Systemic vulnerability as a "hook" for the BNAC report on internet security

["Bill Robson" <w_robson@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear colleagues:

 

First, I echo the praise of those who have already complimented this
document. I have passed along some minor editing suggestions elsewhere,
and would be pleased if the document proceeded looking much as it now
does.

 

One thought that may be useful, however, is that media attention makes
documents likelier to be read, and raises the profile of authors (who in
the case of this document deserve recognition). Systemic vulnerability
may be the most gripping issue addressed in this report. I found the
ICANN document referenced in footnote 4 to be fascinating reading, and
wonder if that event, and the systemic and individual-user issues it
raises couldn't get higher profile in the report. This non-technically
savvy reader can't comment on the measures needed to make the system
robust in the face of such attacks (I'm just glad it's in good hands!),
but the February 2007 event appeared to illustrate (1) the need for
businesses to ensure that their own operations can survive periods of
severe stress to the larger system, and (2) the mutual exposure we all
have to each other's security holes, which does create a compelling case
for collective action (vaccination being a very rough analogy). So if
there is any appetite among those who have to do the work for an
additional 3-4 paragraphs (perhaps drawing largely on the ICANN
document), we might have something there that could earn the piece a
much-deserved headline or two.

 

With best wishes,

Bill 

William B.P. Robson
President and CEO
C.D. Howe Institute
Phone: 416-865-1904; Fax 416-865-1866

Independent, reasoned, relevant policy research
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