Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video] • Hacker News Board

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#21

Post by _joel » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 8:22 AM UTC

EvanAnderson wrote: post #4

I watch a lot of videos at 1.5x. Older Cliff Stoll videos don't work at 1.5x. Cliff at 1.0x is already like other people at 1.5x. I am so stoked to see Cliff at 1.0x in 2026 is still like other people at 1.5x. I am so glad to see Cliff still out there talking. "The Cuckoo's Egg"[0] was formative for me when I was a kid getting into computers. I am so happy that Cliff is out there making formative experiences for new…

The only paperback book I've ever sat down and read in one sitting. Started on a lazy Sunday morning and literally couldn't put it down. Highly recommended if you've not read it.

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#22

Post by ChrisMarshallNY » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 8:35 AM UTC

wewewedxfgdf wrote: post #17

Cliff Stoll is alive? Good news.

Yup. He hangs out here[0], as well.

[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=CliffStoll

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#23

Post by shrubby » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 8:44 AM UTC

His book was so good. Real agent stuff!

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#24

Post by malthaus » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 8:44 AM UTC

the story really comes full circle for me now. i've read the book in the 90s and recently listened to hess's POV via a ccc talk (https://youtu.be/USDNMWZsR5o auto subbed/dubbed video here)

great nostalgia for when the internet was still amazing

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#25

Post by Peacefulz » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 8:49 AM UTC

One of my favorite books is "The Cuckoo's Egg". I read it at least yearly. Cliff Stoll has had an incredible impact on my interests. I'm happy to see him doing talks.

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#26

Post by bebimbop » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 8:54 AM UTC

pi-rat wrote: post #7

Such a fun and enthusiastic guy. I’ve one of his klein bottles from like 20 years ago, think he still sells them.

I got one from him a couple of years ago. He even sent me photos while packing and shipping, and a handwritten note along with the bottle. An absolute stand-up guy.

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#27

Post by Nina_antalpha » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 9:10 AM UTC

A friend put me onto The Cuckoo's Egg, and that's where I first met Cliff. And honestly, half the protagonists in hacker fiction can't hold a candle to him.

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#28

Post by someothherguyy » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 9:21 AM UTC

EvanAnderson wrote: post #4

I watch a lot of videos at 1.5x. Older Cliff Stoll videos don't work at 1.5x. Cliff at 1.0x is already like other people at 1.5x. I am so stoked to see Cliff at 1.0x in 2026 is still like other people at 1.5x. I am so glad to see Cliff still out there talking. "The Cuckoo's Egg"[0] was formative for me when I was a kid getting into computers. I am so happy that Cliff is out there making formative experiences for new…

(1990) The KGB, the Computer and Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gHNVNRQTJg

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#29

Post by hatingisok » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 9:31 AM UTC

This was great. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Stalking the Wily Hacker: 40 years later – Cliff Stoll [video]

#30

Post by chris_wot » Wed, Aug 26, 2026, 9:59 AM UTC

CliffStoll wrote: post #3

thebeardisred wrote: post #2

Thanks @CliffStoll for the wonderful talk.

Quite welcome, Red Beard. I had fun doing that spoutathon. Meeting old friends at DefCon. Way fun.

You are a wonderful, wonderful person. Your book is one of my favourite books I've read, ever. Thank you so much for writing it!