It's time for "Hacking" to keep Internet Safe

Publication : Business Standard (Bangalore)
Page No. : 7
Circulation : 2,855
Date : 23.08.2000

A White hacker is an ethical hacker, who, when comes across a loophole informs the company and the public about the insecure service that they are providing or subscribing to - TOM CERVENKA

With the advent of the Internet revolution in India it is time for portals to focus on the Net's security. Tom Cervenka, a professional "White hat Hacker" claims that he had found security holes in the top five Indian portals in terms of advertisements.

"Unauthorized entry into any system and destroying or damaging the system - that is what most of people think hacking is all about. But that is only one part. Hacking is also testing the software to see if it is foolproof. A White hacker is an ethical hacker, who, when comes across a loop hole informs the company and public about the insecure service that they are providing or subscribing to," said Cervenka.

Cervenka is based out of Canada and is visiting India of iCMG Inc., USA and will be conducting one-day workshop on "Hacking Portals and Websites - Prevention and Damages Control" in Bangalore.

During the workshop Cervenka will talk about Internet security problems in India his personal experience as a hacker the difference between white hat hacking and black hat hacking. In a news conference yesterday, Cervenka said: "Negative hacking is fast emerging to be an increasing menace in a scenario where global markets converge on the Internet. Business worldwide are today realizing the importance of eSecurity and taking necessary to implement it. It is extremely imperative that Indian corporate also recognize the situation and train their work force".

"This widespread industry endorsement of Internet Security across the globe demonstrates the practical and common industry approach to interoperable security on the Internet". Sunil Dutt Jha, President and CEO of iCMG.

"To make eCommerce in India a reality we have to secure our transactions which range from transfer of data to monetary exchange".

Hacking is an ever-growing fear in the minds of all Internet users.

White hacking said Cervenka is positive social force though it is unauthorized. It is about exploring and testing a software but the difference is that what you do with information.

A "Black hat hacker" will use the information to destroy and will not reveal the information or trade it underground. A "White hat hacker" will be making the information public as he wants see the Internet world more safe.

Cervenka said that legislation should be made to promote white hat hacking which promotes Internet security and to contain and punish Black hat hacking which is a negative force that adds no value to any one but the hacker.

Cervenka said that it is white hat hacking that is a part of software development almost the same as having a security auditing company, which improves the quality of software and focuses on the accountability of the service provider.