Letter to the editor
I agree with the thoughts outlined in a Letter to the editor from May 17.
The events of Sept. 11 have shown the need for greater security of all
types in order to protect all organizations from disasters, acts of terror
or just unforeseen events. The problems arise when security is broken into
separate entities.
I frequently find that information technology security is handled separately
from physical security in most organizations. This can cause several problems,
as evidenced by a Computerworld article concerning security cameras at the Defense Information
Systems Agency.
In this case, physical security measures introduced vulnerabilities,
and even a back door, into a supposedly secure government local-area network.
The problem is largely caused by the lack of communication between those
security groups within the organization.
IT security and physical security are different disciplines, but they
should answer to, or fall under, control/authority of a common person/directory/manager.
This is especially true in government facilities, but also applies to all
organizations covered by Presidential Decision Directive 63, and commercial
organizations as well.
Name withheld by request