Mark Hosey

West Central Scotland

R&D

European standards and regulations, though occasionally absurd, are designed to ensure consumers are protected from a variety of commonly perceived dangers. Security products such as locks and catches and those that supply and fit them must meet these standards in all respects. Intruder and fire alarm equipment must also meet standards to ensure alarm systems respond and function correctly at the appropriate time and that they are immune to deliberate attack and accidental damage. Manufacturers and suppliers of these products guarantee their customers a defined level of security and have a duty of care to their customers for the products and services they provide.
So why is this not true of ISPs, web sites and software? After all, an ISP is a front door on your house which if not secure leaves you and your family vulnerable to the activities of a growing number of unscrupulous organisations and individuals. Web sites are often in the news as a result of sensitive or classified information having been accessed and down loaded with apparent ease. And software bugs are often reported that provide hackers with the means to illicitly gain access to your PC.

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