Hackers testing census

ETHICAL hackers have tested Australia’s census systems after cyber attacks on its last survey.

Millions of Australians were temporarily prevented from filling out the 2016 census online after overseas hackers forced the ABS website to crash.

But the Australian Statistician David Gruen revealed ethical hackers had been able to help prepare for the next survey, scheduled for August 10.

“Never say never, because it’s not possible to completely eliminate the risks of cyber attacks … I will sleep more soundly on the 12th of August after this is over,” he said.