Slow dancing [security issues]

Lately, the tectonic forces that move large governmental and private organizations seem to be carrying them in the same direction on security and privacy issues. However, given the overall complexity, the difficulty in finding common ground among stakeholders, and the case with which economic and political priorities can overshadow small progress in achieving security and privacy awareness (let alone improvements), we should not harbor unrealistic expectations about significant Success in the near future. The fragility of some of the enterprises involved is also an important factor: it will take sustained commitment from heavyweights in government and industry to make any real progress. Strong, sustainable leadership, forward-looking government policies, and a private sector that is willing to put flesh on the bones of some of its proposals are essential to transforming security and privacy into societal enablers rather than dead weight that stifles opportunity.