| By Yvette Dubel |
| Post September 11th has seen
a significant surge of interest in data security. It is
logical to deduce that Federal, particularly military,
information would under severe scrutiny. Yet, this approach
flies in the face of the knowledge brought tragically
to bear after the U. S. terrorist attack. While interest
in hacker activities is hardly due entirely to this event.
There are several lessons to be learned form this portentous
impact on the collective psyche. One, the obvious is not
the same as the logical. Two, there is priceless value
in being able to collect clues and miraculously make the
right connections. Three, the importance of knowing ones
own weaknesses. And four, community awareness and action
can make all the difference in nearly any circumstance.
What I see as glaringly conspicuous is that next steps
must transcend merely reactionary offensive measures.
Exactly does all this mean in regard to IT security? It
is not separate from community, and thus the human element.
It is, in fact, about them. Therefore, I put forward that
this is the critical and largely un-addressed aspect of
IT security. Objectification of data, will not provide
security in and of itself, data is valued because of its
relationship to people. Consider the following in light
of that statement. What is the most vulnerable and potentially
valuable data? You may consider this an introduction to
my slant regarding IT security. In future articles I will
take this issue into relatively un-chartered territory.
Your discussion and comments are of course welcomed and
encouraged. I look forward to hearing from you on the
discussion boards. |
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