Hacker testifies to being hired by News Corp

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 24 Apr 2008 at 08:50

A top hacker has told a court that he was hired by News Corp to develop pirating software.

The case, being heard in California, revolves around hacker Christopher Tarnovsky, who News Corp rival Dish, claims was hired to hack into its satellite network, steal security codes and flood the market with pirated smart cards costing it $900 million in lost revenue and system-repair costs.

However, while Tarnovsky admits to being hired by News Corp, he denies using his software to penetrate Dish's security system, with both he and News Corp claiming he was simply hired to test security.

Tarnovsky claims his first payment of $20,000 was paid in cash and hidden in electronic devices mailed from Canada.

The suit was brought by EchoStar Communications, which later split into two companies, Dish and EchoStar Corp, with Dishbeing the primary plaintiff.

"I never got money for reprogramming Echostar cards," Tarnovsky told the court. "Someone is trying to set me up."

Dish attorney Chad Hagan asked, "This is all a big conspiracy?"

"Yes," Tarnovsky answered.

The trial is expected to last another two to three weeks.