Forensic and IT cyber security company Digital Guardian announces the death of Alan Paller at the age of 76.
Mr Paller was the author of The Internet of Things (IDU) and the most cited expert for his work in Computer Security and the Internet of Things. He also worked extensively on behalf of the FBI on computer and Internet security and investigation matters. He was born in Los Angeles in 1939.
At the end of his career, he founded Ossic Investigations, a private investigative agency, and was a regular commentator on radio and television security matters.
“Alan Paller’s pioneering work, including his book, Internet of Things, is among the most influential books ever written on the Internet,” said Dan Caruso, CEO of Digital Guardian. “Alan has been a passionate supporter of everything we do at Digital Guardian. He will be sorely missed.”
Gartner predicts that by 2020, the total number of IoT devices will exceed 15.7 billion worldwide, a number that is expected to grow by 26% per year until 2022.
“Many have asked, what is the fate of these devices?” said Caruso. “The technology is so new that no one is sure what the long-term impact will be on cybersecurity and other areas, but Alan found that there is considerable optimism and excitement about the technology.”