When a client is accused of obtaining information from others through hacking, there are several ways to defend that their actions were intended to help improve the security of information systems: 1. **Intention statement**: - Emphasize that the client's original intention was to reveal system vulnerabilities so that the system owner could fix these potential security risks, rather than to maliciously exploit or leak information. - Provide records of any "white hat" hacking activities or security research that the client has participated in in the past, which may show that his general motivation is to improve network security. 2. **Consent and notification**: - Find out whether the client has any agreement or authorization with the system owner that allows security testing (even if it is verbal). - If the client acts in the capacity of a general network security researcher and the system owner consents to such testing with knowledge or tacit consent, this may be beneficial to the client's defense. 3. **Conduct**: - Explain the client's behavior after obtaining the information, such as whether it immediately notified the relevant organization or company and provided complete information for repair. - Show whether the client followed the norms or processes for responsible information disclosure, which includes not disclosing the vulnerability to the outside world until it is fixed. 4. **Beneficiary Analysis**: - Analyze and demonstrate that the client’s actions did not bring him personal benefits, but instead may help improve the overall level of cybersecurity. 5. **Professional Background**: - Emphasize the client’s professional background in the field of cybersecurity, such as education, certifications, or professional experience, which shows that he has the ability and professional knowledge to engage in such security testing. 6. **Legal Framework**: - Research and cite relevant provisions in local laws regarding ethical hacking or vulnerability testing in good faith to support that the client’s actions are in line with the good faith provisions within some legal framework. The key to the defense is to ensure that it can be proved that the client’s actions are driven by good intentions and that the way they operate is consistent with the ethical norms of security research and disclosure. At the same time, the client should be prepared to actively cooperate with the investigation and be willing to cooperate with system owners and law enforcement agencies to prove their good faith. Consider following the specific guidance of legal counsel to ensure the effectiveness of the litigation strategy.