ABC servers used to mine BitCoins

The ABC is investigating allegations that a tech staffer had installed a BitCoin agent to use server resources to 'mine' for virtual currency.

BitCoins can be generated by software agents that use spare processing power. They can then be exchanged for money.

Reports emerged in a Crikey tip off which said a staffer was sucking-up compute resources to generate BitCoins.

Surprisingly, an IT manager at the broadcaster told SC that he was unaware of the news, noting there are "hundreds" of T staff working for the broadcaster around Australia.

An ABC spokeswoman said it would investigate the matter but refused to provide further detail.

While the drain on compute resources would likely be minimal, the installation of the agent raises security concerns and could be in breach of the broadcaster's acceptable use policies.

"Installation of the agent opens security risks," IBRS security analyst James Turner said. "Who would patch it? Does it open vulnerabilities? Is it malicious?"

The theft of processing power, however, may be more akin to stealing paperclips, Turner said.

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