Internet Security Speech
Ξ December 2nd, 2009 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Old School Papers |
Written for a speech around February 2002
In March of 1998, First National Bank, my bank in South Africa, received a phone call. It was to their IT department. The phone call went something like this: “First National Bank IT, how may I help you?” “Hi there, may I please speak to your Head of Department?” “Sure, hang on a second.” “Bob speaking how I may help you.” Hi Bob, this is Michael. I would like a job.” “I am sorry Sir, but this is IT, you need to speak to human resources.” “No Bob I need to speak to you.” “Sir, we are the IT department, only Human Resources can hire people.” “Well Bob, I have just hacked your system.” Pause. “Michael is it? I am afraid that is impossible, we have the some of the most secure servers in the world.” “Bob… check your email, I’ll call back in five minutes.” So five minutes after Bob found the entire list of usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and pin codes of First National Banks customers in his email box, my friend Michael, or Wiz as he prefers to be called, became the new head of security at First National Bank. He is 25 and drives a nice new Jaguar. (more…)