Secrecy is Unsafe

The latest issue of Foreign Policy includes a commendable piece by Jacob Shapiro, "Strictly Confidential" (summarized; full article behind paywall).

Shapiro makes an intelligent case that opening government improves security. "When government officials curb access to information," he writes, "they cut themselves off from the brain power and analytical skills of a huge community of scientists, engineers, and security experts who are often far better at identifying threats, weaknesses, and solutions than any government agency." Shapiro provides a couple of examples where openness has improved security systems.

"Putting information behind lock and key does not make targets safe from attack. It leaves security analysts unable to find solutions to other weaknesses in the future. It also leaves government and industry less motivated to find safeguards of their own."

Good stuff.