Morning Musings

Well, just in case you thought that diseases in the virtual world might be an overwhelming problem, a new report from the World Health Organization sites 39 new pathogens since 1969 - a record number of new diseases that include SARS, HIV/AIDS and Ebola. Now if that doesn't get your blood pumping on a gorgeous Maryland morning, then you ain't livin' my friend. The New York Times has it here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/27/world/27disease.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


As if looking for a new job without your current boss finding out about it isn't stressful enough, word from Monster regarding 1.6 million stolen records might just ratchet that job-search stress up a notch or two. If you have ever used Monster or its ilk you have probably noticed that on its own it is a little spam factory. The more info you post about yourself the more penis enlargement/ hot stock opportunities/ foreign money laundering proposals you get. But this is really going to the next level, crime wise. From Computerworld via CIO.com:

http://www.cio.com/article/131950/ID_Attack_Widens_With_._M_Records_Stolen_from_Monster.com/1



From business.timesonline.co.uk via Computer Crime Research Center comes information about an innovative program being deployed by banks in the UK in order to reduce on-line bank fraud. Many are making the investment in user tokens and "chip and pin at home" devices. I'm guessing they are talking about credit card readers designed to attach to home computers. Interesting read, especially since its from the UK and the language is entertaining -- maybe not like watching Coupling on BBC America, but close.

http://www.crime-research.org/analytics/Internet-banking-security/


I had the opportunity to see Johnny Long present at ShmooCon in DC this year. Just let me say that we should all be glad this guy's on our side. His presentations, writing and web site are top notch and are as informative as they are entertaining; however, there is more to this fellow. His drive to help others has produced ihackcharities.org. Recruiting hackers to do pro bono work for charitable organizations -- excellent idea. If you have any talent or aspirations in this area you should really look into it. From DarkReading:

http://www.darkreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=132333&WT.svl=news1_1



Thanks for reading... it's off to my day job!