I've written about NextStage's work studying biologic models and how well they hold up in the eWorld, specifically in Sweetness' Findings: Game glitch sheds light on virus spread (you can find more links in that post if you're interested). Once again I got a chuckle from reading The wireless epidemic. This is an excellent article on how advances in wireless communications are causing parallel advances in viruses that exploit weaknesses in wireless technologies, and how biologic models are gaining importance as service providers attempt to stay ahead in the game.
One, I'm thrilled by the article. Two, yes, biologic models are where people need to be looking.
Third and the killer? A study of biologic models is a study of parallel evolution, more specifically what is known as host-parasite co-evolution -- the more defenses an organism creates against a parasite the more refined the attacks of that parasite.
The real challenge will not be from computer and wireless viruses as we recognize them now, though. I wrote a paper back in 1994 that described autonomous intelligent cyber-viruses, how to create them and propagate them. These were viruses that did more than simply attack or protect (part of the models I was using involved immunizing techniques and methodologies) but also thought and learned (if you've read Reading Virtual Minds Chapter 4 "Anecdotes of Learning" then you know about Symbiotic CyberSemiotic Systems, so you know where that ended up).
The ability to think and learn is the eWorld equivalent of biologic evolution. That level of adaptation -- the ability to understand where one is, find weaknesses and exploit them -- will make Ebola, Hunta-virus and Bubonic look like candy.
Please contact NextStage for information regarding presentations and trainings on this and other topics.
Upcoming Trainings:
Upcoming Conferences:- DC Emetrics Summit on 14-17 Oct '07
- Society for New Communications Research Annual Research Symposium & Awards Gala on 5-6 Dec 07 in Boston.
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