auDA moves swiftly to protect AUNIC database

Posted by Jo Lim on 19 October 2001

Melbourne, 19 October 2001 - auDA has moved swiftly to protect security of the AUNIC database following reports of a breach of security.

auDA operates the AUNIC service to provide access to information about who owns particular domain names. It limits bulk access of the system in order to guard against abuse of the system or improper use by commercial interests.

From May of this year the service has been hosted by NetRegistry on auDA's behalf. However, following the breach of security and other matters of concern, auDA's lawyers, Maddock Lonie & Chisholm, terminated the hosting agreement on auDA's instructions on 10 October.

AUNIC is at present being hosted by Optus and auDA is finalising new backup and redundancy processes.

NetRegistry was initially appointed to provide hosting services for AUNIC in response to a request for tender. In exchange, NetRegistry was allowed to place its logo on the AUNIC web site under strict conditions. In response to the recent issues that have arisen the hosting agreement has been terminated, NetRegistry no longer has its logo on the site and its involvement with AUNIC has ended.

In view of the fact that auDA's investigation is ongoing and following legal advice, auDA is unable, at this stage, to provide full details of the breach of security or the other matters leading to termination of the hosting agreement.

auDA's CEO, Chris Disspain, said, "auDA will act with vigilance to protect the security of the AUNIC system, and ensure that the system operates for the benefit of the Internet community. auDA will do everything in its power to curb unauthorised access to, and the misuse of, data in AUNIC and the AUNIC system itself."

-ENDS-

For media contact:
Chris Disspain
CEO auDA
tel: 03 9226 9495
email: ceo@auda.org.au
www.auda.org.au