The report said that the manual was intended for internal NSA use only but the hackers found a way to distribute it on Internet. They also sent copies to several news organizations. This, apparently to embarrass the government and prove that there is no way to keep anything secret from a hacker. The government believes that the computer users who distributed the document hoped to undermine a federal push for data-encryption regulations that would allow the government to tap into private communications on computer networks. The Clinton administration wants all new computers to contain a microchip that would allow the government to tap into any electronic transmission.
Officials say that is necessary to monitor criminal, espionage and terrorist activities.
The manual distributed describes the basic goals and duties of NSA workers. It first appeared on a Texas-based hackers network the week of April 4th. The identity of the person who initially obtained the document and the method used are so far unknown. Copyright 1994 all rights are reserved.