RE: FBI's InfraGard - not a bad idea?

["Stout, Bill" <StoutB () pioneer-standard com>]

I got a chuckle about the FBI thinking they can handle network security
issues when the worlds' experts can't (Ignorance breeds arrogance).
However, after some thought, it's not such a bad idea for the FBI and others
to begin summarizing or siphoning off data from security lists into their
mailing list.  

Initially there's a danger that they may react incorrectly to discovered
security vulnerabilities, and impact the lives of white hats.  However as
they become educated on vulnerabilities, they may realize it's not the
'hats' that put the vulnerabilities there, but the manufaturers.  One
hopefull impression could be, is that the security lists are in reality
distributed testing labs, such as a consumer reports lab for locks or safety
devices.

Photons vs. electrons
On probes and scanners, they may realize that electrons are much like
photons, where shining a light on a neighborhood will show you what's there.
As these systems are on a public network, one assumes those services found
are public services unless told otherwise.  It's a different story for
malicious electronic intrusions.   Although there's no physical presence,
it's just as wrong to use lazers to start house fires, or telescopes to copy
private documents with the intent to commit some crime.

Bill Stout

Wanted: Used 10KW Diesel generator