Chapter III: Case Study # 3: Whistle-Blower Divides IT Security Community

1.)Do you think that Mike Lynn acted in a responsible manner? Why or Why not?

Yes, because Mike Lynn began investigating a flaw in the Internet operating system (IOS) used by Cisco routers. Through reverse engineering, he discovered that it was possible to create a network worm that could propagate itself as it attacked and took control of routers across the Internet. Lynn's discovery was momentous, and he decided that he had to speak out and let IT security professionals and the public know about the danger. His intentions to talk at a Black Hat conference and all three parties entered discussions with the conference managers to ISS pulled the plug. Cisco employees tore out 10 pages from the conference booklet, and ISS asked that Lynn speak on a different topic.

2.)Do you think that Cisco and ISS were right to pull the plug on Lynn's presentation at the Black Hat conference? Why or why not ?

Cisco employees tore out 10 pages from the conference booklet, and ISS asked that Lynn speak on a different topic. When Lynn resigned from ISS on the morning of the conference and decided to give the presentation as originally planned.