A young technologist known online as “Big Balls,” who works for DOGE, has access to sensitive US government systems. But his professional and online history call into question whether he would pass the background check typically required to obtain security clearances, security experts tell WIRED.

    • Flying Squid
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      2711 hours ago

      Really? Tell me more about these normal 19-year-olds who hire convicted hackers for their companies that specifically advertise to Russia and China.

      • @[email protected]
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        11 hours ago

        Can you read? I didnt say anything about 19 year olds or Russia or China. I just said convicted hackers. Its so common that its a running joke for the CIA/NSA to hire anyone who successfully breaches their systems. If you dont hire the people that managed to breach confidential systems, then you are not hiring the best.

        Usually they get a plea deal that gives them their freedom on the condition that they work for the gov.

        • Flying Squid
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          1210 hours ago

          Do you think maybe the context here is important?

          • Semi-Hemi-Lemmygod
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            79 hours ago

            Maybe the blurb should have that added context, because otherwise it sounds like “ooo scary hackers” when it’s the Russian and Chinese connections that are scary.

      • @disguy_ovahea
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        11 hours ago

        I can speak to that happening in the private sector. Apple often hires famous jailbreakers, exploiters, and high-contribution bug reporters to improve their own security software, rather than prosecuting them for breach of ToS.

        Source: Worked for Apple for a decade