Computer Security Institute's leader responds to Abagnale flap

Computer Security Institute's leader responds to Abagnale flap

The director of the Computer Security Institute responds to the controversy surrounding Frank Abagnale's inclusion in this fall's CSI conference speaker lineup. Abagnale is best known as the conman in the book and film titled "Catch Me If You Can." He has worked in the document security field since shortly after his release from prison more than 30 years ago. Some other CSI speakers, including executive consultant Bill Murray and former U.S. cybersecurity czar Howard Schmidt, disagreed with the reformed ID thief's inclusion and withdrew from participating.

Here is his statement:

Mr. Murray and Mr. Schmidt are right to worry about sending the wrong signals when it comes to ethics and information security. But a speaking slot at a leading conference like CSI's does not mean the industry is holding them up as an example. Rather, a speaking slot is an opportunity to contribute to the discussions of the security industry, where not everyone is in agreement on all issues.

The debate over what to make of a person's prior criminal record is a case in point. I don't think everyone in the industry agrees that non-computer crimes committed as a teenager, particularly when followed by serving one's time in prison and then by thirty years of service aiding law enforcement, disqualifies a person from having something to say to current security professionals.

In my

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    SearchSecurity.com members gain immediate and unlimited access to breaking industry news, virus alerts, new hacker threats, highly focused security newsletters, and more -- all at no cost. Join me on SearchSecurity.com today!

    Michael S. Mimoso, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchSecurity.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchSecurity.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

earlier comment, I didn't mean to suggest that no one objected to his appearance. As noted, two speakers out of approximately 130 dropped out. Another speaker told me he disagreed with our decision, but admitted he enjoyed the speech, and did not think it appropriate to cancel his own speaking appearance.

Also, as always, we did consult with security experts, including former keynote speakers, on the decision to invite Abagnale.

Chris Keating
Director, Computer Security Institute

This was first published in December 2004

Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

Back to top