Reports
of and on software breaches, like the recent Facebook one where some
30 to 50million users’ data was compromised are becoming a frequent
occasion. One of the problems is the sheer volume of code. I have
done my own website and a few others and I can assure you I have run
into those problems when due to wanting to ‘move’ an object or
image you inadvertently run into that the code you used clashes with
something similar already there. Or you used a subroutine that also
unknowingly interacts with something else. The thing is this, why do
software developers not test out their code much more thoroughly? In
the race for getting nice looking web-sites with plenty of
user-interactive items we have just allowed ourselves to become
vulnerable. There is no time for checking. There is no excuse for
Facebook to blandly state that ‘It is a war'. Yes, but only because
they have left themselves defenceless. The problem has arisen and up
to 50 million are compromised and now the word is, we have patched
the vulnerability. Great, but the vulnerability should not be there
in the first place. It is the same with Microsoft, it is mostly not
new software but added on bits all over the place. Some of these
create what I call open ports, or easy ways to scan and glean data.
It is however true to say that computers cannot be 100% safe. Simply
because you need to get on-line, meaning you open the door and say
‘Cooeee, here I am, come and get me’. Having a defence therefore
of good and sound software and not using the machine to visit
nefarious places or answering emails from the Nigerian princes who are
dying and wish to give you millions of their money before they go or
even thinking you won the Canadian Lottery without having bought a
ticket? A lot of damage can be avoided by better use of your systems.
Remember the Russian or any other hackers, never sleep. Keep your
doors closed and lock them because Putin might come a’nocking! Actually is already doing it!
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