Harvard Berkman Center for Internet & Society
Fellow at the Harvard Berkman Center for Internet & Society; security technologist and author of Liars and Outliers: Enabling the Trust that Society Needs to Thrive and Beyond Fear: Thinking Sensibly about Security in an Uncertain World
The FBI Wants Apple to Cast Light on 'The Dark Web' The dispute pitting law enforcement against cyber security is dividing members of Congress — and veterans of US intelligence. FBI Director James Comey went to Capitol Hill this week to explain his demand that Apple provide a so-called "back door" to the iPhone of the San Bernardino terrorist Sayed Farook. One surprising opponent is retired General Michael Hayden, who led the CIA and directed the National Security Agency's wiretaps without warrants. He's now a security consultant in the private sector, and he's siding with Silicon Valley against the FBI. We also hear why so-called "back doors" to encryption are not just an issue of an individual's right to privacy but a real danger to American security.
Do We Still Need Air Marshals? After September 11, federal marshals were assigned to ride on planes to reassure jittery passengers it was safe to fly. Fourteen years later, some Congress members — and some of the marshals themselves — are asking if they’re really necessary. Security technologist Bruce Schneier, who is a fellow at Harvard's Berkman Center for the Internet and Society, offers some thoughts on the program that has cost taxpayers $9 billion over the past ten years.
After Boston: The Climate of Fear Monday's deadly attack on the Boston Marathon has penetrated the consciousness of Americans in different ways. The target was not a symbol of power or dominance, but a crowd of people at play, a strike at "the heart of America" that makes many feel insecure. Does giving in to such fear mean that "terrorists" win? Do we really know this was a "terrorist act?" What can Americans learn from other countries? President Obama rallied Boston at an emotional memorial service today, mourning the dead and cheering the wounded. He said Boston represents the best of American values, as exemplified by support for runners along the way and help for the victims when "celebration turned into tragedy." He vowed again that the perpetrators will be found and brought to justice, but officials still haven't discovered who they are or why they committed such atrocious crimes. We hear from his address and get a variety of opinions amid a cloud of uncertainty.
Aviation Security: Must TSA Touch My Junk to Keep Me Safe? New threats to air travel have produced new strategies and technologies against explosives in shoes and carry-on liquids--even in underwear. But some passengers resent the new body-scanners in 68 American airports, and the pat-down hand search is also provoking a backlash. It’s invasive; it’s embarrassing Does it violate the 4th Amendment? Will it really work? Has the Transportation Security Administration gone too far? Is the real key to security the intelligence gathered before anyone gets to the airport?
Aviation Security: Must TSA Touch My Junk to Keep Me Safe? New threats to air travel have produced new strategies and technologies against explosives in shoes and carry-on liquids--even in underwear. But some passengers resent the new body-scanners in 68 American airports, and the pat-down hand search is also provoking a backlash. It’s invasive; it’s embarrassing Does it violate the 4th Amendment? Will it really work? Has the Transportation Security Administration gone too far? Is the real key to security the intelligence gathered before anyone gets to the airport?
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
