Security Challenges to the Use and Deployment of Disruptive Technologies

This report describes the results of a study undertaken for Unit A3, Internet, Information and Network Security, DG Information Society and Media, European Commission to investigate security challenges to the use and deployment of disruptive technologies. The project used a combination of research methods, most notably a Delphi™ exercise, case studies and a workshop to gather evidence on the type of security challenges that organisations implementing disruptive technologies encountered. Implementations of five different types of disruptive technology (defined by Clayton M Christiansen as technology or innovation that attracts a customer base via niche or simple selling points) were considered. These were Voice over IP (VoIP); Trusted Computing; Wireless Microwave Access (WiMAX); Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). The analysis from the case studies indicated a wide variety of issues but that the disruptive nature of these technologies did not present any unique or peculiar security challenges. The report also presented conclusions for policy makers at the European and Member State level based on the evidence gathered and other literature which indicated, amongst other things, that a program to monitor the impact of technological research and development would be a useful policy measure.