Re: Computer experts working to counter any Olympic attack

[InfoSec News <isn () C4I ORG>]

Forwarded By: Clem Colman <clem () colmancomm com>

http://www.theage.com.au/breaking/0008/22/A20499-2000Aug22.shtml

> Source: AAP|Published: Tuesday August 22, 4:04 PM
<snip>
> 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.

It's interesting that this implies that the perception that cyber
terrorists are not as dangerous as armed terrorists is wrong.

> Federal Communications Minister Richard Alston said the use of the
> Internet to disrupt the Games was being considered a serious threat.

For those that have forgotten Richard Alston is the same man that
spearheaded the Australian government's Internet censorship Bill.
> From responses he has given to organisations such as Electronic
Fronters Australia (EFA) it is clear that his understanding of the
nature of the Internet is poor.

My perceptions is that to Senator Alston the Internet is the
electronic bogeyman.  And as far as he is concerned, nobody is doing
anything legitimate on the Internet unless they are doing online
shopping, or viewing one of the web sites owned by media magnates
Kerry Packer or Rupert Murdoch.

<snip>
> 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.

Unfortunately security by obscurity is standard practice for
Australian Commonwealth Agencies, so it comes as no surprise that this
attitude is being adopted in relation to the Olympics.

<snip justification for destroying people's right to privacy>
<snip FUD about cyberterrorism>
<snip spin for Tivolli>

Cheers,
Clem.

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