1. Session ID:
Session Classification:
The ∧ Plateau Effect
Hugh Thompson, Ph.D.
Program Committee Chairman, RSA Conference
Twitter: @DrHughThompson Email: hthompson@peoplesecurity.com
Reporter, NBC News
Twitter: @redtapechron Email: bob.sullivan@msnbc.com
Bob Sullivan

3. The Plateau Curve

4. A Plateau Effect occurs when a formerly effective
measure ceases to cause further change.
Translation: Things work until they don’t!
What is the Plateau Effect?

6. caveman

7. www.plateaueffect.com

8. Element 1:
Immunity

9. The Pesticide Paradox

10. The Plateau Curve
Total Bugs
Found
Time

11. Element 2:
The Greedy Algorithm

17. Local Optimum vs. Global Optimum.
Need to learn how to make Retrograde Progress
GREED IS(N’T) GOOD

18. Element 3: Bad
Timing

19. EBH DRE SQT

20. The Plateau Curve

22. Element 4: Flow
Issues

23. Completely
Automated
Public
Turing test to tell
Computers and
Humans
Apart
The CAPTCHA Dilemma

24. Source: Trend Micro http://blog.trendmicro.com/captcha-wish-your-girlfriend-was-hot-like-me/

25. Element 5: Distorted
Data

26. WARNING!
SHARKMAGEDDON!!

30. ►Worldwide shark attacks rose from
63 to 79
►Much of the increase was due to two
very angry sharks in Egypt!
►Actual risk increase:
0.0000042% vs 0.0000053%
Behind the numbers

31. Element 6:
Distraction

32. ► Study by Dr. Alessandro Acquisti, and Dr. Eyal Peer at
Carnegie Mellon University
► Three Groups (136 Participants)
► Control
► Interrupted
► On High Alert
Understanding the impact of Distraction
Results Trial 1 Trial 2
Control 60% 60%
Interrupted 49% 56%
On High Alert 47% 67%

34. Element 7: Failing
Slow

37. 1

39. 2

41. 3

43. 4

45. 5

47. 6

49. 7

51. 8

53. 9

55. 10

57. 1
Above
the
JND

60. What is your pet's name?
Where were you born?
What was your first teacher's name?
What is the mascot of your favorite team?
What was your first phone number?
What is your favorite restaurant?
Who is your favorite singer?
Where was your first job?

61. Enter Email
Address Here
www.plateaueffect.com

62. Hugh Thompson, Ph.D.
Program Committee Chairman,
RSA Conference
Twitter: @DrHughThompson
Reporter, NBC News
Twitter: @redtapechron
Bob Sullivan
www.plateaueffect.com
THANKS!!