Is there a way to re-engineer operating systems so that some parts are strictly read-only (like, baked in ROM chips); other parts difficult to change (flash them?), and so on? Right now, it seems all data, programs and operating system components are equally vulnerable to writes by viruses. How many people would be harmed if some basic components of XP had been burned into ROM? Then anti-virus programs could hook into those "fortified" modules to maitain or restore the integrity of other parts.
Since data files (for casual users) often take up a modest amount of space, why not have the operating system write them as read-only (in some enforceable manner)? Sure, you might wind up with 20 or 40 versions by the time you're done with a document, but that could be managed. If you had a CD-writer, you could do your own version of this; I could also picture a cloud version. Done right, this could eliminate the threat of ransom-ware scrambling existing copies of older documents. (Although malware may still be able to get in and scramble new documents...)
After looking at the Techslinger, I recognized it from the Missionary Training Center (30-some-odd years ago, next to BYU), they used to sell something like those in the missionary book store to stash our Books of Mormon, so we could always be ready with one! I kept it for years after my mission to Belgium before finally passing it along to one of my kids who thought it was cool. The only difference was that it was a zipper pouch, like an over-sized vinyl bank bag. (We also stashed our brochures in them.) The downside is that you always have to wear a coat or vest, even today, unless you want to start a trend somehow. The ones they sold us were inexpensive, though, made with simple straps and Velcro. Gosh, this brings back memories. (Those were the days when I was a true believer!)
"What if people die as a result" of leaking the confidential data? Many, many people *have* died due to our offensive military operations in that part of the world. I wager that obtaining the documents is an effort to examine the premises and policies surrounding those deaths, a la the Pentagon Papers.
The claims of "serious damage to national security" have been seriously overblown in the past. Give the documents to someone trustworthy (outside the United States) to evaluate for their likelihood to "seriously damage" us.
*Dress* codes for avatars? Keepin' it socially acceptable? Let's go one step further, folks. Let's have our avatars be a friggin' socially acceptable *ethnicity* while you're at it. I mean, if your boss is dictatin' things, that is. Just be a zombie clone Geek Squad member!
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Is there a way to re-engineer operating systems so that some parts are strictly read-only (like, baked in ROM chips); other parts difficult to change (flash them?), and so on? Right now, it seems all data, programs and operating system components are equally vulnerable to writes by viruses. How many people would be harmed if some basic components of XP had been burned into ROM? Then anti-virus programs could hook into those "fortified" modules to maitain or restore the integrity of other parts.
Since data files (for casual users) often take up a modest amount of space, why not have the operating system write them as read-only (in some enforceable manner)? Sure, you might wind up with 20 or 40 versions by the time you're done with a document, but that could be managed. If you had a CD-writer, you could do your own version of this; I could also picture a cloud version. Done right, this could eliminate the threat of ransom-ware scrambling existing copies of older documents. (Although malware may still be able to get in and scramble new documents ...)
After looking at the Techslinger, I recognized it from the Missionary Training Center (30-some-odd years ago, next to BYU), they used to sell something like those in the missionary book store to stash our Books of Mormon, so we could always be ready with one! I kept it for years after my mission to Belgium before finally passing it along to one of my kids who thought it was cool. The only difference was that it was a zipper pouch, like an over-sized vinyl bank bag. (We also stashed our brochures in them.) The downside is that you always have to wear a coat or vest, even today, unless you want to start a trend somehow. The ones they sold us were inexpensive, though, made with simple straps and Velcro. Gosh, this brings back memories. (Those were the days when I was a true believer!)
"What if people die as a result" of leaking the confidential data? Many, many people *have* died due to our offensive military operations in that part of the world. I wager that obtaining the documents is an effort to examine the premises and policies surrounding those deaths, a la the Pentagon Papers. The claims of "serious damage to national security" have been seriously overblown in the past. Give the documents to someone trustworthy (outside the United States) to evaluate for their likelihood to "seriously damage" us.
Sexy, you said? You're on to something. Death sells, but add sex, and just watch the ratings soar!
*Dress* codes for avatars? Keepin' it socially acceptable? Let's go one step further, folks. Let's have our avatars be a friggin' socially acceptable *ethnicity* while you're at it. I mean, if your boss is dictatin' things, that is. Just be a zombie clone Geek Squad member!