If I hacked into the NSA and Pentagon and dumped all their files, (1) how big would the manhunt for me be; (2) would it finally open the eyes of the public, and; (3) how would I be seen by the hacker circle?

1. Size of the Manhunt

If you were to hack into the NSA and Pentagon and dump all their files, the manhunt for you would be extremely extensive and aggressive. Both the NSA and Pentagon are central to U.S. national security, and such a breach would be considered a grave threat to national security. The response would likely involve:

• Multi-agency coordination: The FBI, NSA, CIA, and other federal agencies would collaborate to track you down.
• International cooperation: Given the potential for international implications, other countries might be involved in the hunt.
• Advanced surveillance techniques: The NSA and other agencies would use their advanced surveillance capabilities to track your digital footprint.
• Public appeals and rewards: There might be public appeals for information and substantial rewards offered for tips leading to your capture.

2. Public Awareness and Reaction

Dumping sensitive files from the NSA and Pentagon could indeed open the eyes of the public to the extent of government surveillance and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. However, the reaction would depend on several factors:

• Nature of the leaked information: If the leaked files reveal significant wrongdoing or abuse of power, it could lead to widespread outrage and calls for reform.
• Media coverage: The extent and tone of media coverage would influence public perception. If major news outlets cover the story extensively, it could lead to increased awareness and debate.
• Government response: How the government responds to the leak—whether they acknowledge wrongdoing or dismiss it—would also shape public opinion.

3. Perception in the Hacker Circle

In the hacker community, your actions would likely be viewed with a mix of awe and concern:

• Awe for the technical feat: Successfully breaching the NSA and Pentagon would be seen as a remarkable technical achievement, demonstrating exceptional skill and daring.
• Concern for the consequences: Many hackers would be concerned about the legal and ethical implications of such a breach. The potential for severe legal repercussions and the impact on the broader hacker community could lead to criticism or distancing.
• Ethical debates: There would likely be debates within the community about the ethics of leaking sensitive government information, with some arguing it's necessary for transparency and others seeing it as irresponsible.

Overall, while your actions might gain notoriety within the hacker community, they would also attract intense scrutiny and legal action from authorities.