Historical Context - December 1987

• Ronald Reagan US President, Margaret Thatcher British PM
• Home computers existed but not networked
• World Wide Web still 2 years from invention
• Computing era: text-based systems, state-of-the-art at time

CHRISTMA Computer Worm

• Created by German university student
• Name limited to 8 characters due to file naming constraints
• Targeted one type of old text-based computer system
• Functionality:
  • Displayed Christmas tree text art
  • Accessed computer's address book equivalent
  • Emailed itself to all contacts with message "Let this exec run and enjoy yourself"
• Impact:
  • Took down IBM network for couple days (when IBM major force)
  • Resurfaced 3 years later when someone reopened forgotten file
  • Relatively innocent by modern ransomware/identity theft standards

Modern Malware Comparison

• Similar attack vectors still possible on modern hardware
• Current spread methods:
  • User downloads and runs malicious programs
  • Pirated software websites replace email as distribution vector
  • Zero-day attacks on Flash (frequent target)
  • Zero-day = no warning, immediate infection to patch cycle
• Malware gains access to: internet, webcam, personal documents, everything

Current Security Mitigations

• Windows: User Account Control, built-in antivirus
• Mac/Linux: administrator accounts, permission management
• Limitations:
  • Users often click OK or enter passwords inappropriately
  • Even without admin access, malware can:
    • Encrypt personal files (photos, business invoices)
    • Demand Bitcoin ransom payments
    • Computer cannot distinguish malicious vs legitimate user actions
• Challenge: Creating malicious behavior filters requires near-perfect model of user intent

Alternative Security Architecture - Mobile Model

• iPhone approach: each app has separate document storage area
• No central accessible space for all apps
• File sharing requires explicit app-to-app pushing
• Desktop equivalent would mean:
  • Word documents only accessible within Word
  • Music only accessible in download player until pushed elsewhere
  • Email attachments require opening source app first

Technical Community Resistance

• Advanced users object to restricted access
• Need for program chaining and system customization
• "Bodging" and advanced mode necessary for power users
• Deep system access required for technical work

Historical Design Constraints

• Desktop computers descended from 1987 systems
• Original limitations:
  • Insufficient storage space for app silos
  • Limited processing power for separate management
  • Programs wrote direct binary data
  • Academic/professional use requiring careful equipment handling
• Backwards compatibility prevents clean breaks
• Apple provides few years grace period for updates
• Windows runs programs from 20+ years ago
• Never had option to start fresh

Modern Device Evolution

• Tablets, phones, Chromebooks use locked-down systems
• Behind scenes still use folders/files but hidden from end users
• As these devices gain popularity, PC market share declining for home use
• Potential to finally abandon old system architecture
• Computer security could improve significantly

Educational and Development Concerns

• Britain's tech industry strength from 1980s home computer boom
• BBC Micro and ZX Spectrum created coding generation
• Government push for computer literacy in children
• Critical issue: "you can't write iPhone apps on an iPhone"
• Someone must write the iPhone apps
• Tension between security and development capability

Conclusion

• Choice between traditional laptop (files/folders) vs modern phone (data silos)
• Security vs accessibility tradeoff
• Emphasis on creativity and making things (code, art, snowman)