[Full-Disclosure] Are PHC going to ultimately secure more work for "Security Consultants"?

[James Martin]

I've been pondering the real effect PHC are going to have (if at least
partially successful) on the "Security Industry". My conclusion is that
ultimately they will help, not hinder the industry. I'd be interested to
hear your comments on my argument.

What does the industry rely on to maintain a market? Fear. Fear of breaches
of privacy. Fear of vandalism. Fear of embarrassment. Fear of loss of
productivity.

For a company to invest in maintaining security, they must be able to
justify their fears. As many of you know it can be very difficult to
convince those in suits that there's a real risk of being hacked. A tangible
representation of the risk is often needed, rather than just protecting
against an unknown enemy.

The spread of worms and viruses has had a very noticeable effect on the
security policy in several companies to which I have involvement. CodeRed
and Nimda are words known to many relatively untech-savvy managers, they
instil fear. However it is still difficult to convince many that there is a
real risk of non automated attacks on their systems (i.e. real people
hacking them, not a worm or virus). Part of the reason for this is there is
no coherent focus on who these unknown enemies are.

If PHC et al succeed in building a name for themselves in the media, they
will become to Al Quida of the security  industry. Still very sketchy in
detail, but a label for the risk. This in my opinion should prove a powerful
weapon in the arsenal of those pushing for larger (or even some) budgeted
capital for security related services.

Ultimately a threat is going to strengthen the industry not weaken it. Keep
up the good work PHC, your securing the internet ;P.


Regards
James


Web: http://www.uuuppz.com
Email:  me@uuuppz.com