E-World security: a pragmatic view

Evolution has ensured that all current life forms have an inherent sense of self preservation with at least a basic understanding of security in the familiar physical world of tangible opportunities, dangers and threats. This understanding reached its peak in humans, who have learned over millennia, in relatively stable environments, to take steps to protect not only themselves but also their physical/tangible assets/possessions (including individual property, cities, national boundaries, etc.). More recently, as a result of the very rapid advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) a new electronic world (E-world) full of intangible assets, shadowy figures and processes is being created. It is a complex and fast changing world with associated new opportunities, dangers, threats and risks, where a steady stream of new applications threaten to outstrip our understanding. Consequently the issue of E-World crime and security is attracting increasing attention. There appear to be two main streams in the debate. One implies that it is mainly a technology issue and the other that is a human (people) issue. This paper will begin with a short description of the development of the new E-World and the opportunities and benefits. This will be followed by a summary of the old issues and a comparison with some of the perceived new threats and risks. This will lead directly to suggestions as to how to mitigate these risks at four levels – individual, organizational, national and global. A short summary of the available security technology is included to demonstrate the steps that can be taken to ensure varying degrees of protection. Unfortunately it appears that these are often not deployed effectively. This reinforces the view that E-World security is a people issue that should be effectively addressed through a combination of education and responsible cooperation between organisations and national governments to ensure appropriate global legislation and law enforcement policies across all jurisdictions.