Adrian Lamo

Adrian Lamo

Adrian Lamo (February 20, 1981 – March 14, 2018) was an American threat analyst and hacker. He gained notoriety for breaking into several high-profile computer networks, including those of The New York Times, Microsoft, and Yahoo!. Lamo was also known for reporting Chelsea Manning to the authorities after she confided in him about leaking classified information.

Early Life

Adrian Lamo was born in Malden, Massachusetts, and grew up in various locations due to his family's frequent moves. He was of Colombian descent. Lamo showed an early interest in computers and hacking, which he pursued throughout his teenage years.

Hacking Activities

Lamo's hacking activities began in the late 1990s. He was known for his unconventional lifestyle, often living as a nomad and using public libraries and internet cafes to conduct his activities. His hacking methods typically involved exploiting security vulnerabilities in major corporations' networks.

The New York Times Hack

In 2002, Lamo gained unauthorized access to the internal network of The New York Times. He added his name to the list of expert sources and used the paper's LexisNexis account to conduct research on high-profile subjects. This incident brought him significant media attention and led to his eventual arrest.

Legal Consequences

In 2003, Lamo was charged with computer crimes and sentenced to six months of home detention, two years of probation, and ordered to pay restitution. His case highlighted the legal and ethical issues surrounding hacking and cybersecurity.

Chelsea Manning Incident

In 2010, Lamo was contacted by Chelsea Manning, a U.S. Army intelligence analyst, who confided in him about leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks. Lamo reported Manning to the authorities, leading to her arrest and subsequent conviction. This action was controversial and sparked a debate within the hacker community about ethics and loyalty.

Later Life and Death

After the Manning incident, Lamo continued to work as a threat analyst and occasionally commented on cybersecurity issues. He passed away on March 14, 2018, in Wichita, Kansas. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed.

Legacy

Adrian Lamo remains a controversial figure in the hacking community. His actions have been both criticized and praised, and his life story serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

See Also

• Hacker (computer security)
• Cybercrime
• WikiLeaks
• Chelsea Manning
• The New York Times