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Cult of the Dead Cow

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CULT OF THE DEAD COW, also known as cDc, is a computer hacker and DIY media organization founded in 1984 in Lubbock, Texas. Its name is perhaps a reference to the debugging method of initalizing unused memory with the hex value DE AD BE EF, so that it can be easily identifed on overflow. The group maintains a weblog [on its site], also titled "CULT OF THE DEAD COW." New media are released first through the blog, which also features thoughts and opinions of the group's members.

To further the Cult's stated goal of "Global Domination Through Media Saturation," over the years cDc members have granted interviews to major newspapers, print magazines, online news sites, and international television news programs.

Contents

Timeline

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cDc's ASCII cowskull logo

1980s

The group was formed in June 1984 at the Farm Pac slaughterhouse by Grandmaster Ratte' (aka Swamp Ratte'), Franken Gibe, and Sid Vicious, three BBS SysOps. The slaughterhouse, a hangout of many Lubbock youth, burned in 1996. (The burned out building was used as a haunted house for several Halloweens after that. In 2001, the grounds surrounding it were converted into the "West Texas Canyon Amphitheater," which closed in 2004.)

During the 1980s, the cDc was well known throughout the BBS scene for their underground ezine, which they continue to produce to this day. Their motivation for it all: "We're into t-files for the groupies and money." They claim to have invented the ezine, but this claim is difficult to prove or disprove.

1990s

In December 1990, cDc member Drunkfux gave birth to the modern hacker con. HoHoCon, usually held in Houston, Texas, was the first hacker conference which invited the participation of both journalists and law enforcement. In all, dFx hosted five annual HoHoCons.

In 1991, cDc was named "Sassiest Underground Computer Group" by Sassy Magazine. Also in 1991, the group began distributing music in the form of cassette tape albums sold through its post office box. Many of these albums are now available online in their entirety.

October 1994 saw the creation of the cDc's Usenet newsgroup, [alt.fan.cult-dead-cow].Zwolinski, Matt. "[That question again...]" [alt.fan.cult-dead-cow] Usenet newsgroup post, October 24, 1994. Retrieved April 20, 2006. It was thus the first hacking group to have its own Usenet newsgroup. In November of that year, the group claimed responsibility for giving Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's disease, claiming to have done so in 1986 with a blowgun.Fleming, Reid. "[Official cDc Press Release Concerning President Reagan]." CULT OF THE DEAD COW Issue Number 281, November 1, 1994. Retrieved April 20, 2006.

The cDc declared war on the Church of Scientology in 1995 during the alt.religion.scientology controversy stating that "We believe that El Ron Hubbard [sic] is actually none other than Heinrich Himmler of the SS, who fled to Argentina and is now responsible for the stealing of babies from hospitals and raising them as "super-soldiers" for the purpose of overthrowing the U.S. Fed. Govt. in a bloody revolution. We fear plans for a "Fourth Reich" to be established on our home soil under the vise-like grip of oppression known as Scientology!"Swamp Ratte. "[Statement Concerning the 'Church' of Scientology]." CULT OF THE DEAD COW Press Release, June 4, 1995. Retrieved June 14, 2006.

In 1996, the cDc announced the birth of its Ninja Strike Force, a group of "ninja" dedicated to achieving the goals of the cDc, both online and offline.cDc communications. "[Press Release]." CULT OF THE DEAD COW Press Release, October 22, 1996. Retrieved April 20, 2006. Also in 1996, cDc member Omega coined the term "hacktivism."Delio, Michelle. "[Hacktivism and How It Got Here]." Wired News, July 14, 2004. Retrieved April 20, 2006.

In 1997, before online distribution of audio files was common, the cDc began distributing original MP3-format music on its website.cDc communications. "['Kingpin' by Weasel-MX]." cDc Paramedia Audio #1, June 27, 1997. Retrieved April 20, 2006.

The cDc has released several tools, for both hackers/system administrators and for the general public. 1998 saw the release of Back Orifice.cDc communications. "[Back Orifice Press Release]." CULT OF THE DEAD COW Press Release, July 21, 1998. Retrieved April 20, 2006. This was followed up with Back Orifice 2000 in 1999.cDc communications. "[Back Orifice 2000 Press Release]." CULT OF THE DEAD COW Press Release, July 10, 1999. Retrieved April 20, 2006.

On January 7, 1999, the cDc joined with an international coalition of hackers to denounce a call to cyberwar against the governments of China and Iraq.2600 The Hacker Quarterly, Chaos Computer Club, CULT OF THE DEAD COW, !Hispahack, L0pht Heavy Industries, Phrack, and Pulhas. "[Hackers on planet earth against infowar]." Press Release, January 7, 1999. Retrieved April 20, 2006. Later that year the cDc created Hacktivismo, an independent group under the cDc communications umbrella dedicated to the creation of anti-censorship technology in furtherance of human rights on the Internet.

2000s

In February 2000, the cDc was the subject of an 11-minute documentary short entitled "Disinformation."

Also in February 2000, cDc member Mudge briefed President Bill Clinton on internet security.Young, Steve, Major Garrett, and the Associated Press. "[Clinton fights hackers, with a hacker]." CNN Online, February 15, 2000. Retrieved April 20, 2006.

When questioning Dr. Patrick Ball during his International War Crimes Tribunal in 2002, Slobodan Milošević asked Dr. Ball about his relationship with the cDc.Macki. "[milosevic and the cDc]." Politech listserv, March 17, 2002. Retrieved April 20, 2006. Ball had given a talk and been a member of a [cDc-sponsored panel on hacktivism] at DEF CON 9 in 2001.

The cDc and Hacktivismo further gained notoriety in 2003 by becoming the first hacker groups to receive approval by the United States Department of Commerce to export strong encryption in their "6/4 System" application.LaCroix, Norman E. "[Hacktivismo_DoC_BIS.pdf]." United States Department of Commerce, January 2003. Retrieved April 20, 2006.

Members

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cDc's e-zine header

High-profile members

Crossover associations with other groups

Ninja Strike Force

Ninja Strike Force (NSF) is the name of the "community outreach" arm of CULT OF THE DEAD COW. It was established in 1996.

The cDc opened the [NSF Dojo] in 2004. An NSF Member also operates a streaming radio station, which features recordings of hacker con presentations and other educational programming in addition to a wide range of musical styles and artists.

Membership in the NSF is granted by the cDc to those individuals who stand out in their support of the cDc and its ideals. Members are recognized for their abilities, capabilities, and being the best of the best in their skills.

In 2006, the Ninja Strike Force [launched its own website].

Tools

CULT OF THE DEAD COW is perhaps most famous for its release of several applications (many of which are related to computer security and are sometimes dubbed "hacker tools"). These include (alphabetically):

References

See also

External links

 

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