As a fellow at Bull Information Systems Limited, Hertsfordshire, United Kingdom, Barrett investigates the implications of technology for customers' organizations. One focus is computer crime, an inevitable subset of electronic commerce. During a speech about information warfare presented at the U.S. Embassy in London, Barrett illustrated his point with the scenario described above. He made his point. By looking businesslike enough to get into and around any building, an information warrior can access an organization's computer system and extract information or sabotage a network.
People walk around our buildings all the time.
If they are carrying a cup of coffee, have their coat jacket thrown over their shoulder or are holding a stack of papers, we assume they belong. The solution to this security weakness is twofold. Employees must be educated about the potential for harm to a system so that they can recognize threats and stay alert to possible security breaches. Second, staff members must have a specific and responsive point of contact for reporting any security concerns, including unusual telephone calls, suspected viruses and unaccountably sluggish networks. All reports should be considered seriously, and anyone reporting these types of activities should not be admonished if the concern proves unwarranted, Barrett states.