2012 infosec review: Focus on crime, not cyberwar

This week's Patch Monday podcast reviews the year in information security and, just like last year's episode, our panel hoses down the hype.

There's certainly an increasing militarisation of information security, with terms like "defensive cyber operations" replacing "information assurance." And there's certainly more action, both offensive and defensive, from nation states. But the most immediate cause for concern is the increase in organised criminal activity that's happening right now.

The panel also reflects on some long-term information security issues. Mobile devices, with their more controlled hardware and software environments, could be easier to secure than the once wide-open personal computer platforms. Supporting that idea is the emergence of near field communication (NFC) protocols and the fact that people already see their mobile devices as more personal, reporting the loss of their smartphone much faster than the loss of their wallet.