The most influential e-mail list among computer hackers is going corporate. BugTraq, the place where most of the world’s most influential computer hazards are made public, was purchased Wednesday by Symantec Corp. for $75 million cash. For years, hackers have sought publication on Bugtraq for prestige and attention — and to dress up their resumes, since BugTraq is the computer security world’s equivalent of a professional journal. Most computer security workers subscribe to the list as an early warning system to hear about new flaws, and to learn how to guard systems against them. Most computer criminals subscribe too, since the list is a constant source of new methods for breaking into computers. “This acquisition will broaden Symantec’s leadership in Internet security response with the addition of the world’s first global threat management system, the most complete vulnerability database and customizable alert services,” said John W. Thompson, Symantec chairman and chief executive officer, in a press release.
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