Security

Recently on the blog, people have voiced concerns about concealing the identity of real-life people in their final project hypertexts. As a part of my final critical project, I am researching how the computer's mimicry of the physical world effects us and possibly provides us with a false sense of security. For example, many online sites are now offering security options for customers. Banks are going online to provide customers with online accounts, often only protected by a username and password. Shopping sites offer customer accounts that include credit card and other personal information. Again, only protected by a username and password.

I came across a blogpost on the Washington Post online. In the article, the computer security writer is discussing how online banks are seeking ways to provide more security for their customers. Since the banks began to provide online services, many customers have fallen prey to identity, credit card, and banking theft. The author points out how the current security options are too easily overcome by the determined thief. The problem seems reminiscent of the problem of counterfeit money. No matter how complicated they make the process, there are theives determined enough to overcome the obstacles.

At any rate, it still seems that the security we find in physically going to the bank and depositing our money is simply not present in online banking. Thus, no matter how closely online accounting tries to ensure physical security, they just can't deliver. These worries can be extended to all kinds of issues of identity on the Internet including using real names in hypertexts and blogs.