The Ausnet Hack

Thomas P. Koltai (tomk@matra.com.au)
Wed, 4 Feb 98 16:15:49 PST

In December 1997, Skeeve Stevens, 'Internet Consultant',
pleaded guilty to hacking into Ausnet Services Computer systems in April
of 1995.

His sentencing hearing occurs this Thursday (fifth of Feb) at the
District Court in Sydney. As the Managing Director of Ausnet Services (at
the time) I shall most probably be called to give evidence as to the
damage, fiscal and otherwise to the company.

Whilst I am unable to discuss that evidence prior to the fifth, I
consider that the Ausnet hacking incident considerably damaged the
Internet industry in Australia. Both from a public perception and from a
financial one.

i.e.: Companies were less interested in connecting 'until' security could
be assured. This of course resulted in a large number of security
consultants suddenly coming into vogue but essentially detracted from the
smooth J curve growth path that the net was then following in Australia.

and,

The major banks held a meeting in Hong Kong in July of 1995 where it was
decided to not grant credit card facilities to ISP's.

I would be interested in anecdotal evidence (or otherwise) of fellow
linkers net experiences arising directly from the Ausnet hacking
incident.

Tom
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Thomas P. Koltai
Phone: +61-2-9261-4884 Mobile: +61-419-333331
Facimile: +61-2-9267-0230 Email: tomk@matra.com.au
187 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW Australia 2000
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