Computacenter Ltd is interviewing computer hackers as a part of its new study into Internet crime. It sent its researchers to the Hacker’s Conference in London back in June to interview attendees and has set up a Web site asking hackers for information. We want to know what kind of network they see as susceptible to hacking and what puts them off, said Martin Hellawell, head of marketing at Computacenter. We hope to uncover most abused security loopholes in networks and operating systems and are also interested in the kinds of organization that are most likely to be at risk. The London-based computer company plans to interview around 100 hackers and should publish the report in September. In addition the company is launching a business advisory service to specialize in forming security policies to prevent crime conducted via the Internet. This will be targeted at large corporates and government organizations, most of whom are looking to establish an Internet presence, Hellawell said. It does not plan to offer the service for small and medium-sized businesses. The company’s consultants are sent into assess an existing computer system and recommend the security hardware and software needed. If desired, Computacenter will implement the system as well. If there is one main stumbling block to the widespread adoption of the Internet by corporates, it is the question of security. A preventable security breach on average costs a British company 16,000 pounds, according to the UK’s Audit Commission in its 1996 survey, Hellawell added.
