Software developers could be liable for weaknesses
There’s a growing call for developers of computer software to be held responsible for vulnerabilities in their products. The IEEE Computer Society’s Center for Secure Design says that around 50 per cent of IT security issues are caused by software design faults. Many of the problem applications are not up to current standards and while fixes or ‘patches’ may plug some weaknesses they often do not completely secure the product. Dan Geer of the CIA’s venture capital wing In-Q-Tel says that software designers should be held legally accountable. Rolf von Ressing of Isaca, an organisation representing cybersecurity professionals told the FT: “Software vendors bring these products into the world with all their vulnerabilities, but it’s the companies that buy them that are left dealing with the consequences.”
Lawyers warn businesses over employees using Uber
Businesses that allow employees to use ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft could be accused of failing in their duty of care in the event of an incident. That’s according to an Australian law firm which says that where the ride-share services are unlicensed and unregulated firms who allow workers to use them for business travel could face action under safety regulations. Holding Redlich senior associate Joel Zyngier told the Sydney Morning Herald that employers had an obligation to ensure that any business travel is undertaken in the safest possible way. While Uber may be safe Zyngier says it may be hard for a business to argue that it is as safe as a licensed, regulated taxi with onboard CCTV. In response Uber says that its drivers undergo background checks and are covered by U$5 million of liability insurance.
WHO says there’s “no place for complacency” over Ebola
The World Health Organisation says that the risk of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa spreading to other countries is declining but warned that there was “no place for complacency”. After meeting last Thursday the WHO Emergency Committee said that while the level of cases had fallen to their lowest in a year and that the epicenter of the disease had “gone quiet” the risk is “not a zero” and is therefore still considered “substantive”. However the experts are calling for countries that have implemented stringent measures over and above those recommended as defenses against the disease not to interfere with international trade. Many countries still have a ban on flights to affected areas and have closed borders to those from the region.
