Hackers offered cash prize

Infosecurity Asia is today launching a computer hacker competition designed to illustrate why IT security should be taken seriously.

Hackers from across the world are being invited to break into three Web servers - based in Singapore - and perform tasks including changing the text of a Web page and transferring a file. The first successful entrant to identify him or herself and replay the hacking sequence to the organisers will win $10,000.

The servers are all products from the competition's three sponsors, Conclave Integrated Internet Security, Voltaire Advanced Data Security and Infinitum. One server carries virtually no security protection and the organisers hope to show how vulnerable it is.

Reed's president, Jimmy Lau, was careful to explain the competition is not intended to breed or educate hackers, but he admitted he would not publicise the winner's identity unless he was given permission. "The sponsors and organisers respect their need to remain anonymous in this situation," he said in a statement.

The competition goes live today. All those interested in taking part can find the IP addresses of the target servers at http://www.info-security.com.sg . A scorecard showing successful hacks will be displayed at the Infosecurity Asia exhibition in Singapore, 23 to 25 June.