Can we Protect Privacy and Reputation?

I was recently published in CIO magazine in a response to Rob't Atkinson. Here is "Privacy and Progress: We Can Have Both" from the December 1, 2006 issue:

"I disagree with Robert Atkinson’s article “The Luddites are Coming” [Oct. 1]. I have yet to meet someone who is actively against the Internet. There is no “war against IT.” At least not yet!
I find that IT’s strongest critics come from within our own ranks, and appear on the pages of your magazine and similar publications. Perhaps this is because we understand the threats and possibilities of IT.

"The public does have legitimate concerns, especially if they are informed that their personal data has been stolen from an unsecured laptop, or through an online hack. Everyone has a right to be concerned if rootkits and “back doors” allow hackers to scan your hard drive or record your keystrokes. We should be angry if thieves divert legitimate network traffic to illegal Web servers that spoof legitimate sites. This is the new reality of an IT world. Unless we get security under control, we are going to lose public support.

"IT professionals know that biometrics do not provide foolproof security, and that Microsoft’s fingerprint reader can be fooled. We are very concerned about a society where everyone’s financial data, phone records and Social Security numbers are available for $75 online.
National databases are currently gathering thorough profiles of us as individuals and consumers, and the federal government is very interested in this information. As IT professionals, we need to advocate for the individual in terms of privacy, reputation protection and online security.

"I believe we currently have the support of the public, and that almost everyone realizes that network technology has benefits for the general population. However, as identity chips are implanted in livestock and people, we will face renewed questions about surveillance issues and privacy rights. We can respond by targeting imaginary “Luddites,” or we can develop more standards and protections for consumers before we release smart systems and biometrics into popular use."