On the Boundaries of Trust and Security in Computing and Communications Systems

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex relationship between trust and security in computing and communications systems, comparing societal concepts with technological implementations and discussing recent innovations and debates in the field.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of trust and security, discusses boundary definitions, and reviews recent technological developments impacting these concepts.

Findings

Trust and security have distinct but overlapping roles in systems.

Recent technologies challenge traditional boundaries of trust and security.

Critical debates exist regarding the interpretation and implementation of trust and security.

Abstract

This article analyzes trust and security in computing and communications systems. While in human-life, trust usually has some kind of commonly understood meaning, in the realm of computing and communications systems, it could be interpreted differently in different environments and settings. On the other hand, security is about making sure that the participating entities are legitimate in a communication event or incident so that the core requirements of privacy, integrity, and authenticity are maintained. This notion is also true for our human life, even for example entering a house needs legitimacy of a person. Some boundary lines preserve the security; otherwise an unwanted access is called a 'security breach'. The intent of this article is to compare and discuss these two terms with our societal behavior and understanding amongst entities. To illustrate these issues especially in computing and communications world, some of the innovating and recent technologies are discussed which demand trust and security within their core operational structures. Alongside presenting generally established ideas, some critical points are mentioned that may be sometimes debatable within the research community.