| Abstract: | The relationship between the media and information security is intriguing. The media is quick to cover security-related incidents such as worm outbreaks and intrusions into systems and networks, serious vulnerabilities and so on, in many respects helping in the job of raising public awareness of security issues. The media's fascination with information security also has negative consequences, however. Information security professionals, especially those who are consultants, often compete for media exposure. Several weeks ago the president, founder, and business administrator of Forensic Tec, a California-based security consultancy, were indicted for breaking into numerous US government and Department of Defense systems. After allegedly breaking into these systems, members of this consultancy openly bragged about how easy it was to breach their security. The press ran stories to the effect that some of the most critical computers within the US were wide open to attack. Interestingly, the indictment accused the individuals of creating a publicity stunt to drum up business for this new, small consultancy. |
