On Cybersecurity, Cyberterrorism, and IRL

In discussing Conflict Resolution, the broad category of terrorism often arises in course discussions.  Interestingly, the question recently arose about whether cyberterrorism will ever be seen as a concern as pressing as “physical terrorism.”  I suppose this was prompted by the recent digital attacks on companies like Sony, where the greatest loss is, perhaps, an inconvenience.

The concern seems clear – if the choice is between Blue Cross being hacked and people needing to double-down on their identity fraud protection and a bomb going off on a busy public street, shouldn’t the bulk of our time and resources be directed at the one which might pose lethal risk?

This distinction between “physical terrorism” and cyberterrorism relies, in large part, on a false dichotomy between the physical world and the digital world – as if physical objects are not often controlled by computers or other digital devices.  Many writers have talked about the disconnect between your life online and "IRL."  Except in a world where you can lock your front door from your phone, disable alarm systems from your laptop, and drone strikes are conducted from behind computer screens, making this assumption is not only unrealistic but irresponsible.

Thankfully, the U.S. government does not seem to be making the same mistake about assuming cyberterrorism is categorically different or less serious.  Two days ago, the President issued an executive order focusing on Cybersecurity.  While it’s great to see someone taking the possibility of a full-scale assault on communication networks seriously, it still seems to take the issue less than seriously, and also focus primarily on the communication and economic impacts.  You can read the White House’s summary of the initiative here.

Interestingly, the government should be among those who most know the physical implications of cybersecurity threats.  After all, with ties to the infamous Stuxnet virus that took out an Iranian nuclear facility, the U.S. government is fully aware of the potentially catastrophic risks to physical infrastructure and human life that can come from the undermining of digital networks.  But hey, that was an Iranian nuclear facility – and it’s not like there aren’t, you know, 1500 nuclear plants worldwide whose reactors were created by the same company and likely susceptible to the same or similar digital attacks.

Insecurely yours,

Rachel Leigh

On Food

I consider myself a foodie.  I love food.  Now, I've had people point out that a lot of people love food, because it's necessary to our continued existence.

But let me make myself clear: I am obsessed with food.  I follow Instagram accounts that profess their love to foods over human beings.  Food is bae.  I find myself obsessing over everything from the micro-level chemical reactions that occur when cakes bake or meat caramelizes to the macro-level composition of meals surrounding which food ought to be paired with which wine, beer, or other beverage pairing.

I can point to a moment in my life when I started obsessing over food: about 10 o'clock one Friday night when I was about 13, when I realized that I could watch Unwrapped on the Food Network when I was staying at my dad's house.  And then when I realized I could watch the Food Network when I woke up Saturday morning.  Or that I could watch Iron Chef at 3 AM when I couldn't sleep.  Food was solace when I didn't know what else to do.

The day I found out how to make brownies from scratch was a day that my life changed forever.  I had done some minor baking in Home Ec. and had been making some breakfast foods for years, but the moment I discovered baking from scratch, I discovered my sanctuary.

Baking and cooking are a form of stress relief for me.  When I am deep in perfecting a recipe, nothing in the world can distract me or make me feel less-than.  Even when the finished product is not quite what I've expected, the lessons I learn in the process only serve to drive me to learn more.

There is a part of me that has thought, at multiple times throughout my college and graduate school career, that I ought to drop out and pursue culinary school.  I've been asked if I've ever considered opening a bakery or pursuing a career as a food critic -- the fact is, I've strongly considered both.

I worry sometimes that following my love of food into a career would turn a pastime and retreat into a task on my to-do list.  They say that if you find a career you love, you'll never work a day in your life.  But I love academics, and I still find days when I need the escape.  To have my escape taken away would be absolutely heartbreaking.

Deliciously yours,
Rachel Leigh