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Schneier's Keynote At Linux.conf.au

Posted by kdawson on from the necessary-security-theater dept.

Stony Stevenson writes "Computer security expert Bruce Schneier took a swipe at a number of sacred cows of security including RFID tags, national ID cards, and public CCTV security cameras in his keynote address to Linux.conf.au (currently being held in Melbourne, Australia). These technologies were all examples of security products tailored to provide the perception of security rather than tackling actual security risks, Schneier said. The discussion of public security — which has always been clouded by emotional decision making — has been railroaded by groups with vested interests such as security vendors and political groups, he claimed. 'For most of my career I would insult "security theater" and "snake oil" for being dumb. In fact, they're not dumb. As security designers we need to address both the feeling and the reality of security. We can't ignore one. It's not enough to make someone secure, that person needs to also realize they've been made secure. If no-one realizes it, no-one's going to buy it,' Schneier said."

3 of 138 comments (clear)

  1. love this line... by Serious+Poo · · Score: 3, Funny

    "tailored to provide the perception of security rather than tackling actual security risks." Isn't this also the mission statement for the TSA?

    --
    "There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal people." - Thomas Jefferson
  2. Schnier's List by jakepmatthews · · Score: 4, Funny

    I think that would of been a catchier title...

  3. Re:CCTV - Worth its weight in gold by Whiney+Mac+Fanboy · · Score: 2, Funny

    Check out this article.

    These guys would NEVER have been convicted without CCTV.

    Absolute PROOF that CCTV works.

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    There are shills on slashdot. Apparently, I'm one of them.