Cafe LeClair

NYS ramps up cybersecurity initiatives

Jane — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:06:17 +0000

We have been hearing a great deal about the escalating issues involving the Internet….cybersecurity, cyberwarfare, cybercrime, cyberspying etc….that is taking place in the US and around the globe. The “Spamhouse Project”, a non-profit organization that fights spam on the Internet was attacked itself with a DDOS (distributed denial of service) in March, China has recently been directly named as a source for cyber attacks on US government agencies (including the military) and private organizations. This past week a worldwide gang of cybercriminals unleashed a series of coordinated attacks on ATM machines and netted over $45 million in only a matter of hours.

It appears now that New York State, prompted by Governor Cuomo, is going to start taking these activities seriously. In his state of the state address earlier this year the governor proposed the establishment of a CyberSecurity Advisory Board that would oversee the security of the state’s vital information. Today this project is moving forward with the formation of the board that will oversee such activities. The distinguished members of the board include: Richard Clarke, Shawn Henry, Will Pelgrin, and Phil Reitinger. Each member brings a unique set of cyber skills and experience to the advisory board.

In a recent CNN article titled “

The cyber sharks are circling America” William Tafoya notes that “Today, there are many digital dorsal fins of cyber sharks circling America. If we do not get out of these troubled waters by enacting enabling legislation to protect ourselves, America’s critical information infrastructure will remain more virtual than real. Our way of life is at grave risk.” It is a good move on the part of the governor to organize this advisory board, let’s just hope it’s not too little, too late.

Dr. Jane – From the Cafe

Source:

http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Cuomo-names-cyber-security-advisers-4509498.php

http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2013/05/10/the-cyber-sharks-are-circling-america/?iref=allsearch

Excelsior College Unveils MBA with Spanish Language Support

Jane — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:46:32 +0000

Excelsior College Unveils MBA with Spanish Language Support

To assist Spanish speaking students that have learned English as a second language, Excelsior College has developed courses that meet their unique needs.

Beginning later this month, the School of Business and Technology will be offering courses which include translations from English to Spanish in main course components, such as the lectures, assignments and discussion activities. These will be available in both English and Spanish. The first course with Spanish Language Support, will be BUS 500 – Accounting for Managers.

This ground-breaking initiative will not only benefit our students in the US, but should also prove popular among international students based in Ecuador, Mexico, and other Spanish speaking countries around the globe. Estimates place the number of people in the US who speak Spanish as a native language at between 30 to 40 million people (http://www.census.gov/acs/www/). This initiative will help address the educational needs of this under served population.

For more information on Excelsior’s upcoming MBA with Spanish Language Support please contact gradadmission@excelsior.edu or call toll-free 888-647-2388 ext. 22 The full story about this initiative can be read at:

http://www.excelsior.edu/web/news/college-news/-/blogs/excelsior-college-unveils-mba-with-spanish-language-support?_33_redirect=/web/news/college-news

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Bid time heist

Jane — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:47:27 +0000

A record may have been set in the annals of cyber crime recently when over 45 million dollars was stolen from ATM machines around the world. Cyber criminals hacked credit card processing facilities and obtained credit card information. In a well planned and coordinated attack they then withdrew over $45 million from 27 countries worldwide in a matter of 3 hours.

According to the report “The case demonstrates the major threat that cyber crime still poses to banks around the world. Security experts frequently identify electronic fraud as one of the key challenges facing banks today. Hackers only need to find one vulnerability to cause millions of dollars worth of damage, said Mark Rasch, a former federal cyber crimes prosecutor, based in Bethesda, Maryland.”

Eight individuals were arrested in the New York area and charged with the thefts that took place in the NYC area, but they are only part of the global cell that is behind the incident. It is believed that the headquarters for the group is outside the United States. International and US law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation.

Cyber crime is a serious and lucrative business for cybercriminals, and it is taking a huge effort to combat their activities. Private organizations, banks and government agencies have been ramping up their efforts to fight cyber crime and actively seeking individuals skilled in cyber security. More and more people have been educated to join the fight against cyber crime, but many more are still needed to fill the ranks and wear the “white hats”. Read the full story at http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/us-charges-eight-45-million-cyber-crime-scheme-1C9856390

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/us-charges-eight-45-million-cyber-crime-scheme-1C9856390

China blamed for cyber attacks

Jane — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:44:31 +0000

According to the New York Times “The Obama administration on Monday explicity accused China’s military of mounting attacks on American government computer systems and defense contractors, saying one motive could be to map military capabilities that could be exploited during a crisis”. Evidence has been mounting that China is the source of the many cyber attacks that have launched on US systems in recent years, but this accusation is by far the most direct. Several months ago the computer firm “Mandiant” suggested that the source of many of the attacks emanated from the Shanghai area in China.

Cyber weapons have become an increasingly important component in the US arsenal as new units devoted to cybersecurity for offense and defense have been organized. Cyber security, cyber warfare, and cyber weapons, are all growing parts of the national language. We live in a new age where an attack on our computer systems . . . military, government, contractors and private systems . . . can come from any part of the world with little notice. It is obvious that we are being probed, and just as obvious that we need to be prepared for any and all eventualities.

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source – New York Times May 7, 2013 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/07/world/asia/us-accuses-chinas-military-in-cyberattacks.html?_r=0

2012 was a good year!

Jane — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:11:09 +0000

2012 was a good year!

According to newly released data from the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators (INPO), 2012 was a very good year for the nuclear industry in the U.S. According to the report “…U.S. nuclear energy facilities operated at high levels of safety and efficiency in 2012, according to newly released performance metrics compiled by the

World Association of Nuclear Operators and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. In several key areas, commercial U.S. facilities either matched or improved upon outstanding levels of performance that helps make nuclear energy a vital component of the nation’s diverse portfolio of electricity sources….”

This glowing report highlights the efficiency and safety of the industry. The over 100 reactors in the U.S. operated at near record efficiency with a median capability factor of 91% which is close to the record set in 2005 of 92%. Many other sources of energy run far below that level of efficiency. Nuclear plant production costs were 2.19 cents per kilowatt hour as compared to coal fired plants at 3.23 cents and natural gas plants at 4.51 cents per kilowatt hour. And nuclear plants are environmentally friendly!

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source – http://www.nei.org/newsandevents/newsreleases/US-Nuclear-Energy-Facilities-Achieved-Strong-Safet

Your degree is worth even more!

Jane — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:01:13 +0000

Earning a college degree is a lot of work, but is it really worth it? You bet it is…and getting more worthwhile each year! According to a recent survey by NACE….the National Association of Colleges and Employers…your salary increased over 5% last year if you had a bachelor’s degree in your pocket. If you had a degree in business your average salary would have been $54,234….with an increase of over 7%.

In ten years you will have earned more than half a million dollars….that’s right million with an “M”…..and in twenty years…well you get the idea. Holding a college degree can make a big difference in your earning ability and it greatly affects the lifestyle you will lead. Want to do even better? An MBA will earn you a starting salary of $76,000-$90,000 according to some estimates. And…if you happen to enter the health care field….you can expect $110,000 per year.

What this all means is that if you are willing to devote your energies now to earning a college degree, in the long run you and your family will be FAR better off financially in the near and distant future. Or…you can keep buying those Lotto tickets and hoping…

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source:

http://www.naceweb.org/s04172013/average-starting-salary.aspx

http://www.ehow.com/about_5195557_average-mba-starting-salary.html#ixzz2S0AA16Rp

Cybersecurity experts: A growing need

Jane — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:15:22 +0000

A recent AP story noted that “The U.S. service academies are ramping up efforts to groom a new breed of cyberspace warriors to confront increasing threats to the nation’s military and civilian computer networks that control everything from electrical power grids to the banking system.” and Richard Clarke, a counterterrorism expert, is quoted as saying that “really high-level computer skills are rare, suggested the military might have to re-examine some of its recruiting standards to attract the most adept cyberwarriors.”

This clearly indicates the need for people skilled in computers, cybersecurity, and related technologies. If you are an individual looking to obtain those skills, and, at the same time serve your country in some sort of capacity….look no further…the CyberSecurity program at Excelsior College is exactly what you are looking for.

We offer a program specifically geared towards cyber security issues with in-depth courses that provide individuals with the required skills that fits the military and industry realm. . Internet hackers, cyber criminals, terrorists and foreign countries are all looking to gain an advantage in the cyber world and private industries are paying very well for those that can stop “bad guys” from gaining access to confidential, personal and classified files.

Looking to the future for a great career? Cybersecurity may be just what you are looking for.

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FUTURE_CYBERWARRIORS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-04-26-04-40-09

It pays to be certified!

Jane — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:47:32 +0000

Unless you have been living in a cave, you have probably been hearing a lot about cyber security recently…and some of it is not good news. Criminals are hacking into bank accounts and stealing information about you from the Internet…hackers are trying to gain access to your computer…criminals are invading the security systems of major businesses…and increasingly foreign nations have been probing our national defense systems, vital communication links, and power grids seeking ways to render powerless our great nation.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that our cyber systems are…so far at least…fending off many of those attacks. But the work to counter these criminals and foreign powers is ongoing and requires more and more highly qualified human resources as well. That being said, there is a great demand for well educated, trained and certified people in the cyber security field in all areas of business, government, the military and education. A recent article titled “Shortage of infosec pros equals frequent and costly data breaches” highlights the worldwide shortage of these skilled people and the desperate need for them not only in the US, but globally. According to the article, over 50% of the organizations reporting noted they were understaffed in that vital area. Which…and here is more good news…means it is a great time to be looking for a job in the cyber security field…because you won’t be looking long. And…still more good news…the “average” annual salary of a certified professional is over $100,000 US.

So…it appears that the future for someone serious about a career in cyber security is bright indeed. If you’re thinking of going back to school for a degree or certificate in cyber, visit http://www.excelsior.edu/programs/technology

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source – http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=14475

Historic Moment at Plant Vogtle

Jane — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:45:10 +0000

An historic moment in the nuclear renaissance was reached on Tuesday when workers began pouring concrete for the new Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle. Preliminary construction has been going on since Southern Nuclear received its license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The continuous concrete pour will take over two days, and when completed will form the basemat for the new unit. Unit 3 will operate the new Westinghouse AP1000 reactor and upon completion the Vogtle site will be the largest nuclear station in the US.

With the demand for electricity in the southeast expected to rise nearly 30% in the near future, the new Westinghouse reactor will generate 1,100 megawatts of electricity to meet that need. The cost of the entire project, for both Units 3 and 4, is estimated to be about $14 billion. If construction continues to proceed as planned, Unit 3 will be operating by 2016 and Unit 4 in 2017.

With America’s increasing thirst for electricity to power our technology, plus the expected boom in electric automobiles, nuclear energy is the perfect choice to meet the demand for power and provide a clean environment.

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source – http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2013-03-13/concrete-poured-new-vogtle-reactor-foundation

Building Blocks to Success

Jane — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:44:26 +0000

There has been an increased interest in getting women into technology fields. I have written about the reasons that there is a paucity of females in technology in the past . . . lack of mentors, poor role models, lack of guidance in primary and secondary schools . . . there are a host of reasons. The solutions however, as in many other areas, are slower to appear.

In a recent article, Regina Kunkle offers several possible ways to improve the opportunities for women in technology.

First, she suggests the idea of Internships. This is a great idea that provides the opportunity for women interested in IT to get their feet wet in the field so to speak. They can see firsthand what IT life is like, what the organizational culture is like, and how the people interact. Another idea it to place new hires that do not yet have an IT degree, but are interested in IT, into low impact positions in the IT department where once again they can see what goes on. Time and again we hear of the value of offering flex hours to employees. By offering flex hours to women in technology, we give them fewer reasons to quit the field due to family obligations. By openly advertising the value of women in technology and the importance of the role they can play in the success of an organization, we will not only draw them in to the profession, but keep them there. This will encourage them to stay, as well as attract new hires. Finally, let’s discuss mentoring. We all know the value of mentoring in any office or work situation, and showing someone the ropes, where the ladder to success is located, and how to climb it successfully, can greatly assist in retention of women.

Let’s think internships, exposure, flexibility, advertising and mentoring as ways to attract and retain women in technology!

Dr. Jane – From the Café

Source: www.Americancityandcounty.com