By understanding the history of computer security you will begin to understand why computers are not secure.
 

1945-1955----ENIAC developed their first digital computer; vary little focus on the systems security because you needed physical access and lots of training to have the know-how to use it

1955-1965-----Computers made their way into the business world, there is still little concern over security only the threat from a competitor direct entering or disgruntled employee that could physically harm the system

1965-1975-----Mainframe popularity is growing, 1000 users are now connected and controls are beginning to be set to limit user accounts and give unlimited administrative accounts.

• Operating system research and production began
• First workstation developed
• First e-mail sent

• First microcomputers created
• Government realizes that security is needed to protect transmitted data
• Data Encryption Standards designed by IBM
• Public Key Encryption designed by Whitfield Diffie and Martin Helman

• Modems are allowing computer enthusiasts to create online communities, bulleting-board systems (BBS)-->CompuServe and America Online
• Firewalls are being used by military, universities, businesses and other big organizations connected to the internet

• Unprotected protocols of the internet give way hacking attacks
• Microsoft dominated the industry making it easier for hackers to study the operating systems
• Encryption is gaining popularity as a security devise for the internet, it allows sender identification to be announced while securing the transfer of data

•  Hacking will decrease due to Microsoft implementing firewall software to all operating systems in 2004
• E-mail forgery could increase, to prevent this use digital signatures and certificate-based encryption