Dr Andrew Basden

Topic:

Understanding the whole story that is information technology.


The field of that is information technology (IT) has developed as several distinct areas of research and practice, such as: artificial intelligence and the nature of computers, data models and languages, information systems development, information systems usage, information systems and society.

SAICSIT research seems to spread across most of these areas and in recent years seems to have exhibited a desire for inter-area understanding. But in each area a different way of thinking and understanding is encountered, so research output from one area is often almost meaningless to those working in other areas. As a result, there is little discourse between areas and it is difficult to come to an integrated understanding of 'the whole story that is information systems'.

This talk will expose the root of this difficulty and suggest how a common basis for understanding the various areas may be found - employing a radical, 'reformational' philosophy - so that SAICSIT research might more systematically cross inter-area boundaries.


Sujeet Shenoi

Topic:

Strategies for Securing Interconnected Critical Infrastructure Networks.


Can a criminal entity or terrorist group -- from the other side of the world -- take out down the Internet and telecommunications systems? Or launch a worm that disrupts oil and gas pipelines, water and electric power distribution? How will a country cope if the outages last for days?

The critical infrastructure, which comprises computers, embedded devices, networks and software systems, is vital to day-to-day operations in every sector -- agriculture, food, water, public health, emergency services, government, defense, information and telecommunications, energy, transportation, banking and finance, chemicals and hazardous materials, and postal and shipping. Global business and industry, government -- indeed society itself -- cannot function if major components of the critical infrastructure are degraded, disabled or destroyed.

This presentation highlights the challenges involved in securing interconnected critical infrastructure networks, in particular, the Internet and IP networks, telecommunications networks, and process control (SCADA) networks used for oil and gas, water and electric power distribution.

Also, it discusses the importance of designing security solutions that weave science, technology and policy.

Important Dates

21 September 2007:
Final date for registration

1 October 2007:
M&D symposium

2-3 October
SAICSIT