2600com

2600.com is the online home of the dedicated hacker community known as the 2600: The Hacker Quarterly. The domain was established in the mid-1990s as a complementary web presence to the print publication. The site hosts news, articles, and user‑generated content that covers a wide spectrum of computer security, privacy, digital rights, and hacking culture. Contributors range from professional security researchers to hobbyists and enthusiasts who share tutorials, analysis of security flaws, and commentary on policy issues.

Historically the community has drawn both support and criticism. Supporters credit the forum with advancing technical knowledge, fostering a culture of responsible disclosure, and advocating for privacy protection. Critics point to the publication of instructions for creating illicit devices, the discussion of black‑hat techniques, and past incidents of illegal activity by some members. Access to the website has sometimes been challenged by law enforcement agencies, leading to temporary site blockages and site migrations. The site was seized by a university server in 2006 and later resumed service under a new hosting arrangement.

Users interact primarily through message boards, a journalist section, and the digitized magazine archive. The forum structure includes sub‑categories such as security research, social engineering, telecommunications, and hardware hacking. Members often practice an internal code of conduct that discourages the promotion of violent or extremist content, though enforcement of these rules varies.

Regulatory scrutiny has influenced site policies. After a 2014 seizure attempt, the community adopted more robust identity protection measures, including domain redirects, secure communication channels, and de‑centralized content hosting. Despite legal pressures, 2600.com remains an influential hub for discussions about information security. The site continues to publish a quarterly PDF edition of the magazine, updated from the print version with expanded digital articles and video tutorials. The community’s advocacy work includes campaigning for privacy legislation, opposing intrusive surveillance, and supporting broader free‑speech initiatives in the digital realm.