POEEDGR

• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Collection: Declassified Articles from Studies in Intelligence: The IC’s Journal for the Intelligence Professional
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0000624329
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Release Date: July 30, 2014
• Case Number: F-2013-02322
• Publication Date: December 1, 1986

Approved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329TITLE:POEEDGRAUTHOR:(b)(3)(c)VOLUME:30 ISSUE:WinterYEAR:1986Approved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329pproved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329I E S ?1INTELLIGENCEA collection of articles on the historical, operational, doctrinal, and theoretical aspects of intelligence.0All statements of fact, opinion or analysis expressed in Studies in Intelligence are those ofthe authors. They do not necessarily reflect official positions or views of the CentralIntelligence Agency or any other US Government entity, past or present. Nothing in thecontents should be construed as asserting or implying US Government endorsement of anarticle's factual statements and interpretations.Approved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329Approved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329aka Edgar Allen PoePOEEDGR(b)(3)(c)Once upon my desk computer, as I read my "VM Tutor,"Came a message from a user I.D. I'd not seen before?While I nodded, nearly napping, this odd message came up, zappingAll the input I'd been tapping, tapping in for hours before."Someone's input error," I muttered, tapping data in once more?Only this and nothing more.But the same incessant message flashing on my screen sans presageFilled me?drilled me with an irritation never felt before;So that now to still the blinking on my screen I sat there thinking"What's this idiot been drinking that would make him such a boor?!?"Tis most likely just a hacker of the kind we all abhor;?This it is and nothingmore."Back toward the keyboard turning, all my rage within me burning,In I typed the user's I.D., from him mercy to implore.Not the least deference made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;But without delay repaid me with the message, "NEVERMORE.""Let my heart be still," I uttered, and this mystery explore;? "Tis a nuke andnothing more!"31Approved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329Approved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329NevermoreGrowing every moment tenser, "Ah!" I thought, "I still can censorThis rude user and his message which now burns me to my core."So I got out of XEDIT, typed in "SET MSG OFF" and bet itWould subdue my screen?instead it seemed to make it flash e'en more!"Call the Trouble Desk," I cried, "a system breakdown they'll explore.I can still go home by four."Naturally, the line was busy, so I sat there in a tizzy?Dialing, dialing o'er and over 'til my fingers all were sore.I grew more downcast and dejected; suddenly my call connected!:"If this fault could be detected, we would set things right once more.But we think the fault's with you?this hasn't happened to us before.Please don't call us anymore."Logging off in desperation, I met this bizarre sensation:No familiar "ENTER SWITCHING CHARACTERS" showed as before!Rather, blinking even faster?oh, unmerciful Disaster!?My computer was my master, and one strict command it bore:With those sickening, shim'ring, luminescent letters gloating o'er,Quoth VMS "NEVERMORE.""Be that word our sign of parting?I'm going home!" I shrieked, upstarting,And I changed my shoes and grabbed my purse and headed toward the door."You know that's a violation," someone cried in jubilation?"You must never leave your station without someone watching o'er.""S.O.B.," I thought, but turning, I walked slowly 'cross the floorAnd I took my seat once more.As time passes, never flitting, still I'm sitting, STILL I'm sitting,Though I'm glancing much less often at the clock above the door.My computer?message beaming?now just lulls me into dreaming,VDT?light o'er me streaming throws my shadow on the floor;And my soul from out that shadow floats in  (b)(3)(c)To return home?nevermore!32(b)(3)(c)Approved for Release: 2014/07/29 000624329