There's no two ways about it, 'The internet is a powerful phenomenon", attracting more and more viewers everyday.Whether searching for the latest news or aimlessly surfing stories of interest, the web never fails to provide.
I have to admit, I enjoy surfing the net as much as the next person and given the choice would most likely forfeit my television for the sake of the internet. But has cyber space stepped over it's boundaries providing too much information?
I'm specifically talking about websites selling lock picking tools and offering informational videos on how to get the job done. Granted, these websites are harmless to the average law abiding citizen, but what about the person hinging on a life of crime?
Sites like these could be contributing to the criminal element by teaching dangerous practices to unidentified and unqualified individuals. So where are website standards? Who is responsible for policing and reporting sites with inappropriate content?
Has the web become a library for anything and everything? There should be standard practices in place for web content that prohibit the promoting and selling of break and enter tools online. Practices that don't allow "How To" videos on compromising the very locks that keep our families safe.
I realize information such as this could be attained through different resources, however, the fastest and easiest way to access information these days is via the net. Unfortunately many people are surfing the web for all the wrong reasons, specifically looking for techniques to master in the art of residential and commercial burglary.
Criminal minds gaining information on subjects best left under lock and key. Crooks to lazy to seek honest work in our communities.Losers with a "What's yours is mine", attitude.
It's because of these people web police need to sift through content and goods. If a site is offering information or content that could be used against the general public in a criminal way, it's time to take action.
Action in the form of fines or website closures. Setting specific guidelines for posted information and products would have an enormous effect on the safekeeping of our communities.So why aren't there any guidelines in place? Why are the screening rooms for web content closed?
How can it be, the only two requirements needed to purchase lock opening tools are a computer and a credit card? I don't have the answer to these questions, but I can tell you if something isn't done to control this situation we will once again have to open our pocketbooks.
Paying higher insurance premiums as well as elevated city taxes due to increased policing requirements. If we want to be successful at curbing websites capitalizing on security shortcomings we need to implement strong governing standards.
Governing standards that evaluate the content and functionality of sites assuring security policies and guidelines are followed to the letter.
Frank Fourchalk is a recognized security expert with over 17 years experience. He has a security column running in over 15 newspapers from Vancouver BC to Pretoria, South Africa. His columns continue to grow and he has recently signed on with the New York Post.
