TelstraClear employs teenage Kiwi super hacker

TelstraClear have hired a Whitianga teenager who is also one of the world's best known hackers.

Owen Thor Walker 19, was discharged without conviction for six cyber crime charges last year, after being the subject of an international man hunt involving the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.

As a hacker known as "Akill", Walker devised a system to beat anti-virus software.

TelstraClear spokesman Chris Mirams said today Walker had been contracted lat last year for seminars and advertising.

Walker had spoken to staff about cyber threats from his own experience.

"The feedback was very good, he gave very good information," Mr Mirams told told Stuff.co.nz.

"It helped companies understand that it isn't an overseas thing, attacks can happen anywhere."

Mr Mirams said It was not the equivalent of hiring a bank robber to advise on bank security, Mr Mirams said.

Walker had completed the work but was still under by a 12 month contract not to work for software security competitors.

Walker has turned down numerous job offers from companies around the world and said he wants to be the next Bill Gates.

- NZPA