Malaysia moots draconian reply to hackers

[InfoSec News <isn () C4I ORG>]

http://www.hk-imail.com/inews/public/article_v.cfm?articleid=14909&intcatid=3

8 January 2001 / 01:21 AM
Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities may use a controversial law that allows for
indefinite detention without trial against Malaysians who hack into
government-owned websites.

Deputy Home Minister Zainal Abidin Zin said the government may use the
Internal Security Act to deter hackers from jeopardising public
interest, the national news agency, Bernama, reported on Saturday. The
40-year-old law is often used against political dissidents.

Opposition leaders say it has become a convenient tool for the state
to suppress dissent and debate. The government has pledged to boost
defence of its Internet sites after a hacker last week breached
Parliament's homepage. The hacker, who identified himself as
``Topeira'', wiped out the entire website.

Sources say about 50 of 700 government-owned websites have been hacked
in recent years.

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