| Security of data managed by computer
operating systems has always been an important
area to software specialists and computer users
alike. As computer networks become more
complex, most visibly via the growth of the
Internet, this importance has been re-emphasised
time and again.
Many cite data security as a significant
factor making them Internet observers rather than
users. Apparently, only a small percentage of
Internet users actively shop on-line. The year
2000 has seen a series of well publicised alarms
over security of well-known Internet sites.
Unprecedented levels of access to data, and
the need to ensure appropriate use of that data,
also require new standards of data protection. In
the UK, recent tightening in Data Protection
regulations are a sign of the concerns rightly
felt by legislators.
Responding to these concerns, the British Computer
Society now has a register of approved
Security consultants, and they now offer an ISEB
(Information Systems Examination Board)
qualification in Information Security, as well as
sponsoring an active specialist group.
I've been following developments in the world
of operating system and network security more
closely as these pages have been developing on
the public Internet. Follow the security links to
specific areas of interest and projects
undertaken.
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