement officials.

The security firm said last month that source code stolen in 2006 for its pcAnywhere remote access software was leaked online, warning users it could be a potential security risk.

Last night, hackers thought to be associated with Anonymous claimed the firm had offered it a "bribe" a week before it released the pcAnywhere code in January. "You won't believe it but Symantec offered us money to keep quiet," said YamaTough, thought to be one of the hackers, via Twitter.

A series of emails posted online shows negotiations between a hacker and a man claiming to be a Symantec employee, with a sum of $50,000 discussed to keep the source code from being leaked.

Read more: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/security/372637/symantec-we-didnt-bribe-hackers-police-did

[Technical Ben]

I wonder if any of these people realise that the internet is a game changer. Just like the media leaks and phone hacking scandals. Once information gets out, it's out. No amount of money or effort will hide it or make it go away. Well, unless your name is Holywood and you send a swat team after a webdesigner in New Zealand.

[Rik]

You're right, Ben, the cork's out of the bottle and it's unlikely to get put back.

[Technical Ben]

Isn't it always the case! (Corks, bottles, drink! )