What the FCC

What the FCC's Recall on Net Neutrality Means for Cybersecurity

The FCC has voted to roll back an Obama-era Net Neutrality Rules.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Dec 15, 2017

The Federal Communications Commission has voted 3-2 to roll back Obama-era rules on Net Neutrality. While this does not effectively “end” net neutrality, it does get it one step closer to being dead.

Already, several state attorneys are preparing a lawsuit to stop the decision and it is expected that others follow suit. Many predict the decision will be tied up in court for years before we see the impact of the vote on the internet as we know it.

It is inevitable, however, that change will happen. So we are looking into how this decision will affect user and data privacy and cybersecurity online.

Tim Erlin, VP, product management and strategy at Tripwire, believes the decision to roll back the rules on net neutrality will ultimately end in less transparency and more opportunity for cybercriminals.

“The removal of net neutrality is likely to decrease transparency on the Internet, and less transparency will increase cybersecurity threats,” Erlin said. “As ISPs implement different behaviors for managing, filtering and altering content, we’re going to develop towards a bunch of different internets, instead of one Internet.”

Many cybersecurity experts have expressed concerns on how users’ privacy will be upended in this new world of “different internets,” as Erlin explains it. If users have to “buy” access to certain websites, they will be giving ISPs information about their internet habits, information that can then be vulnerable if hacked into.

Erlin also predicts that ISPs will request payment for strict online security, giving up on end-to-end encryption entirely for users who decide not to pay.

“Why wouldn’t an ISP charge businesses and individuals more for supporting encrypted traffic? The loss of net neutrality can easily make security a premium service. It may not be the first impact, but losing net neutrality opens up the possibility of ISPs mining previously encrypted traffic for valuable data.”

While no permanent changes appear to be happening soon, cybersecurity experts are preparing to secure an internet where anything goes.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 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.