Computer safety, reliability and security

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Computers and their interactions are defining features of our era, marking a transition from the industrial age to the information age. Just as the early 20th century was dominated by machines and infrastructure, the current century is characterized by computers and their networks. This shift impacts essential institutions and systems, including power plants, chemical facilities, factories, transportation, and medical equipment, all of which rely on computer technology and connections. Failures in these systems can endanger not only human lives but also significant investments, such as production halts in industrial plants. Beyond the immediate risks, public opinion plays a critical role, with many countries expressing concern over major technical failures. The technology involved varies between standard applications and those related to safety, where the stakes are higher. In safety-critical scenarios, a third party, typically an assessor representing a state authority, is involved to safeguard public interests. Safety engineers often have advantages over their conventional counterparts, as they can allocate more resources and time to specific tasks, utilizing superior equipment to ensure safety and reliability.