SECTION 2ELEMENTARY SHORTFALLS:THE THINGS WE DIDN'T GET RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING
Because the Internet represents one of the most astounding innovations in the history of human evolution, its originators are often so revered that their staggering shortsightedness gets a pass. But when we pause to reflect, it is baffling that such visionary computer scientists—whose insights into the power and possibility of digital connectivity were powerful enough to change the course of history—could overlook or not address the most basic question about their invention: what if this really catches on?
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
Today, nearly every cybersecurity expert and executive is living in the havoc of the answer. When a communication platform designed by and for a tight circle of academics and engineers is rapidly expanded for global public use by billions of people, incredible challenges result, along with fundamental questions that should have been more effectively addressed.
For example, authentication. If this really catches on:
- How will it be possible to authenticate who is who and what is what?
- How can we validate the identity of users to dictate and restrict their access across this vast network?
- How will we authenticate software ...