Taiwan-based computer users are being encouraged to try and break into government Web sites. Those who are successful will receive rewards. "In a bid to strengthen the security of government Web sites and to find any loopholes in the government computer network, we're inviting Taiwan-based computer users to participate in a simulation drill scheduled for the beginning of next year," said Minister Without Portfolio Tsay Ching-yen
Taiwan Govt asks hackers to try to break into its networks

I think this is a really good idea. As a government, how do you really know if your networks and websites are secure? You might be paying some guy a huge salary to look after your security - you're not really sure if he's fully up to speed with patches, exploits, vulnerabilities and so on. You open it up to hackers - you get the cutting edge of computer experts who are looking for a challenge, and it's much more attractive for them because they get paid. Taiwan gets more security, hackers get money - for once, Everybody Wins

-toad