forum 07-08-99

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SoCalHoops' Message Forum Update #2--(July 8, 1999)

Here's the latest info about the ongoing criminal investigation into the person(s) who posted threats on our Message Forum yesterday:

Through the efforts of our own webhost company and the FBI, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) from which the threats were sent has been located.

Here's how it works: Each message posted to the board, leaves a unique IP number. Each IP number indicates the host computer from which the message emanated. That IP number can be "resolved" and located. In all cases, whether it's AOL, Earthlink, a private ISP, or a public entity, the IP is then able to trace which of it's users actually was online at a given time and who sent the particular message.

In this case, we've been informed that the actual physical location (street address) of the facility (a public agency) from which the messages were sent has also been located. It seems a portion of the IP address actually refers to that agency's "branch" identifier. The agency also keeps a log of the real names of users who access their computers.

Undoubtedly the person or persons who posted the messages thought they would remain anonymous and untraceable.

Think again.

The authorities are very encouraged that the suspect(s) will actually be caught shortly.

We've also been told by all parties involved (the FBI, the public agency which maintains the computers, and our own webhost) such matters are taken very seriously.

We've been told by them that whether it takes a day, two weeks, or two years, the person or persons responsible will be pursued and prosecuted.