[iwar] Computer experts working to counter any Olympic attack (fwd)


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Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 19:51:51 -0700 (PDT)
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Subject: [iwar] Computer experts working to counter any Olympic attack (fwd)
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Computer experts working to counter any Olympic attack 

By Jane Wardell 
August 22, 2000, Tuesday 
AAP NEWSFEED 
Copyright 2000 AAP Information Services Pty. Ltd. 

SYDNEY, Aug 22 AAP - 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. 

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