Panel Discussion

The Challenges of a More Secure Wireless and Mobile Future

Organizer and Moderator: Prof. Zygmunt J. Haas (Cornell University, USA)

Panelists:

Prof. Jean-Pierre Hubaux (EPFL, Switzerland) Dr. Markus Jakobsson (RSA Laboratories, USA) Prof. John Mitchell (Stanford University, USA) Dr. Lidong Zhou (Microsoft Research, USA)

Thursday, September 18, 2003 10:30 AM-12:00 PM

Privacy and anonymity were always considered in the past welcome features of communication networks. In fact, supporting those two features is still considered one of the main challenges of mobile and wireless networks. For example, due to the ease of tapping into the wireless medium, eavesdropping and impersonation can be relatively easily achieved.

However, with the today's threats to our security and safety, threats that affect our everyday life, should we rethink these strategies? Should some agencies be allowed a more extensive peek at our private data to ensure our safety and to apprehend the perpetrators, possibly preventing future crimes? Are we willing to give up even some of these freedom rights, trading those for a less chaotic Internet, with fewer worms and viruses, and for more protection against denial of service attacks? Can safeguards be established to limit the abuse of such rights? And how about software and content companies? Should they be given the right to police the use of their software, as to avoid unauthorized modifications and copyright violations? As privacy and anonymity pose a greater challenge in mobile system, especially those that rely on wireless access technology, should such additional new issues in mobile networks be addressed differently than those in the wired world?

These and other related security challenges will be covered in this panel in a lively, interactive, and controversial discussion. Audience participation is encouraged. Bring your questions and outrageous opinions on this topic. Panel members will present their views, with time for audience questions and comments.