[Nextgrid]

> That's quite a feat.

Is it? I don't see what the big deal is in installing a chrooted Linux environment (or SSH/RDP client to remote into an external machine) in an Android device?

The fact this is even mentioned really smells like they're trying to make this guy sound more skilled and evil than he really is, potentially also to cover up for the fact that the police made an oversight in letting him be around internet-connected devices even though their instructions was to not provide him internet/computer access.

I'm not downplaying the GTA hack (although I would still bet good money it was typical phishing/social engineering rather than anything more advanced), but I'm disagreeing that him doing so from a rooted TV stick or phone makes him any more of a monster than doing so from a typical computer.

[hulitu]

> I don't see what the big deal is in installing a chrooted Linux environment (or SSH/RDP client to remote into an external machine) in an Android device?

Installing it is nothing: 2 touches away. But using this crappy Android experience (where the on screen keyboard obscures half of your terminal) shows talent and dedication.

[piaste]

I imagine this is where the Firestick and TV came in - screencast termux or ConnectBot to the TV so you can use the phone in horizontal mode as a larger keyboard.

[hdjrbrbn]

To be fair: it is hard to not be around internet connected devices now

[unsupp0rted]

> I don't see what the big deal is in installing a chrooted Linux environment (or SSH/RDP client to remote into an external machine) in an Android device

Installing a Linux environment or SSH client on a Fire Stick in a hotel without access to a laptop?

Not familiar with Firesticks- is there an app in their App Store for SSH?

[mavamaarten]

Fire devices just run a flavor of Android, without Google Play Services. Getting SSH on there is trivial, especially when rooted.

[iAMkenough]

I would like to install SSH and root a Fire Stick with my phone. Where should I start?

[Nextgrid]

Second result on Kagi: https://www.firesticktricks.com/install-apk-on-firestick-fro... ?

This would at least give you the ability to install an SSH or RDP client since those don't even require root.

[zymhan]

> That's quite a feat.

> makes him any more of a monster

You're attacking a straw man.

Saying something is "a feat" is a long way from saying they're a monster.

[Nextgrid]

The statement in the article would sound to a non-technical audience like this guy is some sort of hacking magician, and I'm sure nobody minds this perception for the reason I mentioned above.

I'm just providing a counterpoint as well as a reason why there's an incentive to make this guy sound more skilled & evil than he really is.

[6stringmerc]

This is a really great angle and perspective to add in - I agree a noted habit / trend / short-hand in “severity” sometimes with technical subjects. I read through and also have heard some similar routine prep stories. Unusual? Absolutely!

Then again, it’s also unusual for a Dodge dealership in North Texas to have 7 Hellcat vehicles stolen in one night, but here we are.

So, I pick up that maybe the tech stack isn’t the most priority point - it’s the determination. The desire to continue through any avenue. Add that in with, reportedly a physical violence time in life, the persistent threat maybe can heal out of it?

[h0l0cube]

> Add that in with, reportedly a physical violence time in life

Throwing an autistic person into prison will do that. The child abuse that autistic people often receive in their childhood will do that

> the persistent threat maybe can heal out of it?

Or maybe just give them a job instead of throwing them in a padded cell for life?

[kyawzazaw]

I hope they worked out a deal at least