[Mukthar]

Security code breaker banks top Young Scientist prize

Secure internet communications might not be as secure as we think, according to the BT Young Scientist of the year 2007. His winning project is an attempt to crack the most hacker-proof encryption system in the world, writes Dick Ahlstrom , Science Editor.

Abdusalam Abubakar (16) last night received the top prize in the annual Young Scientist event, taking away a cheque for €5,000. His complex maths project impressed the judges who described as "remarkable" his command and insight into cutting-edge mathematics.

His undoubted success won't be appreciated by those charged with keeping bank details, secure communication lines and internet commerce safe. The third-year student from Synge Street CBS, in Dublin, decided to try and break the mathematical safeguards thrown up to protect sensitive data.

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