From: cert-advisory-request@CERT.ORG (CERT Advisory) Newsgroups: comp.security.announce Subject: CERT Advisory - Keystroke Logging Banner Message-ID: <9212071919.AA27435@tictac.cert.org> Date: 7 Dec 92 19:16:56 GMT Distribution: inet Organization: Computer Emergency Response Team : 412-268-7090 Lines: 100 CA-92:19 CERT Advisory December 7, 1992 Keystroke Logging Banner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CERT Coordination Center has received information from the United States Department of Justice, General Litigation and Legal Advice Section, Criminal Division, regarding keystroke monitoring by computer systems administrators, as a method of protecting computer systems from unauthorized access. The information that follows is based on the Justice Department's advice to all federal agencies. CERT strongly suggests adding a notice banner such as the one included below to all systems. Sites not covered by U.S. law should consult their legal counsel. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The legality of such monitoring is governed by 18 U.S.C. section 2510 et seq. That statute was last amended in 1986, years before the words "virus" and "worm" became part of our everyday vocabulary. Therefore, not surprisingly, the statute does not directly address the propriety of keystroke monitoring by system administrators. Attorneys for the Department have engaged in a review of the statute and its legislative history. We believe that such keystroke monitoring of intruders may be defensible under the statute. However, the statute does not expressly authorize such monitoring. Moreover, no court has yet had an opportunity to rule on this issue. If the courts were to decide that such monitoring is improper, it would potentially give rise to both criminal and civil liability for system administrators. Therefore, absent clear guidance from the courts, we believe it is advisable for system administrators who will be engaged in such monitoring to give notice to those who would be subject to monitoring that, by using the system, they are expressly consenting to such monitoring. Since it is important that unauthorized intruders be given notice, some form of banner notice at the time of signing on to the system is required. Simply providing written notice in advance to only authorized users will not be sufficient to place outside hackers on notice. An agency's banner should give clear and unequivocal notice to intruders that by signing onto the system they are expressly consenting to such monitoring. The banner should also indicate to authorized users that they may be monitored during the effort to monitor the intruder (e.g., if a hacker is downloading a user's file, keystroke monitoring will intercept both the hacker's download command and the authorized user's file). We also understand that system administrators may in some cases monitor authorized users in the course of routine system maintenance. If this is the case, the banner should indicate this fact. An example of an appropriate banner might be as follows: This system is for the use of authorized users only. Individuals using this computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having all of their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each site using this suggested banner should tailor it to their precise needs. Any questions should be directed to your organization's legal counsel. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CERT Coordination Center wishes to thank Robert S. Mueller, III, Scott Charney and Marty Stansell-Gamm from the United States Department of Justice for their help in preparing this Advisory. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you believe that your system has been compromised, contact the CERT Coordination Center or your representative in FIRST (Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams). Internet E-mail: cert@cert.org Telephone: 412-268-7090 (24-hour hotline) CERT personnel answer 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. EST(GMT-5)/EDT(GMT-4), on call for emergencies during other hours. CERT Coordination Center Software Engineering Institute Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890 Past advisories, information about FIRST representatives, and other information related to computer security are available for anonymous FTP from cert.org (192.88.209.5). -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 1 09:16:01 1993 From: jeremy mcdermaid Subject: Big Brother is watching!! Message-ID: <751898936-0-14477@chop.isca.uiowa.edu> Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1993 12:51:33 GMT **I am posting this for a friend who is without usenet access. I agree with him fully, see if you don't too. UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS IS UNWELCOMED... This system is a for the use of AUTHORIZED USERS ONLY. Individuals using computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having all of their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials. Until further notice access to this NODE will have limited access hours: 6:00am - 11:00pm SYSTEM On-line ... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **** The above text is the introductory screen for logging into the Student VAX provided by the Salt Lake Community College in West Vally, Utah. The reason why I am presenting this to you is because I believe the System Administrator is taking away our e-mail and private document privacy. The reference above to, "...or in the course of system maintenance..." can only be interpreted as, "SYSOP can read and/or distribute private e-mail at his discretion." This, in my opinion, is an outrage. It's as if the postmaster had the right to open all your private mail and read it, distributing what HE deems suspicious or illegal to police or other authorities. The need for system security cannot be that imperative, and I believe it violates my rights as a U.S. citizen to privacy. The students at Salt Lake Community College pay money (in the form of "student fees") to keep the system we work on up and running. This means I literally pay for a mailbox through the Student VAX computer. I believe this gives me the right to private e-mail, and privacy of files unless REAL evidence is presented (to me first, as well as the "authorities") that I personally am abusing the system access I'm given. I think such a "right" is fundamental and not harmful to other system users. I realize also that e-mail across the Internet is not generally considered "private," but my personal files should be private, as long as I obey proper etiquette and do not "hack" at this system or other systems through the Student VAX computer or break any local/federal laws regarding computer data such as is applicable. But, that would constitute a good reason in my eyes for inquiry into my activities. Just like when the FBI applies for a wiretap or search-warrant, they have to have just cause and present evidence for Judicial review before they can obtain such a document/authority. My point is that the police, judge, jury, prosecutor, and dealer-of-punishment all happen to be the same person: SYSOP. Everything I do on this system is subject to his scrutiny. Let's say for instance that I was writing my resume to apply for his job, or that I get a very juicy letter from my girlfriend, or I am part of a user-group for closetted gay males. He defined his rights above as being basically free to read and investigate ANYTHING I happen to have on the Student VAX computer. I think this concept of SYSOP as dictator is improper at best. The school owns the Student VAX, not the SYSOP. The school would be a sad and lonely place without students. I think I should have the "right" to have e-mail that is not subject to his omnipotent eye, nor do I have any respect for a SYSOP that would so flagrantly abuse my privacy. I ask for a passive-resistance response from whomever reads this post. I would like you to write my SYSOP and tell him what you think about this policy of his. I reccomend that you either send this post with whatever comments you deem apropriate, or just sent him the following message : "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!" His e-mail address (which I cannot read, nor approve of) is: SYSTEM@STDVAX.cc.slcc.edu and or U_HAWKINS@VAXI.cc.slcc.edu His name is Marv. I would appreciate any personal comments about my letter, and if you can, carbon copies of the more interesting responses to my address below: ST_KLOSIEWSK@STDVAX.cc.slcc.edu Thank you for your time. -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 1 09:15:40 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk,alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk,alt.privacy,comp.admin.policy Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 8 Nov 1993 14:58:04 -0500 Message-ID: <2bm8cc$d6m@eff.org> The policy virus spreads. Here is the Northwestern Univeristy login message: "This system is for the use of authorized users only. Individuals using this computer system without authority or in the excess of their authority are subject to having all their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized user may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of illegal activity or violation of University regulations system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to University authorities and/or law enforcement officials." -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 8 15:49:28 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk,alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk,alt.privacy,comp.admin.policy Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 8 Nov 1993 15:49:32 -0500 Message-ID: <2bmbcs$ec7@eff.org> Here is a version from a unit of a state university that offers database services related to agriculture: [XXX]Net is for authorized users only. Everyone using [XXX]Net is subject to having their activities monitored and/or recorded. The Director of the unit volunteered that they don't look at email because they consider it confidential. But how do the users know that? Also, directors change. Institutions often have short memories. When the only written policy says that email *can* be searched, it is easy to imagine a scenario where in a few years email will be routinely read. - Carl -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 8 16:31:58 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk,alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk,alt.privacy,comp.admin.policy Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 8 Nov 1993 18:20:48 -0500 Message-ID: <2bmk8g$hdf@eff.org> Here is a version from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. I'm told it appears everytime somone logs into either of the main campus Vaxes. Note that it is explicit that suspicion is the only precondition to monitoring. - Carl ================= Weber State University Authorized Use Only Unauthorized use is punishable by law (Utah Code 76-6-703) ******************************************************************************* ** Individuals suspected of using this computer system without ** ** authority, or in excess of their authority, may have their ** ** activities on this system monitored and recorded by system ** ** personnel. ** ** ** ** In the course of monitoring such individuals the activities ** ** of authorized users may also be monitored. ** ** ** ** Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring ** ** and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible ** ** evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may, under the ** ** express direction of University legal counsel, provide the ** ** evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials. ** ******************************************************************************* PLEASE PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE >___< ============================================================================ -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 8 18:33:44 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk,alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk,alt.privacy,comp.admin.policy Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 8 Nov 1993 19:11:23 -0500 Message-ID: <2bmn7b$ia9@eff.org> [After this one, I'll post these variations to the CERT recommended policy only to alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk.] From the login banner of the Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ). The Institute is 123 years old and offers BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees: ================================================== Unauthorized use is not allowed; keystroke monitoring by authorized personnel may be in effect when system security or integrity is in question. By using this system, you expressly consent to such monitoring and any resultant legal actions. ================================================== - Carl -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 8 19:13:56 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 10 Nov 1993 15:58:26 -0500 Message-ID: <2brkli$l0i@eff.org> The U. of Michigan's login banner. (May be independent of CERT's recommended policy.) ============ SunOS 4.1.3 - X11R5 - OSF Motif 1.2.2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the Computer Aided Engineering Network information technology environment at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. You must be authorized to use these resources. Unauthorized or criminal use is prohibited. Users agree to abide by the highest standards of responsibility to their colleagues and are required to comply with all University policies and with state and federal laws concerning appropriate use of information technology. Non-compliance is considered a serious breach of community standards and may result in disciplinary or legal action. To learn about or review these policy documents, run the "caenhelp" program and choose the Accounts option. Thank you for using U-M information technology resources responsibly. Welcome! ============ -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 10 15:59:53 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 10 Nov 1993 15:59:57 -0500 Message-ID: <2brkod$l1r@eff.org> [A repost, to fewer newsgroups] From enuxsa.eas.asu.edu at Arizona State University: ============ Welcome to ENUXSA - A SPARCenter 2000 running Solaris 2.2 (SunOS 5.2) This system is for the use of authorized users only. Individuals using this computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having all of their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials. This machine is to be used for research, coursework, and related computational activities associated with Arizona State Univerity's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Use of this machine for activities other than those stated may result in account elimination. ***** NOTE ***** Unnecessary looping shell scripts will not be tolerated on this machine. The shell script(s) will be terminated and the initiating account will be locked. The system manager will be the judge of a shell script's "neccessity." ============ -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 10 16:01:23 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 10 Nov 1993 16:01:27 -0500 Message-ID: <2brkr7$l32@eff.org> Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, terminal server login: ============ Individuals using this computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having all of their activities on WPI systems moni- tored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using WPI systems, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using WPI systems expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials. ============ -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 10 16:13:48 1993 From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie) Newsgroups: alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk Subject: Re: The CERT policy "virus" spreads (was Big Brother is watching!!) Date: 11 Nov 1993 23:27:50 -0500 Message-ID: <2bv3c6$f6j@eff.org> U. of South Florida College of Engineering, sign on screen: ======================= College of Engineering University of South Florida ************************************************************************ ***** WARNING! UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THIS SYSTEM IS ILLEGAL! ***** This system is for the use of authorized users only. Individuals using this computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having all of their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials. Printers are for bona-fide course work only. Use of college printers for personal business in not allowed. DIAL 974-5312 FOR A RECORDING OF CURRENT SYSTEM INFORMATION Refer any questions/problems to Bill Smith (mail smith) at 974-3790. ************************************************************************ * HOT SCOOP! * ************************************************************************ * 1. Type 'gopher' for system wide information. * ************************************************************************ ================== -- Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me. =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu = From caf-talk Caf Nov 11 23:29:56 1993 ============= Northern Arizona University: This system is for the use of authorized users only. Individuals using this computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having all of their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials. ================= [From unix1.andrew.cmu.edu] This system is for the use of authorized users only. Unauthorized use may be monitored and recorded. In the course of such monitoring or through system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may be monitored. By using this system you expressly consent to such monitoring. =====================