Internet security has never been so much in focus than after the recent release of the US diplomatic cable secret communications by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Going by the damming nature of the leaks and the subsequent diplomatic uproar across the globe especially against the US, it is a foregone conclusion that the internet in its current form is no or is no longer a secure mode of communication. However with the help of Wen 3 and dWebs via dwebguide.com hacking will less likely to happen. The reports continue to rattle the State department and all manner of accusations have been leveled against Julian. His popularity has burst through the roof with Google searches going to seven figures in 30 days of the cables releases.
On Dec 27, reports indicated that he had signed a publishing deal with publishers in London and the United States to produce his autobiography. Besides this positive publicity, many accusations have equally been leveled against him and he has at one time been arrested and accused of sexual misconduct.
What does all this mean for Internet Security?
All these point to one major question, how safe is the internet? Is it still safe to transmit your company details or secrets over the internet? Are privacy guarantees by websites still valid and how can individuals be safe from hackers and enemy crawlers. Or is it the end of internet as it is now and where do we go from here.
Many analysts have equated the 2010 Wikileaks cables with the September 11 attacks on the twin towers in Washington DC. The result of the September 11 attacks was the Iraq war and the continuing global war against terrorists. If the events that have succeeded the cable releases are anything to go by, all internet users need to get ready for a new phase of internet security features and international regulations.
Even though it is not clear whether all the information on the Wikileaks cables was obtained from the internet, its distribution by the same means points out the danger out there. Notwithstanding that fundamental purpose of Wikileaks.org is to unearth negative governance; its manner of exposure might have caused more harm than good. The internet was supposed to enhance freedom of information and networking and I think that should always be protected.
As it is now, governments, corporate and internet entrepreneurs will need to be more careful with the information they circulate online. Competitors might be watching every move.