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I don't think that we can compare cybersecurity to government intelligence agencies. Cybersecurity is a field that can only grow by making people fear for their

I don't think that we can compare cybersecurity to government intelligence agencies. Cybersecurity is a field that can only grow by making people fear for their computer security, which is why you often hear such exaggerated numbers for "attacks". You could argue the same thing about the CIA, but there's no direct financial incentive like there is for growing your cybersecurity business. I believe the real crux of the problem is intellectuals won't trust intel agencies because there's no evidence that they're being used exclusively for good, and the intel agencies can't provide that evidence without burning their methodology. There's absolutely no way for us as outsiders to evaluate whether mass intelligence collection tools like PRISM are being used for good or bad, or whether they're even necessary. So instead we have to judge them based on what we know

count 7y ago
I was using that as an illustration, not a direct comparison. Govt employees are graded and promoted based on two primary things: # of subordinates and $ managed. There is a tremendous incentive to grow your career through a mindset that you're always under attack. And, depending on your personal point of view YOU MIGHT NOT BE WRONG. I didn't say they weren't doing that, I was just suggesting that that frame of mind is fostered for a variety of reasons inside those agencies. And 'intellectuals' can look at history and see that, categorically, the intel agencies have not used their powers exclusively for good at any point in history under any government. That doesn't mean they're not necessary, worthwhile, or even honorable in intention. But the facts are the facts.
- A4ET8a8uTh0 7y ago
  You may be onto something, but I am not certain it is just a quality of govt employees. BSA depts seem to house a lot of people, who would love nothing more than to expand those laws even further. I am not saying you are wrong. I think it is just a sad reality that people push in the direction that benefit them most. edit. added not. completely changes the ending. sry

count 7y ago

I was using that as an illustration, not a direct comparison. Govt employees are graded and promoted based on two primary things: # of subordinates and $ managed. There is a tremendous incentive to grow your career through a mindset that you're always under attack. And, depending on your personal point of view YOU MIGHT NOT BE WRONG. I didn't say they weren't doing that, I was just suggesting that that frame of mind is fostered for a variety of reasons inside those agencies. And 'intellectuals' can look at history and see that, categorically, the intel agencies have not used their powers exclusively for good at any point in history under any government. That doesn't mean they're not necessary, worthwhile, or even honorable in intention. But the facts are the facts.

A4ET8a8uTh0 7y ago
You may be onto something, but I am not certain it is just a quality of govt employees. BSA depts seem to house a lot of people, who would love nothing more than to expand those laws even further. I am not saying you are wrong. I think it is just a sad reality that people push in the direction that benefit them most. edit. added not. completely changes the ending. sry