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The Hackers, The Lawyers, And The Defense Fund

Mark GeigerKurt OpsahlHarley McCainCroc

EFF attorneys and security researchers discuss legal defense strategies and introduce the Security Research Legal Defense Fund for good-faith hackers.

Summary

Legal Perils Facing Good-Faith Security Researchers

Security researchers routinely face aggressive legal threats, civil lawsuits, and criminal statutes from software vendors attempting to suppress vulnerability disclosure.

Providing Pro Bono Legal Counseling for Hackers

Kurt Opsahl and legal advocates explain how the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) counsels security researchers prior to publication to mitigate legal exposure.

Introducing the Security Research Legal Defense Fund

The panel announces the launch of the Security Research Legal Defense Fund, an independent initiative providing legal representation funding to hackers facing litigation.

Navigating Coordinated Disclosure and Rights

Panelists share practical guidance for handling cease-and-desist letters, communicating with corporate counsel, and advancing researcher protections worldwide.

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