Plain-Language Summary:
Taxonomy and classification are important aspects of paleontology. Important in all kinds of biological classification is keeping track of the history of the names of groups of organisms. This is facilitated by the free exchange of information. Computer systems are being prepared to handle the vast amount of taxonomic data that has become available. These systems must be managed so as to provide all legitimate users the necessary access to the information.We worry about the trade-off between security of databases and access to them for three reasons. First, data have value, a fact that is too often overlooked. Second, anything of value is subject to theft, misuse, and vandalism. Third, in spite of all this, paleontologists need to be able to share data freely. Ultimately, people with databases need to weigh concerns about security against the requirements for performance, productivity, and accessibility. All three of these may be enhanced by a well-planned database.A database can be regarded as secure if it can be accessed only by authorized users, and if you can depend on it and its software to behave as you expect. Because of the many kinds of problems that fall under this view of security, we prefer to think of security in the broadest terms. Computers that are used to manage databases are vulnerable to a number of kinds of threats to their security. Among these are power outages and surges, natural disasters, turnover of staff, the Y2K problem, buggy software, computer viruses, hackers and vandals, other unwelcome users, copyright laws, and such abbreviations, acronyms, and other jargon that impede communication.The most common solution to many of these problems is to be sure that all data and software are backed up and that copies of the database are stored safely and securely. Security is a difficult matter to fine-tune. Too much security can hamper the use of data; too little can result in its loss or corruption.
Glossary (in order of appearance, in abstract and article):
Taxonomy: The study of the general principles of scientific classification.
Database: A usually large collection of data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval (as by computer).
Security of a database: A database is secure if it can be accessed only by authorized users, and if you can depend on it and its software to behave as you expect.
Encryption: The process of putting information into code, typically one that is indecipherable without a key.
Roger L. Kaesler, Paleontological Institute, The University
of Kansas, 121 Lindley Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-2911, USA.;
Department of Geology, The University of Kansas, 120 Lindley
Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-2124, USA; and Division of Invertebrate
Paleontology, Natural History Museum, The University of Kansas,
120 Lindley Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-2124, USA
Jill W. Krebs, Paleontological Institute, The University
of Kansas, 121 Lindley Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-2911, USA.
Douglas L. Miller, Information Technology Center, The
University of Kansas Computer Center, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA