Internet Security Headline News Again

5th April

Security in the 'Information Age' is a popular topic, given that more and more of our personal and business data is remotely accessible, but headlines flared up this week with the plans by the government to give GCHQ real time access to communications.

The Home Office issued a statement to try and clarify key points amidst the ensuing clash between security agencies and civil liberties groups. The statement certainly related a sense of immediacy about the plans:

"As set out in the Strategic Defence and Security Review we will legislate as soon as parliamentary time allows to ensure that the use of communications data is compatible with the government's approach to civil liberties."

Speculation is that the formal announcement will happen with the imminent Queen's Speech (delayed as part of the move to fixed parliamentary terms). It's unlikely that any proposal could be rushed through in time for the Olympic Games in full, but certainly possible that key measures could be drafted.

Also in the headlines is the Flashback botnet. Botnet hacks are not so unusual but this particular trojan has been particularly effective at infecting Mac computers - machines traditionally touted as being largely virus free. The Dr Web security firm reported the progress of the botnet, including a wry observation update on Twitter that 274 machines in Cupertino were compromised.

It's understandable then that security remains high on the agenda for national and corporate security. The means by which agencies seek to tackle the threat seems to be as contentious as the uproar over the free-reign malicious entities demonstrate in their breaches and intrusions.