Problems With Current Thoughts On Security
from the a-theme-for-the-day dept
We've already had one story today suggesting that we need to think about computer security using a different metaphor, and consider it more similar to an airport (all access, but with security measures) than a fortress (not letting anyone in). Here are two more articles suggesting that the way we currently think about security issues is flawed. ZoneLab's CEO is complaining about the problems we have in being reactive to security issues rather than proactive. Of course, a lot of his argument can be read as a pitch for his company's security software. Meanwhile, a report from the RSA Security Conference suggests that hiring reformed malicious hackers isn't a very good idea. This isn't due to ethical issues, but the simple fact that most people breaking into computer systems really aren't that good. They say that breaking into a system requires many fewer skills than protecting a system. Furthermore, as someone points out, hiring someone with a criminal record for hacking means that they actually got caught doing something wrong - suggesting they weren't even very good at breaking in to systems.
Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
