A week ago, hacking group called MDD (MediaDefender-Defenders) leaked 6621 internal MediaDefender emails.
MediaDefender is a security firm that works with RIAA, MPAA and other copyright holders to track and prosecute peer-to-peer users who download copyrighted material illegally. MDD managed to grab and release 9 months worth of internal MediaDefender emails which allowed p2p trackers to remove thousands of decoy torrents, block hundreds of MediaDefender's ips and implement countermeasures for the company's techniques.
But today's leak caused MediaDefender much more harm.
MDD managed to leak the full uncompiled source code to MediaDefender's toolset. Judging by the leaked programs, BitTorrent seems to be MediaDefender's largest target, with the leak containing 16 different tools target it. Other programs target Ares, DirectConnect, eDonkey2000, FastTrack/Kazaa, Gnutella, Kademlia, Overnet, Piolet, SoulSeek and WinMX networks, among others.
Nobody could verify the authenticity of the leak until MediaDefender sent a series of cease-and-desist notices sent to various BitTorrent trackers. "Despite security precautions by our client, a person or persons illegally accessed MediaDefender's email and other files", said MediaDefender's cease-and-desist letter written by SMR&H attorney Robert S. Gerber who cited various sections of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and the California Computer Data Access and Fraud Act before asking BitTorrent trackers to "immediately and permanently cease and desist from posting, distributing or otherwise making available MediaDefender's trade secrets and confidential information."
Interestingly, most p2p sites were not intimidated by the empty legal threat. After mocking and ridiculing Gerber's letter, IsoHunt administrator asked: "If Mr. Gerber is truly as experienced in IP law as his bio claims he is, why is it that he is incapable of composing a DMCA takedown notice as per USC Title 17 Section 512?". The isoHunt administrator then explained that Gerber failed to adequately specify the allegedly infringing content as required by law; moreover, IsoHunt (as well as most BitTorrent trackers) reside outside of USA.