Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
FROM DATA TO KNOWLEDGE: HOW INTELLIGENCE AND
SECURITY TOOLS CAN HELP
Maj.Gen.(ret'd) Luigi Vellone
Vialle Del'Industria 4, 00040 Polezia-Rome, Italy
Abstract: Rapid advances in information and communication technology have opened the way to a huge amount of
information for operational exploitation. But it is well known that an increase in available data does not
imply a consistent increase of useful information needed for decisions. The transformation of collected
data into knowledge is a complex process strongly dependent on the capability of analysis and the
availability of technological tools. As the events of September 11 clearly demonstrated, the lack of ability
for processing data into useful information severely limits the intelligence outputs and the knowledge
needed for operational capability and responsiveness. Taking advantage of experience in business
intelligence techniques developed for business purposes, the management of strategic information and
the intelligence support to operations can be strongly improved. In this analysis requirements and
constraints for collecting, archiving and processing data are identified. These in particular are stressed, as
the accuracy of data is a key factor to a positive increase of information value at different stages of the
process and finally to knowledge. Accuracy requirements are the first bridge to the missing link between
intelligence and security tools. Security can provide integrity of data and minimize the injection of
disinformation into the process and the poisoning of query results. Synergically, intelligence technology
can strengthen the bridge to security providing tools for a proactive management of security services and
an improved resilience to attacks.
Key words: intelligence technology, business intelligence, communications, knowledge, information security
1.
INTRODUCTION
For a long time, Information Technology was blamed for providing lots of data and not
enough information exploitable for timely operational decisions. IT deserved the
nickname of “the infinitive promise” because promises for a decrease of the human
workload against an improved efficiency were regularly frustrated and the expectations
for really useful supports to organizations were always postponed. Users asked to be
empowered with tools to do their own analysis and reports and decision-makers were
concerned to speedily access relevant information in order to make decisions in a timely
manner.
With the rapid growth of Internet usage we have seen a massive increase of data
exchanged, handled or stored into files, spreadsheets, databases and Web pages, thereby
raising difficulties to obtain the right data at the right time.
It became clear that end-users could not easily surf in the overwhelming ocean of
available data they would need. A study conducted by a large company identified that
usually only from 2% to 4% of stored data is utilized. It is quite common that most of the
potentially available data is never analysed at all and other data is “filtered out” because
of a lack of insight or a lack of mental cross-correlation capability over raw data.
In addition, it is well known that an increase of available data does not imply a
consistent increase of useful information. Raw data is represented by symbols, signs or
numbers, which are inherently meaningless, whereas information implies a meaning with
the semantic and pragmatic value needed for knowledge.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search