Here is an interesting blog post by Bruce Schneier about the future of the Data Security industry.  It seems every few weeks we hear another story about how data has been compromised. In light of this though, Bruce argues that data security is inherently confusing and consumers would be better served if security features were standard, not extra pieces to be added on.

His argument, as an automotive analogy, is compelling.

Imagine if the inventor of antilock brakes — or any automobile safety or security feature — had to sell them directly to the consumer. It would be an uphill battle convincing the average driver that he needed to buy them; maybe that technology would have succeeded and maybe it wouldn’t. But that’s not what happens. Antilock brakes, airbags, and that annoying sensor that beeps when you’re backing up too close to another object are sold to automobile companies, and those companies bundle them together into cars that are sold to consumers. This doesn’t mean that automobile safety isn’t important, and often these new features are touted by the car manufacturers.

If he’s right, then there are a lot of shakeups coming. Combined with the rough economic road ahead, particularly for tech companies, and his outlook may start happening sooner rather than later.