Y2K all over again: How groupthink permeates IS and compromises security

Despite increased concerns about security, most government, private, and public information systems remain vulnerable to terrorist and hacker attacks. To examine this potentially catastrophic problem, we study another infamous, expensive failing in information systems: the year 2000 (Y2K) problem. We argue that many of the same drivers of the Y2K problem now impede the security of information systems, and identify groupthink as a root cause of the continuing inability of organizations and IS (information systems) teams to learn from past mistakes in managing information systems. We also identify measures to help organizational team leaders and members prevent future IS-related threats.