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HP's boardroom drama

Internal investigation into media leaks leads to full-fledged scandal, executive resignations and legal action.

12 min read

An internal investigation into media leaks at tech giant Hewlett-Packard blows up into a full-fledged media event. The revelations cost chairman Patricia Dunn and others their jobs, and spur legal action ranging from felony charges for some to a new federal law on the controversial practice of "pretexting."


HP's boardroom drama

Current stories

Calif. court drops charges against Dunn

Judge dismisses misdemeanor charge against former HP chairman. Three other defendants in spying scandal to do community service.
March 14, 2007

HP execs: Spy scandal was ethical wake-up call

The silver lining is tighter controls on future internal investigations, the company's top ethics and privacy execs say.
March 1, 2007

Lawyer for former HP chairman vows revenge on Perkins

Former board member Tom Perkins accused of "cowardly attacks" and "rewriting history" in his recent comments about Patricia Dunn.
February 28, 2007

Control freaks won at HP, ex-board member says

Former director Tom Perkins airs his side of the story in spying scandal that led to board members' resignations.
Video: Perkins warns of governance without expertise
February 27, 2007

President signs pretexting bill into law

Federal law makes it illegal to buy, sell or obtain personal phone records through fraudulent means; violations could yield prison time.
January 16, 2007

Data broker in HP 'pretext' case pleads guilty

blog U.S. Attorney's office wins first conviction in the Hewlett-Packard spying case.
January 12, 2007

Feds charge investigator in HP spy case

One of the private investigators hired to ferret out the source of a news leak is charged with federal identity theft and conspiracy.
January 10, 2007

HP finance veteran to step down at year's end

CFO Bob Wayman plans to formally retire in March. Treasurer Cathie Lesjak is slated to fill his shoes.
December 11, 2006

HP settles with California in spy scandal

State says it has made a deal with PC maker over civil charges related to methods used in an HP leak investigation.
December 7, 2006

HP discloses formal SEC inquiry into spy tactics

FCC has also requested records relating to controversial boardroom leak probe, according to a regulatory filing.
November 16, 2006

Listen up

Will HP charges hold up?
CNET News.com's Declan McCullagh shares thoughts on Dunn surrendering to authorities.

Download mp3 (4.06MB)

HP's Mark Hurd speaks
Complete audio of HP's CEO Mark Hurd on his company spying on reporters and HP officials to stop leaks.

Download mp3 (4.06MB)

Lawyer details HP investigation
Morgan Lewis lawyer Mike Holston outlines what his company's investigation has learned.

Download mp3 (5.46MB)

Former HP chairman pleads not guilty to felonies

At arraignment, Patricia Dunn hears four felony charges against her, enters plea and is released on own recognizance.
November 15, 2006

New questions for Hurd, but few answers

When asked by Congress to supply more information about the spying campaign, HP's chief executive could recall few details.
PDF: Hurd's response
November 1, 2006

October stories

Defense Department hires HP

Shortly after Congress grills it on privacy, subsidiary of U.S. agency enlists company to build IT infrastructures.
October 17, 2006

Hewlett-Packard hires new ethics officer

Jon Hoak replaces Kevin Hunsaker, who faces criminal charges for his role in company's leak probe.
October 12, 2006

Dunn, Fiorina lash out at HP board

Both women blame former board members George Keyworth and Tom Perkins for their troubles at Hewlett-Packard.
October 8, 2006

Former HP chairman booked

Judge releases Patricia Dunn on her own recognizance provided she went right to the sheriff's office for booking.
October 5, 2006

Dunn to surrender Thursday

Four of the five people facing charges in HP spying case are set to turn themselves in soon.
October 5, 2006

Dunn charged with four felonies

Attorney general calls former Chairman Patricia Dunn 'catalyst' for HP leak hunt and say others could be charged.
October 4, 2006

AG files criminal charges in HP probe

California attorney general files charges against Patricia Dunn and four others.
October 4, 2006

Dunn gave phone numbers to PIs

Documents offer new details of HP's leak hunt, including info Patricia Dunn shared with private investigators.
October 3, 2006

September stories

Leak hunt may have violated law, HP warned

In an August report, outside lawyers said the use of Social Security numbers to get phone records "more likely than not" broke federal law.
September 29, 2006

Pretexting hearing turns to wireless execs

Six major carriers are on board with a congressional committee's desire to criminalize the controversial practice.
September 29, 2006

How HP bugged e-mail

Commercial online service was used to track e-mail sent to a reporter in Hewlett-Packard's leak probe, investigator testifies.
September 28, 2006

Say what? Key quotes from HP's congressional hearing

A sampling of some of the best zingers--ranging from acerbic barbs to passing the buck--to come from HP testimony.
September 28, 2006

Hurd: HP's founders would be appalled

In testimony to Congress on Thursday, Hewlett-Packard CEO Mark Hurd said he wishes he had asked more questions.
September 28, 2006

Dunn grilled by Congress

Former HP chairman attempts to distance herself from pretexting techniques after most HP witnesses refuse to testify.
September 28, 2006

Memos shed light on past pretexting

Internal documents say HP has pretexted before and that its investigators trailed a reporter while on vacation.
September 28, 2006

Top lawyer leaves, won't testify

Ann Baskins, who spent most of her career at HP, was implicated in the leak investigation scandal.
September 28, 2006

HP in for hard time at hearing

With elections coming up, congressional subcommittee is likely to make an example of HP for the spying tactics it used.
September 27, 2006

Key to HP's credibility in hands of new lawyers

HP has chosen a venerable Philadelphia law firm to conduct an in-house investigation into its leaks scandal.
September 27, 2006

Dunn says others in charge of probe

Former HP chairman drops names of CEO Mark Hurd, General Counsel Ann Baskins and CFO Bob Wayman.
September 27, 2006

Second HP employee issued probe warning

HP security official warned others that methods for gathering phone records were "unethical at the least and probably illegal."
September 27, 2006

Two HP employees depart amid leak probe

Tony Gentilucci and Kevin Hunsaker, both named as key figures in the leak probe scandal, have left the company.
September 26, 2006

Telecoms feel the pretexting heat

As Congress calls telecom CEOs on the carpet, CNET News.com takes a look at how well the phone companies protect your privacy.
September 26, 2006

Out of the shadows, a pretexter's tale

HP's boardroom scandal has cast a new light on the dirty deeds of data traffickers. James Rapp used to be one of them.
September 26, 2006

Five questions for HP

Friday's press event provided more details about HP's leak probe. But it failed to answer some key questions and raised new ones.
September 25, 2006

HP chairman resigns, CEO confirms knowledge of probe

CEO Mark Hurd takes over chairman's post as Patricia Dunn resigns from a board grappling with scandal.
September 22, 2006

Probe dug deep on CNET reporter, family

Investigators tried to draw a connection between a board member and the father of a CNET News.com reporter.
September 21, 2006

HP announces broader SEC inquiry

Company also reaches pact with former directors Perkins and Keyworth, who stepped down amid the ongoing saga.
September 21, 2006

Hurd linked to journalist probe

E-mails link HP's chief executivefor the first time to the company's controversial internal investigation of leaks to the news media.
September 20, 2006

Dunn toasted at gala dinner

HP's chairman receives warm welcome, standing ovation when accepting award from advocacy group that touts business ethics.
September 20, 2006

HP board meets amid probe scandal

Board meets as controversy widens over the tactics used in a probe into media leaks, News.com has learned.
September 20, 2006

Perkins: Pretexting dates don't match

When did the company begin targeting reporters' records? Some accounts of the start date don't match up.
September 20, 2006

Reporters targeted by HP before they published

The personal phone records of two News.com reporters were targeted prior to the publishing of story that detailed boardroom planning.
September 19, 2006

House aide: Dunn, Baskins, Sonsini to testify

And House asks two more investigators to appear at Sept. 28 committee hearing into HP "pretexting" scandal.
September 19, 2006

Spokesman among targets in HP leak probe

At a women's conference, the former CEO looks to her shared history with HP and dismisses talk of today's turmoil.
September 16, 2006

Congress asks HP chairman, exec to testify

House Commerce and Energy Committee also wants HP outside counsel and outside investigator to stop by.
September 15, 2006

Scandal reviving pretexting legislation

After their initial interest subsided, politicians are turning their attention back to dealing with those who access others' phone records.
September 15, 2006

What Congress isn't doing to stop pretexting

Ten anti-pretexting bills are stalled in Congress. Here's a guide to what hasn't been done.
September 15, 2006

Congress plans hearings on HP 'pretexting'

As scandal over HP methods mushrooms, House plans special hearings; company reps will likely be called to testify.
September 14, 2006

HP leak probe extended to employees

In an apology to employees, Chairman Patricia Dunn notes that two HP workers were also targeted.
September 13, 2006

Leak scandal costs HP's Dunn her chairman's job

Patricia Dunn to step down from her post in January in the wake of a controversial probe into media leaks.
September 12, 2006

Lawmakers, U.S. attorney join HP leak probe

House committee and Department of Justice each investigate the methods Hewlett-Packard used to nab the source of media leaks.
September 11, 2006

HP board mum on Dunn's fate

Following a Sunday meeting to discuss a probe of leaks to the news media, the board plans to reconvene late Monday.
September 10, 2006

Probe snared a third News.com reporter

In a surprising twist, the telephone records of CNET News.com reporter Stephen Shankland's father were also targeted.
September 8, 2006

HP memo: We will take the necessary action

HP exec Mark Hurd reaches out to employees as the company decides how to react to this week's boardroom pretexting scandal.
September 8, 2006

Dunn: Use of pretexting 'embarrassing'

An investigation's method of scrutinizing board members and journalists was "wrong" and has left the company red-faced.
September 8, 2006

Security breaches are wake-up calls to phone companies

Experts say phone companies lag behind other industries in keeping customer information under wraps.
September 8, 2006

Reporters' records accessed in HP probe

Two News.com reporters are among nine journalists whose personal phone records were accessed during HP's probe into boardroom leaks.
September 7, 2006

Previous coverage

SEC filing acknowledges 'pretexting' in HP board probe

The company's investigation into media leaks has stirred up federal regulators and the California attorney general's office.
September 6, 2006

Media leaks prompt HP board shake-up

The computer giant has been investigating media leaks, prompting one board member to resign.
September 5, 2006

HP revels in Fiorina's vision, Hurd's discipline

Company investors and employees have two leaders to thank for HP's resurgence this year, as the Compaq bet finally starts to pay off.
August 28, 2006

HP outlines long-term strategy

Plans for next 18 months include improved direct sales technology, acquisitions and, yes, more printers.
January 23, 2006

Hurd signs on as new HP chief

Hewlett-Packard has selected Mark Hurd, NCR chief executive, as its next CEO, ushering in a new phase for the tech giant.
March 29, 2006

HP coverage from around the Web
Keep up-to-date with the latest news stories on the Hewlett-Packard saga.

May 8, 2007

Journalists intend to sue Hewlett-Packard over surveillance
The New York Times

February 19, 2007

The Kona files: How an obsession with leaks brought scandal to Hewlett-Packard
The New Yorker

January 16, 2007

Bush signs bill banning pretexting
Ars Technica

November 18, 2006

HP fills board seat with Valley outsider
Financial Times

November 15, 2006

Ex-HP board chair pleads not guilty in boardroom leak case
San Jose Mercury News

October 19, 2006

A reporter's story: How HP kept tabs on me for a year
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

October 18, 2006

Carly Fiorina reviews her career, and we review her book
Knowledge@Wharton

Dunn and Fiorina are models of dignity in the face of disaster
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

October 2, 2006

Zip it: James Surowiecki on why Hewlett-Packard had to spy
The New Yorker

How it started

HP spied on its own directors
Wired News

Intrigue in high places
Newsweek

HP board clash over leaks triggers angry resignation
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

Background
Meet the players
Bios and background on the HP board members involved in the pretexting saga.

An HP time line
A look at the pivotal moments in the Hewlett-Packard boardroom shake-up.

HP in the hot seat
chart Which agencies have launched investigations, and where do those probes stand?

Documents
Internal dialogue
Internal dialogue
PDFs Read highlights (and lowlights) in 700 pages of e-mails, IMs and more between execs and PIs.

Criminal charges
Criminal charges
PDFs Read California Attorney General Bill Lockyer's felony filings against Dunn, others.

Hurd press conference
Mark Hurd's opening statements
PDF Read Mark Hurd's written testimony to Congress.

Hurd press conference
Patricia Dunn's opening statements
PDF Read Patricia Dunn's written testimony to Congress.

Hurd press conference
Mark Hurd's press conference
PDF Read the transcript of Mark Hurd's address to the press on Sept. 22.

House committee's letter to HP
House committee's letter to HP
PDF Read the Energy and Commerce Committee's letter, asking for the name of its investigation firm.

Perkins' letter to HP's board
Perkins' letter to HP's board
PDF Read the former board member's scathing letter, explaining that he quit in protest of probe methods.

Commentary
Newsmaker: Fiorina says board let emotion trump reason
Former HP chief discusses board dynamics, lessons learned from tribulations.

Taking Mark Hurd at his word
Why did so many of those involved in the HP scandal take the Fifth? Enron.

Anti-HP hypocrisy in Congress?
CNET News.com's Declan McCullagh asks if politicos are really in favor of our privacy.

Newsmaker: California's top cop on 'pretexting'
Bill Lockyer discusses the crime of pretexting and how his office is dealing with the problem.

Blogs
Data broker in HP 'pretext' case pleads guilty
U.S. Attorney's office wins first conviction in the Hewlett-Packard spying case.

Fiorina: They resented me
"I was the personification of a change they knew was necessary but feared," she tells MIT crowd.

Politicos reflect on HP hearing
Congress couldn't resist more digs at Silicon Valley darling in second day of hearings.

That Voodoo that HP does so well
Forget pretexting, let's talk power. HP to acquire Voodoo PC, maker of high-end systems.

Congress releases Hurd, Dunn testimony
Dunn focuses early part of testimony on problems posed by boardroom leaks.

Hearings will go for two days
Former HP board members, employees and contractors to speak before House subcommittee.

HP: Trust me--open this attachment
Reporters were understandably wary of an e-mail attachment from HP.

HP had to protect against leakers, says AMD's Ruiz
Chipmaker's chairman doesn't, however, explicitly condone the tactics used by HP.

Photos and videos
Tom Perkins: HP did not want independent directors
video Former HP director warns of governance without expertise.


D'oh! IMs and e-mails that embarrass
photos Here, the famous and infamous who probably now wish they'd never hit the Send button.


Patricia Dunn booked
photos Former HP chairman leaves Santa Clara County Superior Court on her way to be booked on four felony charges.


California AG: HP 'lost its way'
video Bill Lockyer says protecting privacy is crucial.


Criminal charges for HP players
photos California Attorney General Bill Lockyer announces filings against five people.


HP under fire at subcommittee hearing
videos U.S. representatives bring the heat, while several people involved in the scandal take the Fifth.


Dunn testifies at HP hearing
photos Congressional panel hears about the scandal from former chairman, one of few who didn't plead the Fifth.


ReadNotify's tracking service
images HP employed a commercial service to track a reporter's e-mails. Here are screenshots.


Mark Hurd on the hot seat
video In Reporters' Roundtable, CNET News.com's Charlie Cooper, Jim Kerstetter and Ina Fried raise new questions.


Gala for HP's Dunn
photos Embattled chairman accepts a Hall of Fame leadership award at a gala dinner in San Francisco.


Dunn speaks out at event
video HP chairman makes comments on scandal at Hall of Fame induction.


HP says sorry, but does it matter?
video Join CNET News.com's Charles Cooper for this week's Reporters' Roundtable.



An internal investigation into media leaks at tech giant Hewlett-Packard blows up into a full-fledged media event. The revelations cost chairman Patricia Dunn and others their jobs, and spur legal action ranging from felony charges for some to a new federal law on the controversial practice of "pretexting."


HP's boardroom drama

Current stories

Calif. court drops charges against Dunn

Judge dismisses misdemeanor charge against former HP chairman. Three other defendants in spying scandal to do community service.
March 14, 2007

HP execs: Spy scandal was ethical wake-up call

The silver lining is tighter controls on future internal investigations, the company's top ethics and privacy execs say.
March 1, 2007

Lawyer for former HP chairman vows revenge on Perkins

Former board member Tom Perkins accused of "cowardly attacks" and "rewriting history" in his recent comments about Patricia Dunn.
February 28, 2007

Control freaks won at HP, ex-board member says

Former director Tom Perkins airs his side of the story in spying scandal that led to board members' resignations.
Video: Perkins warns of governance without expertise
February 27, 2007

President signs pretexting bill into law

Federal law makes it illegal to buy, sell or obtain personal phone records through fraudulent means; violations could yield prison time.
January 16, 2007

Data broker in HP 'pretext' case pleads guilty

blog U.S. Attorney's office wins first conviction in the Hewlett-Packard spying case.
January 12, 2007

Feds charge investigator in HP spy case

One of the private investigators hired to ferret out the source of a news leak is charged with federal identity theft and conspiracy.
January 10, 2007

HP finance veteran to step down at year's end

CFO Bob Wayman plans to formally retire in March. Treasurer Cathie Lesjak is slated to fill his shoes.
December 11, 2006

HP settles with California in spy scandal

State says it has made a deal with PC maker over civil charges related to methods used in an HP leak investigation.
December 7, 2006

HP discloses formal SEC inquiry into spy tactics

FCC has also requested records relating to controversial boardroom leak probe, according to a regulatory filing.
November 16, 2006

Listen up

Will HP charges hold up?
CNET News.com's Declan McCullagh shares thoughts on Dunn surrendering to authorities.

Download mp3 (4.06MB)

HP's Mark Hurd speaks
Complete audio of HP's CEO Mark Hurd on his company spying on reporters and HP officials to stop leaks.

Download mp3 (4.06MB)

Lawyer details HP investigation
Morgan Lewis lawyer Mike Holston outlines what his company's investigation has learned.

Download mp3 (5.46MB)

Former HP chairman pleads not guilty to felonies

At arraignment, Patricia Dunn hears four felony charges against her, enters plea and is released on own recognizance.
November 15, 2006

New questions for Hurd, but few answers

When asked by Congress to supply more information about the spying campaign, HP's chief executive could recall few details.
PDF: Hurd's response
November 1, 2006

October stories

Defense Department hires HP

Shortly after Congress grills it on privacy, subsidiary of U.S. agency enlists company to build IT infrastructures.
October 17, 2006

Hewlett-Packard hires new ethics officer

Jon Hoak replaces Kevin Hunsaker, who faces criminal charges for his role in company's leak probe.
October 12, 2006

Dunn, Fiorina lash out at HP board

Both women blame former board members George Keyworth and Tom Perkins for their troubles at Hewlett-Packard.
October 8, 2006

Former HP chairman booked

Judge releases Patricia Dunn on her own recognizance provided she went right to the sheriff's office for booking.
October 5, 2006

Dunn to surrender Thursday

Four of the five people facing charges in HP spying case are set to turn themselves in soon.
October 5, 2006

Dunn charged with four felonies

Attorney general calls former Chairman Patricia Dunn 'catalyst' for HP leak hunt and say others could be charged.
October 4, 2006

AG files criminal charges in HP probe

California attorney general files charges against Patricia Dunn and four others.
October 4, 2006

Dunn gave phone numbers to PIs

Documents offer new details of HP's leak hunt, including info Patricia Dunn shared with private investigators.
October 3, 2006

September stories

Leak hunt may have violated law, HP warned

In an August report, outside lawyers said the use of Social Security numbers to get phone records "more likely than not" broke federal law.
September 29, 2006

Pretexting hearing turns to wireless execs

Six major carriers are on board with a congressional committee's desire to criminalize the controversial practice.
September 29, 2006

How HP bugged e-mail

Commercial online service was used to track e-mail sent to a reporter in Hewlett-Packard's leak probe, investigator testifies.
September 28, 2006

Say what? Key quotes from HP's congressional hearing

A sampling of some of the best zingers--ranging from acerbic barbs to passing the buck--to come from HP testimony.
September 28, 2006

Hurd: HP's founders would be appalled

In testimony to Congress on Thursday, Hewlett-Packard CEO Mark Hurd said he wishes he had asked more questions.
September 28, 2006

Dunn grilled by Congress

Former HP chairman attempts to distance herself from pretexting techniques after most HP witnesses refuse to testify.
September 28, 2006

Memos shed light on past pretexting

Internal documents say HP has pretexted before and that its investigators trailed a reporter while on vacation.
September 28, 2006

Top lawyer leaves, won't testify

Ann Baskins, who spent most of her career at HP, was implicated in the leak investigation scandal.
September 28, 2006

HP in for hard time at hearing

With elections coming up, congressional subcommittee is likely to make an example of HP for the spying tactics it used.
September 27, 2006

Key to HP's credibility in hands of new lawyers

HP has chosen a venerable Philadelphia law firm to conduct an in-house investigation into its leaks scandal.
September 27, 2006

Dunn says others in charge of probe

Former HP chairman drops names of CEO Mark Hurd, General Counsel Ann Baskins and CFO Bob Wayman.
September 27, 2006

Second HP employee issued probe warning

HP security official warned others that methods for gathering phone records were "unethical at the least and probably illegal."
September 27, 2006

Two HP employees depart amid leak probe

Tony Gentilucci and Kevin Hunsaker, both named as key figures in the leak probe scandal, have left the company.
September 26, 2006

Telecoms feel the pretexting heat

As Congress calls telecom CEOs on the carpet, CNET News.com takes a look at how well the phone companies protect your privacy.
September 26, 2006

Out of the shadows, a pretexter's tale

HP's boardroom scandal has cast a new light on the dirty deeds of data traffickers. James Rapp used to be one of them.
September 26, 2006

Five questions for HP

Friday's press event provided more details about HP's leak probe. But it failed to answer some key questions and raised new ones.
September 25, 2006

HP chairman resigns, CEO confirms knowledge of probe

CEO Mark Hurd takes over chairman's post as Patricia Dunn resigns from a board grappling with scandal.
September 22, 2006

Probe dug deep on CNET reporter, family

Investigators tried to draw a connection between a board member and the father of a CNET News.com reporter.
September 21, 2006

HP announces broader SEC inquiry

Company also reaches pact with former directors Perkins and Keyworth, who stepped down amid the ongoing saga.
September 21, 2006

Hurd linked to journalist probe

E-mails link HP's chief executivefor the first time to the company's controversial internal investigation of leaks to the news media.
September 20, 2006

Dunn toasted at gala dinner

HP's chairman receives warm welcome, standing ovation when accepting award from advocacy group that touts business ethics.
September 20, 2006

HP board meets amid probe scandal

Board meets as controversy widens over the tactics used in a probe into media leaks, News.com has learned.
September 20, 2006

Perkins: Pretexting dates don't match

When did the company begin targeting reporters' records? Some accounts of the start date don't match up.
September 20, 2006

Reporters targeted by HP before they published

The personal phone records of two News.com reporters were targeted prior to the publishing of story that detailed boardroom planning.
September 19, 2006

House aide: Dunn, Baskins, Sonsini to testify

And House asks two more investigators to appear at Sept. 28 committee hearing into HP "pretexting" scandal.
September 19, 2006

Spokesman among targets in HP leak probe

At a women's conference, the former CEO looks to her shared history with HP and dismisses talk of today's turmoil.
September 16, 2006

Congress asks HP chairman, exec to testify

House Commerce and Energy Committee also wants HP outside counsel and outside investigator to stop by.
September 15, 2006

Scandal reviving pretexting legislation

After their initial interest subsided, politicians are turning their attention back to dealing with those who access others' phone records.
September 15, 2006

What Congress isn't doing to stop pretexting

Ten anti-pretexting bills are stalled in Congress. Here's a guide to what hasn't been done.
September 15, 2006

Congress plans hearings on HP 'pretexting'

As scandal over HP methods mushrooms, House plans special hearings; company reps will likely be called to testify.
September 14, 2006

HP leak probe extended to employees

In an apology to employees, Chairman Patricia Dunn notes that two HP workers were also targeted.
September 13, 2006

Leak scandal costs HP's Dunn her chairman's job

Patricia Dunn to step down from her post in January in the wake of a controversial probe into media leaks.
September 12, 2006

Lawmakers, U.S. attorney join HP leak probe

House committee and Department of Justice each investigate the methods Hewlett-Packard used to nab the source of media leaks.
September 11, 2006

HP board mum on Dunn's fate

Following a Sunday meeting to discuss a probe of leaks to the news media, the board plans to reconvene late Monday.
September 10, 2006

Probe snared a third News.com reporter

In a surprising twist, the telephone records of CNET News.com reporter Stephen Shankland's father were also targeted.
September 8, 2006

HP memo: We will take the necessary action

HP exec Mark Hurd reaches out to employees as the company decides how to react to this week's boardroom pretexting scandal.
September 8, 2006

Dunn: Use of pretexting 'embarrassing'

An investigation's method of scrutinizing board members and journalists was "wrong" and has left the company red-faced.
September 8, 2006

Security breaches are wake-up calls to phone companies

Experts say phone companies lag behind other industries in keeping customer information under wraps.
September 8, 2006

Reporters' records accessed in HP probe

Two News.com reporters are among nine journalists whose personal phone records were accessed during HP's probe into boardroom leaks.
September 7, 2006

Previous coverage

SEC filing acknowledges 'pretexting' in HP board probe

The company's investigation into media leaks has stirred up federal regulators and the California attorney general's office.
September 6, 2006

Media leaks prompt HP board shake-up

The computer giant has been investigating media leaks, prompting one board member to resign.
September 5, 2006

HP revels in Fiorina's vision, Hurd's discipline

Company investors and employees have two leaders to thank for HP's resurgence this year, as the Compaq bet finally starts to pay off.
August 28, 2006

HP outlines long-term strategy

Plans for next 18 months include improved direct sales technology, acquisitions and, yes, more printers.
January 23, 2006

Hurd signs on as new HP chief

Hewlett-Packard has selected Mark Hurd, NCR chief executive, as its next CEO, ushering in a new phase for the tech giant.
March 29, 2006

HP coverage from around the Web
Keep up-to-date with the latest news stories on the Hewlett-Packard saga.

May 8, 2007

Journalists intend to sue Hewlett-Packard over surveillance
The New York Times

February 19, 2007

The Kona files: How an obsession with leaks brought scandal to Hewlett-Packard
The New Yorker

January 16, 2007

Bush signs bill banning pretexting
Ars Technica

November 18, 2006

HP fills board seat with Valley outsider
Financial Times

November 15, 2006

Ex-HP board chair pleads not guilty in boardroom leak case
San Jose Mercury News

October 19, 2006

A reporter's story: How HP kept tabs on me for a year
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

October 18, 2006

Carly Fiorina reviews her career, and we review her book
Knowledge@Wharton

Dunn and Fiorina are models of dignity in the face of disaster
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

October 2, 2006

Zip it: James Surowiecki on why Hewlett-Packard had to spy
The New Yorker

How it started

HP spied on its own directors
Wired News

Intrigue in high places
Newsweek

HP board clash over leaks triggers angry resignation
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)

Background
Meet the players
Bios and background on the HP board members involved in the pretexting saga.

An HP time line
A look at the pivotal moments in the Hewlett-Packard boardroom shake-up.

HP in the hot seat
chart Which agencies have launched investigations, and where do those probes stand?

Documents
Internal dialogue
Internal dialogue
PDFs Read highlights (and lowlights) in 700 pages of e-mails, IMs and more between execs and PIs.

Criminal charges
Criminal charges
PDFs Read California Attorney General Bill Lockyer's felony filings against Dunn, others.

Hurd press conference
Mark Hurd's opening statements
PDF Read Mark Hurd's written testimony to Congress.

Hurd press conference
Patricia Dunn's opening statements
PDF Read Patricia Dunn's written testimony to Congress.

Hurd press conference
Mark Hurd's press conference
PDF Read the transcript of Mark Hurd's address to the press on Sept. 22.

House committee's letter to HP
House committee's letter to HP
PDF Read the Energy and Commerce Committee's letter, asking for the name of its investigation firm.

Perkins' letter to HP's board
Perkins' letter to HP's board
PDF Read the former board member's scathing letter, explaining that he quit in protest of probe methods.

Commentary
Newsmaker: Fiorina says board let emotion trump reason
Former HP chief discusses board dynamics, lessons learned from tribulations.

Taking Mark Hurd at his word
Why did so many of those involved in the HP scandal take the Fifth? Enron.

Anti-HP hypocrisy in Congress?
CNET News.com's Declan McCullagh asks if politicos are really in favor of our privacy.

Newsmaker: California's top cop on 'pretexting'
Bill Lockyer discusses the crime of pretexting and how his office is dealing with the problem.

Blogs
Data broker in HP 'pretext' case pleads guilty
U.S. Attorney's office wins first conviction in the Hewlett-Packard spying case.

Fiorina: They resented me
"I was the personification of a change they knew was necessary but feared," she tells MIT crowd.

Politicos reflect on HP hearing
Congress couldn't resist more digs at Silicon Valley darling in second day of hearings.

That Voodoo that HP does so well
Forget pretexting, let's talk power. HP to acquire Voodoo PC, maker of high-end systems.

Congress releases Hurd, Dunn testimony
Dunn focuses early part of testimony on problems posed by boardroom leaks.

Hearings will go for two days
Former HP board members, employees and contractors to speak before House subcommittee.

HP: Trust me--open this attachment
Reporters were understandably wary of an e-mail attachment from HP.

HP had to protect against leakers, says AMD's Ruiz
Chipmaker's chairman doesn't, however, explicitly condone the tactics used by HP.

Photos and videos
Tom Perkins: HP did not want independent directors
video Former HP director warns of governance without expertise.

D'oh! IMs and e-mails that embarrass
photos Here, the famous and infamous who probably now wish they'd never hit the Send button.

Patricia Dunn booked
photos Former HP chairman leaves Santa Clara County Superior Court on her way to be booked on four felony charges.

California AG: HP 'lost its way'
video Bill Lockyer says protecting privacy is crucial.

Criminal charges for HP players
photos California Attorney General Bill Lockyer announces filings against five people.

HP under fire at subcommittee hearing
videos U.S. representatives bring the heat, while several people involved in the scandal take the Fifth.

Dunn testifies at HP hearing
photos Congressional panel hears about the scandal from former chairman, one of few who didn't plead the Fifth.

ReadNotify's tracking service
images HP employed a commercial service to track a reporter's e-mails. Here are screenshots.

Mark Hurd on the hot seat
video In Reporters' Roundtable, CNET News.com's Charlie Cooper, Jim Kerstetter and Ina Fried raise new questions.

Gala for HP's Dunn
photos Embattled chairman accepts a Hall of Fame leadership award at a gala dinner in San Francisco.

Dunn speaks out at event
video HP chairman makes comments on scandal at Hall of Fame induction.

HP says sorry, but does it matter?
video Join CNET News.com's Charles Cooper for this week's Reporters' Roundtable.