Access "Can a computer security researcher go too far?"
This article is part of the January/February 2012 issue of Combat the latest malware threats with effective antimalware planning
Centuries of literary works and real-life scenarios have depicted the battle of good versus evil: God versus Satan; Hamlet vs. Claudius; Darth Vader vs. Luke; Cubs vs. Sox; NBA players vs. NBA owners. In the security community, it’s the Security Researcher vs. the Corporation. The reality is that in most of these scenarios, the characters are simply flawed or have differing agendas, neither of which are truly good or evil. I have been following the security community for 15 years and I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly associated with researchers releasing their findings and the corporate responses. It is a point of constant conflict in the industry. A few cases have led me to question whether computer security researchers can go too far and whether the companies they research really are the bad guys: George "GeoHot" Hotz “mod’ing” the Sony PlayStation console; Patrick Webster vs. First State Superannuation in Australia; and Charlie Miller vs. Apple. In each case, I draw an analogy to buying a riding lawn mower. I fully expect if I buy a riding... Access >>>
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What's Inside
Features
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New malware threats require new antimalware protection strategy
by Lisa Phifer
Attackers are targeting new vectors such as smartphones, social media and cloud services. Enterprises need to up their game.
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Tackling SSL vulnerabilities for secure online transactions
by Michael Cobb, Application Security
A rash of CA breaches shows up weaknesses in the SSL infrastructure. Take action to protect your customers and employees.
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New malware threats require new antimalware protection strategy
by Lisa Phifer
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Mobile device protection: Tackling mobile device security risks
by Marcia Savage, Editor
Managing mobile device risks tops the list of priorities for security pros this year.
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SOPA and PIPA pirating laws lose support in face of opposition
by Robert Westervelt, News Director
Security experts say there are better alternatives to copyright protection.
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Mobile device protection: Tackling mobile device security risks
by Marcia Savage, Editor
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Columns
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Can a computer security researcher go too far?
by Elizabeth Martin
An examination of three cases illustrates that it’s not always a clear case of good vs. evil.
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Ranum chat: APT attacks and malware evolution
by Marcus Ranum
Security expert Marcus Ranum talks with Joel Yonts, a seasoned security executive with a passion for information security research.
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Security leaders help squash SOPA, PIPA pirating laws
by Michael S. Mimoso, Editorial Director
Prominent security and Internet thinkers and leaders have become an effective lobby on Capitol Hill and played a big role in squashing SOPA.
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Can a computer security researcher go too far?
by Elizabeth Martin
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