Kingpin

Wired magazine has an excerpt [link]. It is the story of a hacker, he stole credit card numbers from food, and other not well guarded businesses. Old story, human greed, the new twist is that our credit card transactions are not safe.

Two thoughts crossed my mind, get into the small business protection unit, and make a living that way, or just promote the use by small business of software solutions, with open source tools.

Actually the second idea is an old one for me. Since I learned about computer farms at Fermilab, it has been clear to me that most small businesses do not use their new computer resources efficiently.

Both ideas have to do with entering into the Information Era for the masses.

After the triumphs in Tunisia, and Egypt, maybe the time has come for smart young people to be appreciated.

Nevertheless a nagging thought lingers: Is the Information Era free of old time criminals, using brute force?

Just cautious.  If Gaddafi can call thugs from all over Africa to defend his corrupt regime; brute force is still winning.