WASHINGTON : Infamous computer hacker Kevin Mitnick said in an interview released last week that stealing someone's identity via the Internet is easy, and that a central DNA database may be a way to curb such thefts.

'A lot of databases rely on your social security number," Mtnick told Yahoo Internet Life.  'And now, with the explosion of the Internet, people are sharing tlus information at websites.  This is a huge problem that will be tough to stop.'

Mitnick, a cult figure among some , hackers' who reportedly broke into computer systems of Motorola, Sun Microsystems, Qualcomm and others until he was apprehended in 1995, said a central database may be a solution to identity theft.

'The goverment has to estabush some sort of central database that uses bioinetric identifiers, such as your DNA, that can label you as you,' Mitnick said.

'This might eliminate a lot of identity theft, because anyone can apply for credit by supplying information over the phone.' Most computer security systems, he said, are "totally weak,' adding "Anybody who puts their mind to it can get your social security number and thus obtain copies of your bills.'

Mitnick, who began hacking into'computers as -a high  school student, is under orders as part of his probation not to & near computers or even seek employment in a related field for three years.

Now 36, he was released in January after serving nearly five years for stealing corporate computer secrets.

For the 36 months he is under supervised release, he is supposed to stay away from computers, computer networks, personal information assistants and televisions that could be used for. online access.

He is barred from working as a consultant to computer companies or in any firms with access to computers.

But he said he was surprised he was allowed to use a handphone as long as he gives a copy of his bill to his probation officer.

Mitnick also said the most effective way of breaking into computer systems is still tricking people with access to provide information. - AFP