Security Expert Proposes Internet License

[saved]

Some are floating the idea of some kind of license to use computers -- especially when it comes to the Internet.

Bruce Schneier, head technology officer for Counterpane Security, said he can see benefits to having such a program. He suggests anything from four-year college degree or a one-month training session on doing things like updating antivirus programs, getting security fixes for your computer's operating system and avoiding copyright violations.

On the flip side, Schneier said he likes being able to send e-mail to anyone -- and that won't be possible if people have to have licenses to operate a computer.

http://www.click2houston.com/technology/2477913/detail.html

[blebs]

It'll never happen, but I do like the theory. If some of these lamebrains would get a clue and keep things patched and virus free, we wouldn't be having the troubles on such a scale that we are now. I've come to the conclusion that most internet users are Stupid. I know I'll get flamed for that, but hey, take a look around, it's the truth.

[Shinobi]

saved:
Some are floating the idea of some kind of license to use computers -- especially when it comes to the Internet.

I heard about that. I bet you, that guy Bruce Schneier is
best buddies with Cary Sherman, from the RIAA. I always wonder how the hell does these guys end up with jobs in the computer related field, because they know jack @#$! .


blebs99:
I've come to the conclusion that most internet users are Stupid. I know I'll get flamed for that, but hey, take a look around, it's the truth.

You right man, don't worry about any flames about that. People should step up and apply patchs to thier system(s).
However, I think it's funny that Billy G, "NEVER" says anything like:
"hey sorry about all the holes in Windows"... you think
after a few more million dollars made, he would have some remorse on his customers.
I think there should be some liablity on M$ part. True.
:rolleyes:

[TonyT]

Licensing will never happen cause it's a bad idea. These birdbrains that promote such stuff have been overly influenced by Wundt and other psuedo-psycho philosophies that have as the end goal a police state. These ideas come about due to the inability to solve the real problem of crime, which is NOT based on user ignorance.

User education is a must, for certain actions. However, our econmy is based on the fact that nobody knows everything about everything, and nobody is an expert at everything.

Most people have no clue how or why a gasoline engine works, therefore we have a need for auto mechanics. Ditto for painting, floor installation, plumbing, computers, etc etc etc etc etc.

The solution is not 'educate the end user'. The end user is not the source of the problem. The source of the problem is the evil doer who writes a virus and those that back this sort of thing.

Putting a restriction on the end user is the wrong target. It is low responsibility too, 'responsibility as blame'. The think is: 'we cannot stop cybercrime and evildoers therefore we must blame somebody, and the end user is the easist target cause we can control him via govt regulations an laws, whether he needs it or not!'.