Mega's Kim Dotcom Challenges Hackers to Attack

Kim Dotcom, founder of file-sharing site Megaupload and the new, allegedly legal 'Mega', has thrown down a challenge to hackers. Dotcom says he'll give any hacker who can crack Mega's code a reward of 10,000 euros.

Dotcom is the embattled founder of Megaupload, a controversial file-sharing site accused of encouraging users to swap copyright-protected files without authorization.

In recent weeks he's started a new site, Mega, which he says is completely legal and discourages the unauthorized sharing of copyright-protected materials.

Mega Hype Surrounding 'Mega'

Given Dotcom's global popularity, it's no surprise that there's been lots of media attention drawn to Mega.

In an effort to up the hype even further, Dotcom recently posed this challenge in a blog: "Mega's open source encryption remains unbroken! We'll offer 10,000 EURO to anyone who can break it." (Source: escapistmagazine.com)

So, is it possible for a hacker to break through Mega's security defenses?

Security experts admit that Mega uses a highly complex security system, though they insist it's not designed to protect users so much as it's built to allow Mega's management to deny it was involved in the sharing of copyright-infringing materials.

Either way, many security experts doubt claims that either Mega management or its users are safe from attack. According to some critics, the site's encryption system is still quite weak.

Copyright Complaints Already Pouring In

But Mega's problems may not be limited to hacker attacks. New reports indicate that the site has already received 150 copyright warnings since it launched several weeks ago. That could land Dotcom in even hotter water with the authorities.

The 150 complaints cover an estimated 250 different files. The complaints were reportedly sent from people in the United States and other countries.

In a recent statement, one of Dotcom's attorneys admitted that Mega was addressing complaints about copyright violations by taking action against the perpetrators.

"Mega doesn't want folks to use its cloud storage services for infringing purposes," the attorney said. (Source: computerworld.com)