banning - All Articles - CISO Platform2024-03-29T12:02:12Zhttps://www.cisoplatform.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/banningThe Problem of Banning Offensive Technology Saleshttps://www.cisoplatform.com/profiles/blogs/the-problem-of-banning-offensive-technology-sales2021-11-26T17:53:01.000Z2021-11-26T17:53:01.000ZMatthew Rosenquisthttps://www.cisoplatform.com/members/MatthewRosenquist<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9853247859?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p class="graf graf--p">I like the concept of ‘banning’ the sale of offensive cyber weapons to potential adversaries, but what defines technology as offensive versus defensive?</p><p class="graf graf--p">Israel just announced it will ban the sales of hacking and surveillance tools to 65 countries: <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" href="https://amp.thehackernews.com/thn/2021/11/israel-bans-sales-of-hacking-and.html" target="_blank">https://amp.thehackernews.com/thn/2021/11/israel-bans-sales-of-hacking-and.html</a></p><p class="graf graf--p">Tech is just a tool. It is how you use it, that will determine if it is offensive or defensive.</p><p class="graf graf--p">Is a vulnerability scanner offensive? Sure, attackers can use it to find weaknesses to exploit in their targets. However, in the hands of the cybersecurity team, it is used to identify vulnerable systems that need to be patched, thereby improving security.</p><p class="graf graf--p">Perhaps, such bans should apply to all digital technology. If you don’t trust how potential customers may use a tool, you shouldn’t be selling them anything. But in doing so, you limit the prosperity, influence, and value of your own organizations.</p><p class="graf graf--p">Finding a practical balance is very difficult. Not sure any country has it figured out, but it is something that needs to be done.</p><p class="graf graf--p">Cyberethics must play a more prominent role in our global digital ecosystem!</p></div>