With hackers running rampant, why would we poke holes in data security?

[Commentary] The best defense against hackers is clear: strong data encryption and more secure technology systems. The leaders of US intelligence agencies hold a different view.

Most prominently, James Comey, the FBI director, is lobbying Congress to require that electronics manufacturers create intentional security holes -- so-called back doors -- that would enable the government to access data on every American's cellphone and computer, even if it is protected by encryption. Unfortunately, there are no magic keys that can be used only by good guys for legitimate reasons. There is only strong security or weak security. Technology is a tool that can be put to legitimate or illegitimate use. And advances in technology always pose a new challenge to law enforcement agencies. But curtailing innovation on data security is no solution, and certainly won't restore public trust in tech companies or government agencies. Instead we should give law enforcement and intelligence agencies the resources that they need to adapt, and give the public the data security they demand.