Addressing A Rumor

Many of you may never have seen the email I am about to address, but because rumors tend to spread, I want to tackle this head-on. An anonymous email has been circulating, primarily among our close-knit circle. I have included a copy of that email below for full transparency.

To all fellow ham radio operators,

I am writing this to provide a vital warning about the Amateurwire system (hosted by KE8LCM). While this platform is advertised as a space for licensed hams, it has become a hostile environment where the “spirit of ham radio” has been replaced by predatory behavior and active cyber-attacks.

While you are using their video chat, the administrators are using back-door scripts to enter your home computer. This week, a fellow operator had their entire private photo library and personal video collection stolen by these administrators.

They are not just watching you; they are inside your hard drive.

What is happening:

Theft of Personal Data: It has been confirmed that administrators are using malicious scripts to breach users’ private file systems. Personal photo libraries and private video collections have already been stolen from unsuspecting members this week.

System Sabotage: Using AI-assisted programming, the admin team is deploying scripts that gain access to your computer’s Registry and File System. They are deliberately corrupting these systems for “entertainment,” which can lead to permanent hardware failure or data loss.

Targeting the Vulnerable: These individuals are specifically preying on older hams and those with less technical experience, as well as harassing members of our community with mental and physical disabilities.

Imminent Large-Scale Attack: Reliable information confirms they are currently preparing a massive, coordinated attack against all connected users. If you stay connected, you are volunteering your data to be stolen.

The “Secure” Jitsi configuration is a trap. It is being used as a front to gain access to your machine while you are in a video session. If you have used this system recently, your privacy is currently at risk.

EMERGENCY PROTECTION STEPS

If you have ever connected to Amateurwire, your identity and files are at risk. Do the following NOW:

CUT THE LINK: Immediately stop using the Amateurwire Jitsi server and any linked private servers. Do not log back in “just to see.”

AIR-GAP YOUR MEMORIES: If you have personal photos, financial documents, or family videos on your PC, move them to an external USB drive or hard drive and unplug it from the computer immediately.

REGISTRY REPAIR: These scripts hide in your system settings.

Press the Windows Key, type Security, and run a Full System Scan.

Search for “Recovery Options” and consider a System Restore to a date before you last used Amateurwire.

WEBCAM SAFETY: Physically cover your webcam or unplug it when not in use. These admins have shown they have no respect for your “off-air” privacy.

PASSWORD RESET: From a separate device (like your smartphone), change the passwords to your email and bank accounts. If they accessed your file system, they may have found saved passwords.

The “Amateurwire” admins are banking on your silence and your lack of technical knowledge to get away with this.

Do not let your hard drive become their playground. Warn your friends, tell your local clubs, and stay off their grid. Your privacy and your computer’s life depend on it!

Best wishes and stay safe,

Your friend and concerned fellow ham 

Now onto my Response to this.

The individuals who initially received this email know the AmateurWire administration team well. We have spent countless hours together, troubleshooting systems and supporting one another’s interest in radio and technology.

It is true that I have unrestricted remote access to a few specific computers. This isn’t a “backdoor”—it is an act of service. One of these operators is paralyzed; I provide remote technical support so he can enjoy his HF rig and explore new software without the physical barrier of managing the hardware. Another is a fellow admin in the UK who helps manage our Jitsi video bridge. These people trust me implicitly, and I would never violate that bond. In fact, several trusted members of this community hold the “keys to the castle” here; they have my own credentials to ensure the system survives if I am ever unavailable.

I spend significant time and personal resources—over $200 a month out of my own pocket—to keep the PBX, Jitsi server, and HamCloud secure and operational. I ask for nothing in return. We have grown from a small private project into a community of over 1,200 users spanning five years. We are currently scaling to even larger hardware to handle the massive volume of data our community generates.

If anyone truly believes I am spending my own money and time just to “hack” systems or defraud my friends, you are welcome to stop using our services. The door is always open.

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A Note to the Anonymous Author

To the person behind these emails: You have spent weeks entering our video rooms under stolen callsigns, using fakes names and VPNs to hide, and now sending anonymous threats.

I have to ask: Why? Are you one of the very few individuals who was banned for being verbally abusive to others? Are you the individual who was distanced from this group because of reported interference with ADSB transmissions? Or are you simply someone who is resentful of the success and growth of this network?

Hiding behind anonymity is the path of a coward. If you have a legitimate grievance, be an adult and address it with me directly. AmateurWire isn’t going anywhere. I originally built this for my own education and for the enjoyment of my friends; the fact that it has grown into a massive network supported by donated equipment and volunteer time is a testament to the character of this community—character that you clearly lack.

I feel sorry for you. It is a sad state of affairs when you have nothing better to do with your life than sow seeds of distrust among friends. Feel free to continue your rumors, but if you want to be taken seriously, have the courage to put your name on them. Otherwise, let us get back to the hobby we love.