Protecting information requires common sense.

• Position: Washington PULSE

Developers of military information systems face a daunting dilemma. They are told to design networks for easy sharing of information among services and foreign allies, but they also have to protect the network as if it were Fort Knox.

"I think that's the wrong philosophy for network security," said Navy Vice Adm. Nancy Brown, director of information systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

"How can we ensure confidentiality of our information without reducing the effectiveness of the network?" Brown asked an audience of defense contractors. The United Stares needs to be able to share...