Enabling and Securing Web 2.0

Much can be achieved with creative collaboration. However, many companies are fearful of the security implications of operating in the Web 2.0 environment. This thought provoking article proposes that collaboration is nothing to be afraid of and that the benefits far outweigh the perceived risks. Risks that can be mitigated by the application of an identity management system appropriate to the unique nature of Web 2.0.

Enabling and Securing Web 2.0

 

"I'M ASKING YOU TO BELIEVE. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours." – Barack Obama

President Obama has won his battle to keep his beloved Blackberry and I’m delighted. I believe that he is genuinely interested in having ideas emanate from the collective intellect and passion of the masses as much as from a select group of expert advisers.

After all, social networking technology was the foundation of the Obama Campaign. It facilitated grass roots fund raising, connected supporters and organised volunteers. Web 2.0 is giving individuals and communities a collective voice like never before. Identity 2.0 and its ability to facilitate secure collaboration represents competitive advantage.

The security risks associated with triangulating the location of a President are enormous. But in reality, the risk can be mitigated with the military-certified Sectéra Edge and the benefits of staying “in touch” are enormous. Similarly, enterprises are discovering that the ability to secure online collaboration is warranting appropriate investment in infrastructure security.

3M, widely recognised as a leader in innovation has long encouraged networking, formal and informal. Every scientist can see what every other scientist is working on. This collaboration has allowed a technology behind layered plastic lenses to be used to make more durable abrasives, more reflective road signs and golf gloves with better grip. 3M has long been a pioneer of Identity Management too.

Boeing and FedEx are constantly innovating in the capture, management and leverage of knowledge. Wikipedia, a victim of its own success, is currently wrestling with its philosophical approach to content moderation and its responsibilities as a de facto source of reference from trivia to academic research.

Like the White House’s Security Department, we need to be driven by our stakeholders when leveraging Wikis, Social Networking and Mash-ups. We must do so in a manner consistent with our organisation’s propensity for risk. This requires significant stakeholder consultation and careful planning.

Risks are all around us and only by managing access at the speed of change can today’s corporations remain innovative in the face of ever increasing threats. As with enterprise Identity Management, the quality of the basic building blocks comprises:
•    the integrity of the identity repositories;
•    the efficient and effective provisioning processes that maintain this integrity; and
•    the access control to ensure that the right people get access to the right information.

What makes Identity 2.0 different is the fundamental shift in the source and reliability of content. The Blogosphere is forming communities of opinionated para-experts ready to critique any new announcement, product or service. Valuable reputations are also being forged by Forum contributors ranging from product support to political change.

Identity 2.0 allows us to embrace change by promoting collaboration, individual and community reputation, innovation and opinion. Information Rights Management we can ensure that Intellectual Property rights are protected and shielded from unwarranted liability. Adaptive Access Management allows us to proactively monitor for fraudulent activity such as impersonation and falsifying reputation.

Content can be categorised in terms of reliability, sensitivity etc. Different user experiences can be introduced for anonymous and authenticated users. Differing levels of credentialing can be required to obtain certain privileges. Approval workflows can be introduced commensurate with the content being accessed or updated. Online fraud detection systems can maintain the overall integrity of the services offered and Online support capabilities introduced to deal with exceptions and complaints.

All of the tools required to confidently secure your Web 2.0 solutions are readily available within the leading Identity Suites. Just be careful that you don’t create yet another identity and content silo to be managed centrally. Craft an Identity infrastructure that allows your client, partner and employee interaction hubs to grow organically and exponentially like Wikipedia and the Obama campaign.

Dramatic positive change is achievable. Last year’s Australia 2020 Summit already looks dated and static compared with the vibrant “myBO” experience found on Obama’s campaign website or Lego’s MindStorms community. I wish you well securing the next generation of creativity that is already differentiating the leaders of industry.