Hacking Is Not A Crime: A True Story

This excerpt from a YouTube video features an interview with Alberto, a self-taught computer engineer from Uruguay who became the first person jailed for cybercrime in his country. The discussion centers on his early hacking experiences at age 12, his responsible disclosure of significant security vulnerabilities to the Uruguayan CERT in 2014 and 2015, and the unjust legal repercussions he faced, including nine months of imprisonment and the seizure of his assets. Alberto emphasizes that "hacking is not a crime" when done ethically for research and reporting purposes, highlighting the lack of legal protections for white-hat hackers in Uruguay and the negative impact this has on cybersecurity. The interview also touches upon the trauma and loss he endured due to his incarceration and offers advice to aspiring cybersecurity professionals, stressing the importance of passion over money and preparing for the difficult, often unaddressed, real-world challenges of the field.