The Introduction of Security

Computer security was not always something to be aware of in the tech community. Principles of computer security only came about as hackers proved faultiness in its architecture. Security holes found by hacking quickly became a problem when classified information began to be exposed. Therefore strengthening security needed to take place. Now, what was thought as security decades ago is only a fraction of what security is today. Although security has strengthened dramatically, the principle of strengthening computer security was only first introduced with Stoll’s experience in The Cuckoo’s Egg.

The idea of being a target may not occur to us due to “valueless” information our system holds. Therefore sometimes precautionary steps are not made to ensure protection. It is possible that may be true, but not probable to an intruder. Our systems might just be the medium to something priceless. It is important that security is ensured regardless the value we assume it has. To a hacker, our server may be the key to a whole dangerous operation waiting to happen. It is up to us to make sure operations like that do not even become likely.

Although it is evident unsecured connections create vulnerability of being monitored, the case is the same with any connection. An undetected monitoring device through a server does not guarantee client invisibility. Any client can be monitored. This is emphasized by Stoll’s undetected printing of a hacker’s movement through a server. It has even become analogous to today’s sniffers and rootkits. Undetected through the server, they can monitor from the wire and intercept any call detection of their presence. Despite their undetection, we must still become aware of the possibility of being monitored.

Computer security is something we are still working on to improve, but it is important to remember the foundation of where it all was introduced, The Cuckoo’s Egg.