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Computer experts working to counter any Olympic attack
From: William Knowles <wk () C4I ORG>
Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 03:20:59 -0500
http://www.theage.com.au/breaking/0008/22/A20499-2000Aug22.shtml Source: AAP|Published: Tuesday August 22, 4:04 PM A crack team of computer experts will be working around the clock at next month's Olympics to counter a new type of attack - cyber terrorism. While computer hackers who change finals results and play around with medal winners may not be perceived to be as dangerous as armed terrorists, there is no doubt they could cause havoc and serious embarrassment for games organisers. Federal Communications Minister Richard Alston said the use of the Internet to disrupt the Games was being considered a serious threat. 'One can't give absolute guarantees in these matters. Clearly I think we are on notice from events around the world ... that there always people who are interested in testing the limits,' Senator Alston said before federal cabinet meeting in Sydney today. As technology has grown over the years so has its contribution to the Olympic Games and this year's event will be the most computerised ever. The thousands of results from the 39 venues will all be kept in electronic form and posted on the official Olympic website which is expected to receive more than one billion hits. Senator Alston said the methods being used to protect the system from hackers would remain secret. 'We are not about to telegraph our punches - but clearly the important thing is to be acutely aware that you can't take anything for granted,' he said. 'You can't assume goodwill, you've got to proceed on the basis that there will be people trying to cause difficulties and do your best to avoid those.' Cyber terrorism has grown around the world and is open to anyone with a handy knowledge of computers. That was proved in February by a 15-year-old American boy who crippled news organisation CNN's website and 1,200 related sites for four hours in a cyber attack. Tivoli Systems, a subsidiary of computer giant IBM, which has responsibility for securing the Olympics computer systems - a network of around 7,300 personal computers - was also playing its cards close to its chest today. But Tivoli Systems' Australia and New Zealand general manager Steve Burke said his staff had made numerous tests on the system in recent months. 'We've been involved in over 40 test events,' he said. 'Things are going very well and we are ready to go. 'Many of the parts of the systems are being used again this week at the athletics trials.' IBM is drawing on experience from past Olympics including Atlanta and the Nagano Winter Games. *==============================================================* "Communications without intelligence is noise; Intelligence without communications is irrelevant." Gen Alfred. M. Gray, USMC ================================================================ C4I.org - Computer Security, & Intelligence - http://www.c4i.org *==============================================================* ISN is hosted by SecurityFocus.com --- To unsubscribe email LISTSERV () SecurityFocus com with a message body of "SIGNOFF ISN".
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