Computer conference thrives on argument

Poor Davis Lynas. Standing before a crowd of 30 or so computer security experts from around the world, he's trying to give a well thought out presentation, and they're having none of it.

They are throwing out comments from the floor, some of which are highly argumentative. They won't shut up. They not only feel free to make observations on his presentation, they gleefully engage in taking each other to task as well.

Afterward, Mr Lynas is delighted. "Welcome to COSAC," he says.

"Heckling is positively encouraged." COSAC, the International Computer Security Symposium (which clearly isn't a proper acronym, but no one seems to care) is one of the more unique events in the conference calendar. Now in its 10th year, the conference brings a group of about 200 to Ireland each September for five days to discuss - well, argue - computer security issues.

Mr Lynas, an independent computer security consultant based in Moira, Co Down said he organised the first COSAC to bring together all the industry figures he found interesting in a setting different from the big conference halls that only allow for brief question and answer sessions.

At COSAC, which draws some of the best known figures in the industry, everyone is encouraged to join in to discussions. Indeed, some presenters are known for their inability to ever finish their presentation proper, because they always ignite enthusiastic discussion.

Thus, a lack of interruptions and argumentative commentary from the floor is considered a sign of a failed presentation, in contrast to the typical conference.

This year, keynote speeches for the event, which is based at Killashee House Hotel in Naas, included topics as varied as "Sun Tzu in Cyberspace: the Art of Information War", "Are We Technology Smart and Socially Stupid", and "Digital Graphology: What Your Documents Say About You."

One presentation summary noted that the speaker's subject was chosen after he read that the cigarettes were to be airbrushed out of the album cover of the Beatle's Abbey Road album. Another offered tips for a successful financial fraud, such as "defraud only the rich" and "retain crooked counsel".

"You go to a normal conference and you might hear one or two speakers that are really good. COSAC is unique because you get excellent speakers, all the thought leaders in one place," says Mr Jim Smith, Group Information Systems Security Manager, ESB, and a veteran of six COSACs.

"Most conferences look at the past. COSAC isn't even looking at the current situation. It's looking at the future, which is exactly what this industry has to do," he says.