Open Forum: Asian Internet Security 2005

A key highlight of the 2-day Asian Internet Security Summit 2005 was the brainstorming session of the proposed Asian Internet Security Task Force. The main idea behind the Task Force is a coalition of members comprising ICT security associations, government bodies, academia, and the industry that stand united against spyware, spam and fight for safety on the Internet.

A key finding from the Open Forum session was that the wording ‘Internet Security’ did not properly cover all discussed topics as mobile spam is a key security concern as well, and that many felt overwhelmed with the tag ‘Task Force’. In view of this, the “Asian Internet Security Task Force” has been renamed the ‘Asia Infocomm Security Council’ (AISC) with immediate effect.

Modus Operandi of the Asian Infocomm Security Council (AISC)

Another lesson learnt from the Open Forum is that many are very interested in finding out more and contributing ideas and suggestions relating to spam and spyware, but that holding regular meetings would pose a problem, especially for overseas members.

A big question was “who is the owner of the AISC?”

In short, the owner is the community – i.e. anyone who wants to make a difference in the Asian infocomm security landscape. However, someone needs to make the first step and take over the organizational aspects. Therefore, we (MediaBUZZ Pte Ltd, as the organizer of the Asian Internet Security Summit 2005) have decided to start an online portal/blog to receive more ideas, feedback and suggestions on how to establish and organize the AISC. A blog gives individuals a voice on the web. It's a place to meet, collect and share ideas, issues, discussions, news, articles and polls relating to whatever are hot in infocomm security.

As it is still too soon to fix the operational aspects of the AISC, we have decided that an online portal is the most appropriate approach to find the best solution that meets the expectations of its future members.

The website address for the portal is http://www.aisconline.com

Every quarter, we will run a new poll where we hope to get your opinions/ feedback. The results and summary will be published in Asian eMarketing and of course online on the AISC website.

There will be an Asian Internet Security Summit 2006 with the theme solely on Identity Management which at the Open Forum, Anthony Lim, chairman, Security Chapter, SiTF noted, “Spyware is one of the biggest drivers of Identity Management and this is going to be the next big security threat.”

However, before this event, a series of web conferences will start from July 2006 onwards with the first meeting of the Council. We are pleased that some volunteers already have offered to be part of the body.

In the early stages of the formation of the Council, membership is free, but from July 2006, a membership fee will be charged.

We encourage anyone who wants to make a positive difference and stand on Infocomm security to become a member of the Asia Infocomm Security Council. Here’s to ‘Communicating via Communities’ safely.

By Daniela La Marca & Shanti Anne Morais

MediaBUZZ Pte Ltd