FAST running out of time. The Federation Against
Software Theft (FAST) is changing tack. The gentle goading of IT directors has been replaced by a 'No More Mr Nice Guy' approach. FAST is to target chief executives and managing directors. By threatening corporate managers with imprisonment through a mailshot campaign, the organization hopes to attract 12 000 new members this year and a further 38 000 over the next two years. The threat of a two-year prison sentence is the latest tack. Backing this up are the trading standards of&es (TSOs) which joined the fight against software piracy at the end of 1995 when they were given the statutory duty to look into copyright offenses. A TSO could come through your front door without a search warrant right now and demand that in two days' time you demonstrate that your use of software complies with copyright laws. FAST estimates that 90% of UK corporations are using illegal software, costing the industry a total of &400 million. In theory, this means that nine out of 10 directors face prison sentences. Such scaremongering may help IT managers win their battle with the board for budgets that will ensure a clean bill of health. The task is mammoth. FAST aims to mailshot, phone and visit each of the 12 000 targeted member companies during this year. Business Computer World, February 1997, p. 20.
Preparing for cyberwar, Peter Hum. In Canada, the Department of National Defence (DND) is preparing for 'cyberwar'. Canadian DND