An "Ah Ha" Moment on Computer Security Thu 01 Feb 07

I had a reminder the other day on computer security that was an "Ah Ha" moment.  It was one of those moments of breakthrough understanding where you instinctively say "Ah Ha".  The concept was not new to me, I instinctively  have "known" it for some time but the elegance of a simple 5 word statement just struck me for its clarity.

This all started with an eWeek.com article by Larry Seltzer called Our Printer Got Hacked?!?!  Larry pointed out that as printers have gotten more sophisticated with embedded operating systems that they now have serious security risks from hackers and other evil-doers.  As he points out they are in fact desktop computers.  Before you start losing sleep about this threat, he does point out that for a number of reason this really isn't much of a problem at this time but could become more serious in the future.  His intent was to point out a potential problem and suggest that we recognize this and include it in our security planning before it does become a real problem.

Okay, so where's the Ah Ha moment?  It came in a comment from a reader only know as "aeb1barfo" who simply reminded us:

"The Network IS the Computer"

That simple statement is an excellent reminder to take a holistic approach to security.  You can't just secure individual pieces of equipment.  You have to take into account the entire system to make sure you've covered all the possibilities.  After all it doesn't help to have all the locks in the world on front door to your house if you leave the windows wide open.  As aeb1barfo has reminded us, if you want to protect your valuables the goal should be to secure the house not just the front door.  Aeb1barfo, I don't who you are, but thank you for that excellent reminder.

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