Donn B. Parker

Donn B. Parker was one of the earliest and most influential researchers in computer security, cybercrime, and information ethics. At SRI International, he served as a senior information-security researcher and consultant, helping establish foundational principles for evaluating risks and protecting information systems.

Parker was among the first to systematically study computer crime, developing taxonomies, case studies, and analytical methods that shaped both academic research and corporate security programs. His “Parkerian Hexad,” expanding the classic confidentiality–integrity–availability model to include authenticity, possession, and utility, remains widely discussed in security circles.

He authored numerous books and reports on information security, internal controls, privacy, and ethics, and frequently advised government agencies, corporations, and professional societies. His research provided a realistic and practical understanding of threats at a time when cybersecurity was still emerging as a discipline.

Parker’s influence continues to be felt in the security frameworks, professional practices, and ethical discussions that underpin cybersecurity as it is known today.