Better Offline

How To Break the Internet with Chris Stokel-Walker

24 snips
Sep 27, 2024
In this engaging conversation, journalist Chris Stokel-Walker, known for his sharp insights into technology's societal impacts, dives into the fragile underpinnings of the internet. He discusses the catastrophic potential of cybersecurity failures and the vulnerabilities of open source software crucial for digital infrastructure. Stokel-Walker highlights the precarious balance between profit-driven tech models and the need for robust, funded open-source contributions. He sheds light on the accountability of cloud providers and the urgent necessity for technological literacy in navigating modern online complexities.
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ANECDOTE

CrowdStrike Outage

  • CrowdStrike caused widespread system failures due to a misconfigured update in July 2024.
  • This incident resulted in blue screens of death on Windows computers globally, impacting users in Asia, Australia, and the UK.
INSIGHT

Internet's Fragility

  • The internet relies on a complex system of interconnected entities, including private companies and open-source projects.
  • Human error is a significant risk factor, regardless of technological advancements or automation.
ANECDOTE

Heartbleed Vulnerability

  • The Heartbleed bug in OpenSSL, a widely used encryption library, exposed sensitive data in plain text a decade ago.
  • OpenSSL, crucial for secure online transactions, was maintained by two underfunded developers, highlighting the risks of relying on volunteer-run projects.
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