Distributed systems security

Abstract

The increasing complexity of networking, and distributed information processing in particular, requires that greater attention be given to ensuring security within these systems. The heterogeneous nature of many cooperating inter-organisational systems, coupled with the strategic importance of inter-operability and inter-connectivity between those organizations has made the efficient and effective operation of security and other management functions essential. The need is to negotiate compatible global and local security policies which will ensure that the required levels of secure interaction are achieved. International standards developments are helping to establish the frameworks upon which such policies may be established. The implementation of such complex systems, however, introduces problems novel to users and systems designers alike. The level of integration necessary to achieve true open networking remains questionable.