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| April 2016 |
TECHNOLOGY | CHARLES KEATING
Cybersecurity, privacy and LEADs — We all have a dog in this fight
Y
ou probably heard by now the FBI dropped its case pursing Apple to unlock the phone used by terrorists in California. While this particular case was solved when another firm was able to crack the phone security, it’s part of much larger issues that pit national security against user privacy — and these are connected to international concerns with potential to damage the U.S. and Kitsap economies. Firms of all sizes are moving applications and data to cloud providers, driven not only by greater functionality and user mobility, but security and cost. Smaller firms, including like those in Kitsap, need these tools to compete and open the door to new mar-
kets. The United States is the undisputed leader in cloud services with firms like Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Apple and others at the forefront. Washington state is home to all of these firms and tech employment here is driven by their success. Everywhere, the cloud depends on user trust and privacy. Internationally, these American champions are already viewed with deep suspicion and envy. A toxic mix of outdated laws, concerns with government surveillance, and issues pitting national security against user privacy have opened rifts in international relations and user trust — both of which are being exploited. In one case currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Department of Justice is requesting that Microsoft turn over data stored on its servers in Ireland so DOJ can pursue an
If companies with cloudbased products and services can’t guarantee the privacy of your information with the same safeguards and standards afforded paper data, the implications are worldwide and can impact not only our economy, but the tools we all use to function efficiently in our businesses. Imagine Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, Facebook, Google and many other American but global companies suffering dramatic losses because other nations won’t trust its services in their country due to our law enforcement practice of trying to snatch personal data
without a warrant. Imagine the economic impact should those countries then decide to build their own cloud networks — which is starting to happen. Imagine the numerous small and medium IT businesses selling cloud-related services or products in our nation, state and region that could suffer significant business losses or worse. Imagine the impact on your business, which relies on these IT efficiencies to thrive and grow. This is like a frog in a pot, slowly heating up yet oblivious given its relative comfort. This is about much more than the Microsoft case in the news. Rules about electronic communications and data privacy were written in 1986 at the dawn of the personal computer, in essentially pre-Internet days. Laws need to reflect today’s digital world, protect privacy and make
Workforce
immediately and put in offers the same day, then “be willing to go above and beyond,” he adds. It’s a 180-degree turn from a little over a decade ago, when it was the sellers who had to go above and beyond. But for the brokers, the need to be on their toes hasn’t changed. That’s one observation that Tori Smith with John L. Scott in Port Orchard has noted. Smith, who left in 2006 to raise her two children, recently got her license again and in March joined the same office where she was previously a broker for five years. Even more pronounced than the market change, she says, is how technology has changed the nature of transactions — thick files
in triplicate copies have been replaced by electronic paperwork, and email and texting have changed the way people communicate, even if they work in the same office. “It’s important to ride the wave of technology but at the same time you have to nurture your personal relationships,” she says. “The relationship part hasn’t changed.” And that may be one of the reasons why Wilson, who started in the industry in the ’90s, hires only about three of every 10 people he meets with. He says brokers need to be businesssavvy, since they own their own business, but that’s not enough to succeed, no matter the market. “If we get brokers who
are well connected in the community and are ethically driven, there’s definitely room,”hesays.“(Thosewho fail) think it’s about houses but it’s not— it’s about generating leads, making contacts and building relationships in the community.” Wilson thinks the market should be doing well for at least a couple more years, given the always-cyclical nature of real estate. And Smith — like many others — is excited for the year ahead. “Over the next nine months, we’ll see a huge amount of transactions, listings and sales, and through November of next year,” she says. “It’s an exciting time in real estate, and I’m happy to have come back at such an exciting time.”
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scrambling.” Like other realty offices around Kitsap, Jacobson’s is growing and currently has 16 brokers. He says the last couple of years have been the best in his 18-year career, even though the market is still challenging. “It’s not for the weak of heart,” he says. “I’ve done more creative deals in the past year than I’ve done in the last 18. You have to think outside the box instead of relying on MLS inventory, and be out there looking for properties aggressively and putting deals together before a home even goes on the market (officially).” Buyers have to respond
Irish citizen on a criminal matter. Besides setting an incredibly bad precedent domestically and internationally, this along with concerns of unhindered U.S. government access had led to a crisis. How bad is it … really?
law enforcement more effective and accountable. What Next?
On May 19 at Western Washington University/ Olympic College Poulsbo Campus, our West Sound Technology Association (WSTA) will host a luncheon event on LEADS (Law Enforcement Access to Data Stored Abroad Act — an international framework), digital privacy and cybersecurity. Mike Hamilton of Critical Informatics will join Jonathan Friebert of Microsoft/Voices For Innovation (VFI) on a panel to discuss these issues and how they impact us. Brad Johnson from WWU will discuss their plans for the new cybersecurity program to address education and workforce needs in our evolvingsociety.Thosewho
wanttotourthecampuswill also be allowed to do so. As president of WSTA, I will moderate the discussion. Details and registration for this free event can be found at www.westsoundtechnolog y.org / events/upcoming-events/ may-19-quarterly-briefing Registration is required, and a box lunch is optional. • Charles Keating is president of Keating Consulting Service, Inc. (www.kcsco. com), an IT consulting firm serving global clients since 1983. He is also a partner in K2 Strategic Solutions (www.k2strategic.com) and Professional Options (www.professionaloptions. com), and current president and co-founding member of West Sound Technology Association (www.westsoundtechnology.org).
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