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

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies: Uniting Human Risk Management and Security Awareness Training

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

  • Report: 1 in 3 Easily Exploitable Vulnerabilities Found on Cloud Assets

    CyCognito recently released new research highlighting critical security vulnerabilities across cloud-hosted assets, revealing that one in three easily exploitable vulnerabilities or misconfigurations are found on cloud assets. As organizations increasingly shift to multi-cloud strategies, the findings underscore significant security gaps that could provide attackers with potential footholds into networks. Read Now

  • Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

    Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency. While many organizations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, let us review some of the long-term considerations that can significantly impact a VMS's utility and flexibility. Read Now

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • 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.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.