When Dreamcasts attack (Register) [LWN.net]

The Register writes about the use of nearly disposable Dreamcast boxes loaded with Linux as hacking tools. "They chose the Dreamcast for its small size, availability of an Ethernet adapter, and affordability -- the console was discontinued last year, and now sells used for under $100 on eBay. Loaded with custom Linux-based software and covertly plugged into a spare network port under a desk or above a ceiling, the harmless-looking toy becomes the enemy within, probing the company firewall for a way out to Internet. The box cycles through the ports used for common services like SSH, Web surfing, and e-mail, which tend to be permitted by firewall configurations. Failing that, it tries getting "ping" packets out to the Internet, and finally looks for proxy servers bridging the network to the outside world."

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When Dreamcasts attack (Register)

Posted Aug 2, 2002 7:06 UTC (Fri) by piyo (guest, #3075) [Link]

This is laughable. ^_^;

I own a Dreamcast with a Ethernet adapter which I paid full price, about JPY 10000. I now see that they are available at used games shops for JPY 25000! They are collector's items or bordering on that. I doubt any enterprising hacker in Japan or in the United States will opt for this expensive toy for on-site hacking.

However I can't think of any ethernet-based linux-ready "thing" under USD 250, that also looks like a toy.

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piyo