[Mandatum]

To those calling him out for hacking his friend without permission, keep in mind he was a teenager (15) at the time. His friend was of similar age. Teenagers do stupid things, I was of similar age at one point and also did very stupid things.

It's part of growing up.

Saying that, the author needs to give better context.

[akerl_]

Yes, but he didn't write it as a cautionary tale or even attempt to portray it as a stupid thing done out of youth. The delivery very strongly portrays it as a good thing that was a good idea, and a rational step towards advancing yourself in the world.

[Mandatum]

A mechanic reading a tale of someone pouring metal filings in with the engine oil, I doubt they're going to think it's a good idea to go out and ruin their engine.

Is an author always required to include a disclaimer? Stupid is as stupid does.

[akerl_]

The mechanic's disclaimer is going to be inherent in the text: "I once poured metal filings into an engine, and then everything went to hell". This isn't like that at all, it's a tale of how hacking somebody's systems without consent was a fun and rewarding idea.