Hacking the Hacker: "GhostExodus" Was Busted By a Computer Science Student

Whilst we're on the subject of universities and technology, there's this intriguing addendum to yesterday's tale concerning the arrest of Carrell Clinic security guard Jesse William McGraw, who federal authorities say was planning a major hack attack on July 4 ... or, as McGraw allegedly referred to it, "Devil's Day."...

By Robert Wilonsky

July 1, 2009

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Whilst we're on the subject of universities and technology, there's this intriguing addendum to yesterday's tale concerning the arrest of Carrell Clinic security guard Jesse William McGraw, who federal authorities say was planning a major hack attack on July 4 ... or, as McGraw allegedly referred to it, "Devil's Day." So happens that while McGraw, who went by the moniker "GhostExodus," was on the Internets showing off his exploits and calling for others to join in, he bumped into Mississippi State University computer science student Wesley McGrew, who happens to work as a research assistant at the university's Critical Infrastructure Protection Center.

According to the university's press release, McGrew bumps into hackers online all the time and usually keeps on truckin', virtually speaking. But McGraw's "arrogance" -- he "showed evidence of threatening public health and safety" -- got his attention, and he turned over to FBI agents in Jackson, Mississippi, information that was forwarded to the Dallas office. McGraw was arrested Friday and is due in federal court here today. Meanwhile, McGraw's wife told KTVT-Channel 11 last night that "he's not a criminal ... He has serious mental issues. He's been off his medication for four or five years, and there's proof to show that."

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