BT. Bringing it all together
Facilitator:
Esther Dyson
Host:
Bruce Schneier – CTO and Founder, Counterpane;
Panellists:
Risto Siilasmaa – Chairman of the Board, F-Secure Corporation;
Michael Barrett – Chief Information Security Officer, PayPal
Event:
Live broadcast from BT Centre, London, UK
Date:
Wednesday, 21st February, 2007
Duration:
1 hour
Overview
Internet security is a huge challenge. If you ask users about the issue, they are likely to say it is a big concern. Yet the same audience thinks nothing of giving up their credit card number and other information to anonymous organisations online.
Over time, the Internet will change dramatically – and the way it treats security and identity will change dramatically too. The anonymity of the "open Internet" is likely to vanish, whether people want it to or not.
The Internet's tracking and storage capabilities mean more detailed and accurate data is being gathered all the time. Advertisers will demand greater access to information about the individuals for whom they are sponsoring free content while corporations will demand to know more about the companies they are doing business with.
At the same time, individuals will become more sensitive to security issues and will most likely have better tools to protect themselves. But what will be the consequences? Will the openness of the Web to newcomers – whether individuals or businesses – diminish?
Will every user be identified and tracked all the time? What rules and policies should business be following to keep this information safe? What kind of disclosure is necessary – and how can you disclose things in a way that leaves customers feeling comfortable rather than confused or scared?
After you have watched this edition of BT's Big Thinkers, join the discussion online. [Click here]
Esther Dyson
Esther Dyson (born in Zurich, Switzerland) is a noted expert and philosopher in the field of emerging digital technology. Esther specialises in analysing the impact of emerging technologies and markets on the economy and society.
Bruce Schneier, CTO and Founder, Counterpane
Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist and author. Described by The Economist as a "security guru," Schneier is best known as a candid and lucid security critic and commentator.
Risto Siilasmaa, Chairman of the Board, F-Secure Corporation
In addition to his role as the Chairman of F-Secure Corporation, Risto Siilasmaa is also a founding member of the Association of Software Entrepreneurs in Finland. He has been actively involved in helping the Finnish government to create a data security strategy, to implement security policies and to establish a legal framework related to computer crimes and is a member of State of Finland's Advisory Committee for Information Security.
Michael Barrett, Chief Information Security Officer, PayPal
Michael Barrett is the chief information security officer for PayPal. In this role he is responsible for ensuring the security of information systems and services, as well as the integrity and confidentiality of customer and employee information.
