An unknown individual launches a series of attacks against the Web sites of Prime Sales
Corporation. The attacks significantly slow the sites, leading to $100 million in damage
in terms of lost work time, lost revenue, site repair costs, and other expenses. The
attacker does not intend to profit from the onslaught and in fact does not realize any
financial benefit from the effects. How is this attack most likely orchestrated? Who is
most likely to engage in this actthat is, whose habits and limitations are clearly suited to
such conductand why?
Secure Courier, Inc., has a requirements contract with Petro Distribution Corporation
that obligates Petro to supply Secure with all the gasoline it needs for its delivery
vehicles for one year at $2.30 per gallon. A clause inserted in small print in the contract
by Secure, and not noticed by Petro, states, “The buyer reserves the right to reject any
shipment for any reason without liability.” For six months, Secure orders and Petro
delivers under the contract without any controversy. Then, because of a war in the
Middle East, the price of gasoline to Petro increases substantially. Petro tells Secure it
cannot possibly fulfill their contract unless Secure agrees to pay $2.50 per gallon.
Secure, in need of the gasoline, agrees in writing to modify the contract. Later that
month, Secure learns it can buy gasoline at $2.40 per gallon from Refined Oil
Company. Secure refuses delivery of its most recent order from Petro, claiming, first
that the contract allows it to do so without liability, and second, that it is required to pay
only $2.30 per gallon if it accepts the delivery. Discuss Secures contentions.