Welcher Staat kümmert sich richtig um Netzwerk-Sicherheit?

Frage: Which governments do you feel are doing the right kinds of things to promote the awareness that network security is important?

Anonymous: None. Well, I shouldn't say that. Our Congress, for example, recently passed (and now is prepared to have agencies enforce) regulations regarding the transmission of confidential medical data. Surprisingly, the regulations (in our Federal Register) are actually worth something. Many times, governments pass largely perfunctory measures to placate an electorate. I was shocked (and quite pleased) to find that our government - for once - wasn't snoozing on the job.

In fact, the regulations are so stringent, I don't think many hospitals can comply without spending thousands (or perhaps millions). But hey....medical data should have some protection. Other governments, I cannot speak for, except that I see many governments restricting what private citizens can say on their websites. Of this, I cannot approve. If you despise Germans, Americans, Australians, Whites, Blacks, Asians, Jews, or whatever, you should have the right to say it. By driving such groups underground, governments make a cardinal mistake. Having unpopular views has always been popular and chic. You make it ten times more so when you outlaw a given position.

True, the Internet - more than any other single invention - can show you that nuts are everywhere in full force. Never quicker will you realize that many of your countrymen are stark raving mad than when you join an Internet mailing list. But isn't that why SAIC loves the Net so much? Why not know who you're dealing with? The Net exposes everyone and all their ideas. It's a great intelligence tool to study the masses. Let it ride and you'll learn much. Outlaw speech and you miss the good parts. But also...and this will likely shock you....I favor privacy big time.

Hence, I think that many Euro policies make sense. Here, we sell names and addresses over and over again. You subscribe to a web site for women and suddenly, your mailbox is filled with advertisements for Wolford. Now, while I think Wolford makes the best hosery in the world, I'm a guy and don't wear panty hose. And if I didn't have women to put them to, I'd be angry. Human privacy seems to be a basic human right. If I want to live without being bombarded with advertisements, that's my right. And I don't want anyone having my medical information, either. But incredibly (because my government so often screws up), I do think that the US has finally gotten around to making some decent progress in heightening security awareness.