Protect your code
The recent demise of prominent information security professionals, namely Shon Harris (from the CISSP guide fame and founder of Logical Security) and Satheesh Nair of Stickman Consulting has saddened many information security enthusiasts. And, that includes me too...
As I am trying to think myself away from the recent news from the IT security world, it has triggered these questions in my mind:
01. Who will manage/ delete a person’s online identity, after their demise?
02. Who should access the data?
03. Why is this important?
As we increase our presence in many online communities, like face book, twitter, LinkedIn, etc...We also create digital footprints in the World Wide Web. These digital footprints could be in the form of new content created, files shared, discussions participated, photos shared, initiatives taken, so on and so forth.
Now, as we engage in conversations in the virtual world and build our brand in the digital space, we must also think of protecting our code as we strengthen our presence here.
In those days, the only thing people needed to worry about when they were nearing the advanced age was to codify their ‘will’.
Now, the current generation of workers will need to worry about protecting their ‘online code’. This must include all their details in the World Wide Web. One must look at securing their ‘digital presence’ at any cost.
Sadly, there are many who continue to be virtually present, even after their demise. This can be difficult for those near and dear ones, who grapple with their loss. We must have mechanism that will delete the user’s data under these kinds of circumstances, lest someone should tamper with their info. Moreover, there must also be a method, wherein one’s debts/ assets could be transferred to their immediate family members. Though user credentials and other critical data are privy to the individual, it is imperative every one of us come to terms with the vagaries of life. What to speak of its uncertainties and strange ways?!
The question is: Who will take ownership of all that is ours in our absence? Or, should we worry about it at all?!