Catch Him if you Can

Whitianga self-confessed hacker Owen Thor Walker, 19, who was alleged to have been involved with a criminal network which infiltrated more than 1 million computers worldwide, has been hired by TelstaClear as a cyber security consultant. Walker has skills that can help senior executives and customers understand the security threats to their networks, TelstraClear spokesman Chris Mirams told National Radio. Charges against Walker — who used the online name  “AKILL” and wrote so-called botnet infiltration programs for the crime network — were dismissed and he was released without a criminal record after paying a fine and forfeiting cash paid by the criminal group for his expertise. Walker has delivered a series of seminars for TelstraClear, advised senior security and management staff at the company and has taken part in an advertising campaign, Mirams said.