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Call for Apple Security 'Czar'
conq writes "The second security non-incident to hit the Mac platform in as many weeks has been debunked. People are talking a lot about security on the Mac these days, and the result is that a great deal of FUD is being spread around. BusinessWeek's latest Byte of The Apple column suggests that its time for Apple to appoint a security Czar to get out ahead of the FUD before it spreads much more." From the article: "Creating a CSO position may be viewed by some as an admission of weakness. Still, I say it would be a good way for Apple to inoculate itself against the perception -- warranted or not -- that Mac security may be eroding, and get ahead of the curve for any troubles that may be inevitable. That may not be the case, but in matters related to product marketing, it's the public perception, not the reality that really matters. And once you've lost a user's confidence, it's hard to get it back. Just ask Microsoft."
that is funny. The reason why you can not trust MS is because they have loads of security issues. With Apple they have been overall secure. What I find funny is that a column would call for them to go through the hoops that MS does now, rather than simply staying the same course that has worked well for mainframes, other *nixs, and all the trusted systems that they gov. uses today.
I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
Especially if the appointee is a highly-visible and respected switcher to OSX from the open-source community.
If nothing else, it'll start an effective and accurate comparison of the state of security between OSX and Winodws, a feature of OSX that Apple has not stressed as much in their ads as they should.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
Jacques A. Vidrine was recently hired on (leaving Verio) and now holds a high level position in the Apple Information Security. Jacques was the former FreeBSD Security Officer
It's my understanding that thus far, Apple has been intentionally downplaying their system's security because they don't want to be seen as taunting hackers. A "security czar" might be seen by Apple as just such a misstep. The last thing they want is a guy standing up at an Apple podium exclaiming how their security is invincible, because that's one sure way to make themselves a bigger target.