Google shares its security secrets

Google is offering security professionals a look into its security systems..

Scott Petry, director of Google's Enterprise and founder of security firm Postini, explained to attendees at the RSA conference how the company handles constant pressure and scrutiny from attackers.

"Google is a very very high-value target," Petry noted.

"If you have bad intentions and want to get a reputation, hacking Google is the best way to get credibility on the streets."

In order to keep its products safe, Google has adopted a philosophy of 'security as a cultural value'. The programme includes mandatory security training for developers, a set of in-house security libraries, and code reviews both by Google developers and outside security researchers.

"The most important thing that our security team does is educate," Petry explained.

"Educating people is the most important thing a security professional can do. "

Petry contended that in an age where both users and companies are increasingly relying on outside services and applications, it is becoming nearly impossible to fully lock-down a company.