Somebody who is repairing inadequate software code could also include a program that would allow the consultant to sneak into a computer system through an electronic back door. The problems caused by surreptitious fraud could stretch well into 2000, Gartner researchers warned. High-tech security consultants in the Bay Area agreed with Gartner that this is potentially a serious problem. Somebody could build something into the system that would allow them to steal proprietary information later on. There could be terrorism.
Organizations are in a bit of a pickle, because they pretty much have to undertake the repairs.
Companies must also face the added pressure of having to complete them by Dec. 31, which is the whole point anyway. Still, this suggestion isn't guaranteed to inoculate companies from malicious programmers. They are probably smart enough to create a back door, or steal money, in such a way that they won't attract attention. Oasys executives believe they have an even better solution. They suggest that companies conduct extensive background checks of vendors they are about to hire to conduct Y2K upgrades.