Do Digital Diapers Deter Data Diarrhoea?

Tag : electronic pets

The title for this entry was sparked by listening to Christian Bokplugging Eunoia on the Today programme at 8.20 on Thursday. On the morning of 27thNovember I am due to chair the opening session of Cybersecurity KTN' s event " A Fine Balance " , a review of the current state of research into PETs, (PrivacyEnhancing Technologies) and am being chased by the organiser for anadvance note on my opening comments.
I used to be a sceptic, regarding PETs as another way to sellcryptography and the extra hardware needed to run it. Now I havecome to appreciate that there are as many variations of electronicPET as there are of physical pet. From yappy puppies which demandall your time, and more, while devouring important e-mails (orroutes them straight to delete) to cats which will quietly rid afarmyard (network) of mice (spyware and anything else that was notexplicitly authorised) in return for an occasional cuddle (updateson what you do wish to permit).
But PETs have to be used as part of holistic approach toinformation governance if they are to prevent "compromises" likethat reported in the Daily Mail.
And it is a matter of culture not cash.
Barnardos, Citizens Advice and the Salvation Army are loath todivert more than they have to from looking after the mostvulnerable in society but have information security that is "fitfor purpose" - unlike many of the government departments andagencies they deal with.
The mass deployment of PETs need not be expensive but theireffective use depends on human beings, from the top of theorganisation to the front line, and especially those in ICT and theICT supply chain. They have to have the equivalent of PGP, "prettygood paranoia", not just the technology but the attitude of protectiing other peoples' data as they wouldtheir own and their families'.
The time has come for HMG to stop patronising the "third sector"and instead pay them the going rate for consultancy - especially onhow to motivate clever techies and complacent bureaucrats to take aholistic approach to combining economy with efficiency and trust.
P.S. The advance papers for the EURIM Directors Round Table on Information Governance are being placed on the website as they come in. There is someexcellent reading there and I do not envy the member of my staffwho I have tasked to produce a 4 by A4 summary of the key points.The deadline for submissions has passed but we will take latesubmissions if they raise points not already covered.