World-renowned security technologist bound for New Zealand

The New Zealand Internet Task Force (NZITF) and InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) are pleased to announce that, next month, one of the world’s foremost authorities on computer security will deliver a free public lecture in Wellington.

United States-based Bruce Schneier cut his teeth in the arcane art of cryptography and has since garnered an international following as a security commentator and critic. He is the author of eleven books and hundreds of articles, essays and academic papers.

The public lecture will be held on Tuesday 1 May at Wellington’s St James Theatre, and will run for two hours, starting at 10am. Those unable to attend the lecture in person can watch a live stream at www.nzitf.org.nz.

Sponsored by InternetNZ and Telecom, Schneier’s lecture will focus on his latest tome, titled ‘Liars and Outliers – enabling the trust that society needs to thrive’. In this book, Schneier strongly holds that “In today’s hyper-connected society, understanding the mechanisms of trust is as important as understanding electricity was a century ago”.

NZITF Chair Paul McKitrick says Schneier’s observations on trust and society are truly multidisciplinary and, for those with an interest in privacy, security and the social sciences, the public lecture is a “must-attend”.

InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar describes Bruce Schneier as “a personal hero” and says there isn't anyone in the world better at cutting through security myths to deliver practical yet sound insights. “As an example, he coined the great term 'security theater' to describe steps that give the impression that something is being done to improve security while actually doing nothing or little to improve security."

A high level of interest is expected, so RSVPs are essential. Please email rsvp@nzitf.org.nz by Thursday 26 April with your name, contact email and organisation. Following the lecture, attendees are invited to stay for refreshments. Schneier will also be on-hand to sign copies of his book.

While in Wellington, Schneier will also give a keynote address at the Identity Conference 2012. Proudly sponsored by InternetNZ, his keynote speech will be delivered on Day Two of the conference, also on Tuesday 1 May.