ID management, a 'human problem' says privacy group

13.03.2006
Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and IT managers should be aware IT projects fail due to myriad factors and technology may not be the answer to a problem, according to Australian Privacy Foundation Chair Anna Johnston.

Speaking at an identity management summit in Sydney on "how to stuff up an identity management program," Johnston said she has seen so much money wasted on projects driven by technology providers and politicians.

"Politicians and CEOs like to cut the ribbon on new projects," Johnston said. "There's no point in proceeding if there is no point."

In the case of identity management, Johnston said anything from a "human problem" to poor design, legal noncompliance, and lack of transparency can contribute to a failed project.

"Lesson one is to check you have a need for technology and that it cannot be solved another way [and] don't use a sledgehammer to crack a nut," she said. "If you are in government or business and have the responsibility to do identity management projects, you need to step back and see if there is a key business driver. See if technology is the answer [or whether] investing in staff may be a better answer."

Johnston said avoid poor design by ensuring the data-checking systems well designed to start with, not just the technology.