Wozniak Talks Technology, Apple History And More At ASIS 2013

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak talked about how technology changed his life and is affecting the world today in a keynote address at ASIS 2013 in Chicago on Wednesday.

"Technology is what helps us become more productive," he said. "Technology is what helps us become more productive and it's making our lives better."

And the role of technology has also changed security.

"Security used to be very physical. But that's no longer the case. It's not physical tools that people are using to break security," Wozniak said. "We need a new mindset."

Both sides of the IT security puzzle now feature the smartest people instead of the strongest or most physically adept.

He then explained some of his early life and how he spent his high school and college days playing variuospranks, and more importantly learning how systems work. After getting into computers in high school, Wozniak didn't have money to build computers, but designed them on paper.

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't clever on how I would use technology," he said.

One especially interesting anecdote for security professionals came when Wozniak relayed the story on how he snuck into a Stanford computer center on Sundays to use the equipment and read from the library.

"When you have the brightest people in the world, they usually leave at least one door unlocked," he said.

After getting hired to design to the iPhone 5s of its day – the HP Scientific Calculator – Wozniak met Steve Jobs and the pair quickly became best friends.

And as part of the Homebrew Computer Club, Wozniak realized how the computer could play such a large part of society.

"The social revolution was based on the technology revolution, and more specifically a good and inexpensive computer," he said.

Both Wozniak and Jobs put in $300 to start Apple Computer and began to sell the famous Apple I. After a bit, the pair had a bank account with more than $10,000. Things only got better from there.

After helping to design the famous Breakout game for Atari, the duo helped create the Apple II and realized the power of software as well.

"The first spreadsheet program showed that personal computers could do more than a mainframe," Wozniak said.

Finally, the now philanthropist and educator ended his talk wondering how we can keep information private, but yet secure.

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.