With Love to China and All Hackers

I've always enjoyed studying the history and culture of China. It's a fascinating country.

Unfortunately, I don't agree with some of their politics or the communist agenda. This has kept me from visiting what I'm sure is one of the most interesting countries in the world.

One day, I hope to see China. I know that it'll take a long time, even if I only visit a few places, with the country being as vast as it is.

What transpired this week, with the US government filing charges against Chinese military officers is scary. Those of us who have a basic grasp of the Oriental philosophy realize this is a much more serious affront than it appears to be in the news headlines.

Only a person of ignorance would think that cyber-spying is not going on in this new age. Everyone is doing it. Many companies are doing it, both to employees and clients. Governments are doing it to other governments, companies and their own citizens. Hackers are doing it for whatever reasons they have, good or bad.

It didn't start last week, last year or in the last decade. It's been going on every since the first computer network was set up. Someone, somewhere wants to know what you're doing.

I quit worrying about it.

Watch all you want.

Cyberwar Draws Closer

Enjoying your present lifestyle?

Good, remember this, when the lights go off.

You've been trying to compete with the local status quo, acquiring all the goodies of life.

If it's electrical, it might just be junkyard treasure in the future.

I won't say 'near future'.

That's too vague.

You don't want to watch this space for a warning.

By then, it'll be too late.

Keep those matches and candles handy.

Unstoppable?

I just read an article in the 11 October issue of InformationWeek (informationweek.com) entitled; "The Wrong Protection" by Greg Shipley.

In a nutshell, Mr. Shipley surveys the problems we currently have with cyber attacks and the lack of protection in all operating systems.

There is too much info in this article to give it any in depth treatment here. Mr. Shipley did an excellent job of highlighting the problems.

Unfortunately, the solutions are going to be drastic, if we are to maintain any secure systems.

If it all comes unglued, what are you going to do?

What Glitch?

Wonder if any of our latest 'accidents' are really accidents or sabotage?

I do, after all, it's too easy to override systems in this day and age with a computer.

Do you think you'll be informed if it's a glitch or an intentional act?

Don't bet on it.

Glitch

Glitch.

Yes, it's a technical term for an electrical malfunction.

It's also the title of my latest novel.

The novel's about cyberwar that spins out of control.

As in conventional warfare, you don't always get the outcome you want.

Sometimes, there's a glitch.

I'll be posting more about the novel and my writing efforts in the future.

Which is where we better hope that the threat of cyberwar remains, in the future.

No one is prepared for what will happen when one breaks out.

Pray that we never see that day.