Going Beyond the Norms: Giving Opportunities to Security Professionals

By: Villabas, Vilpa P.

Shannon L. Alder once said, You are a human being before any label, handicap, or
disorder. You are entitled to dignity. This is the human race's one religion that unites us, yet it is
our hatred and lack of tolerance that distorts our rationality. Indeed, it is our hatred and lack of
tolerance to hackers that distorts our ability to go beyond the norms. Just because these people
have to live with unique talent, but somehow unaccepted doesnt mean that their world ends
there.By all means,hackers or preferably security professionals are still entitled to dignity.
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening! At the end of my speech, you will understand
first, the need to provide opportunities to security professionals. Second, the feasibility of the
motion considering the willingness of hackers to work efficiently under the government. And
lastly, the benefitsallowing foran efficient bureaucracy and justice system.
First point, the need to provide opportunities to security professionals. The purpose of
criminal law is to punish and rehabilitate criminals, despite this, published reports, such as the
Ponemon Institute report on cybercrime, indicate that the number of attacks are continuing to
increase. One inference to be drawn from these reports is that criminal law does not effectively
deter criminals and that a better legal solution is required to prevent further rises.Toby Dillon
wrote, "Hackers are proble solvers and the only question is: do you want them working for you
or against you? The moral thing to do is to hire them, work with them, and integrate them, not
force them into a lifetime of serving criminal organizations." Dillons ideas make senseto send
these people to jail right away is to promote hatred and discrimination. Hackers are talented

individuals. Its just that they utilize their talents in a contradictory way against the government
and of course, they are or will be punished because the government created the laws. Whereas, if
these talents are directed into fruitful medium and ends, these are key towardsresponding
tocybersecurity problems. We must give them the opportunity to see themselves as productive
citizens and instill in them the spirit of cooperation and acceptance rather than disrespect and
hatred.
Second point, the feasibility of the motion. Hacktivist group Anonymous Philippines
staged a rally last May 2 demanding the release of Paul Z. Biteng, the college graduate suspected
of defacing the COMELEC website. The group pointed out that Biteng was a mere security
professional who wanted to expose discrepancies in the government. Anonymous argued and I
quote, Instead of sending Paul in jail, why not recruit him and other hackers who have skills to
protect the system? We are the ones who have shown concern and have defended cybersecurity
in our country without asking for even one peso, yet you are bent on stopping and arresting us.
This implies that the group is willing to help the government in problems concerning
cybersecurity only if the latter will recognize their efforts and provide them with equal
opportunities. In China, Russia and in loads of other countries that are developing cyberoffensive capabilities, this is exactly what they are doing. They are recruiting hackers and
mobilizing them on behalf of the state. In the Philippines, the present government is thinking
about the idea of recruiting Biteng and others to be part of the cybersecurity team. This is a good
start as the government can mobilize these hackersto stand as productive citizens.
Last point, hiringthese hackers as security professionals provides benefits to the
government and the public. Nowadays, government transactions are often done through
computers. Our country has recognized the importance of technology in addressing different

concerns of its citizens. Imagine if the individuals who manned in those offices are ones who are
greatly knowledgeable about it, then government transactions would be at eased. A lot of time
can be saved attending to the concerns of the citizens. Bureaucracy can be improved. On the
other hand, a lot of time and resources can be saved by the courts if restorative justice will be
applied. We need to engage and find ways of offering guidance to these young people, because
they are a remarkable breed. And if we rely, as we do at the moment, solely on the threat of
punitive sentences, we will be nurturing a monster we cannot tame.
The time has come. The world certainly needs security professionals who can work
efficiently towards a more inclusive society. We only need a responsive government and citizens
who can provide them with opportunities and motivate them to achieve the end which we all
wanted tothe common good.