Systemic Vulnerabilities: An Allegorical Tale of Steampunk Vulnerability to Aero-Physical Threats

What can we learn about vulnerability analysis, mitigation, and designed-in security for the emerging Internet of Things from history? In this talk, we'll trace the origin and evolution of a physical-world vulnerability that dates to the late 19th century and explore whether "building security in" is even always an available option. We'll also look at how a number of industries have approached the analysis of their safety failures and what that implies for interconnected embedded systems. Along the way, we'll meet Andrew Carnegie and a few other historical figures and events that help illuminate some ideas that presage the future of cybersecurity in a world of smart things.