Hello all,
With the constant discussion, questioning and speculation regarding the "Wikileaks" saga I've noticed a common trend in the view points of a select
number of individuals and I'd like to address those in this quick thread.
Disclaimer: I'm in no way, shape or form condoning illegal activities and my expression here-in is simply my observations based upon personal
experience.
Okay, to start, let me ask you all a hypothetical question; would you leave the front door of your house unlocked while you went to work/the pub/down
to the shopping centre?
I'd presume the vast majority of you would answer "No, of course not!" which is the logical and common sensical answer. Now, let's take that concept
and apply it to computer security; I honestly don't understand why so many people fail to realise that transition...
I've seen and heard people complaining about hackers taking advantage of obvious loopholes in the security of various computer networks, typically
proclaiming that said hacker is guilty as sin and should be punished by death.
Now I'm not saying that anyone who conducts illegal activity in the form of unauthorizedly accessing a computer system is right (see above
disclaimer), however people need to understand that the owners of that particular system need to take a responsibility and attempt to secure it as
best they can.
Cutting a long story short, (I told you this would be a quick thread), opportunists with criminal tendencies take advantage of those who fail to
prepare or in other words fail to secure their homes, cars, personal possessions etc
The same principle applies in the field of computer security and once again while I'm not condoning the actions of those who illegally access computer
networks, what do the general public really expect to happen when people have such a lax or "can't be bothered" attitude towards computer security?
Where does Wikileaks come into the equation you may ask? Well, the general principles is the same, without discussing the content of the leaked cables
(that's not what this thread is about), if people are that naive to write down personal and incriminating information in such an unsecure manner then
I have no sympathy for them when they get exposed.
The point I'm making is a double edged sword and I expect at least one person to argue that I'm offering advice on how to keep secrets; well yes I am!
Knowledge is power, how it's applied depends on whether it's a good or a bad thing...
But in closing, computer security or the principles of security in general are by no means absolute, a dedicated attacker will always find a hole, a
way through...
However, if people don't take adequate steps to protect their information then they almost deserve to have it exposed.
Cheers,
edit on 11/12/10 by Death_Kron because: (no reason given)