Advancements in Battery Technology: Unveiling the Future of Energy Storage

The evolution of battery technology has been pivotal in powering our modern world. From portable devices to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, batteries play a crucial role in meeting our energy needs. In recent years, significant developments have been made in the field of battery technology, with a focus on enhancing safety, sustainability, and efficiency. In this article, we will explore the remarkable development of batteries, with a special emphasis on the emergence of water-based, fireproof battery technologies that promise to revolutionize the industry.

Traditional Battery Technology:

Traditional battery technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, have been the backbone of portable electronics and electric vehicles for decades. These batteries rely on flammable liquid electrolytes, which pose safety concerns and can lead to thermal runaway and fire hazards. The demand for safer and more sustainable battery alternatives has driven researchers to explore innovative solutions.

Water-Based Battery Technology:

A breakthrough in battery development comes in the form of water-based batteries. These batteries utilize water as the main component of their electrolyte, making them inherently non-flammable and significantly reducing safety risks. Water-based batteries are based on a variety of electrochemical systems, such as aqueous lithium-ion, aqueous zinc-ion, and aqueous sodium-ion batteries, each with its own unique advantages and applications.

Fireproof Battery Technology:

In addition to water-based batteries, fireproof battery technologies have emerged as a promising solution to address safety concerns. These batteries incorporate flame-retardant materials in their electrolytes or separators, effectively reducing the risk of thermal runaway and fire propagation. By incorporating flame-retardant additives or designing inherently fire-resistant materials, researchers have achieved significant improvements in battery safety without compromising performance.

Advantages and Applications:

The development of water-based, fireproof batteries brings several advantages and opens up new possibilities in various industries. Firstly, the enhanced safety of these batteries makes them ideal for applications where the risk of fire or explosion must be minimized, such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. Secondly, the use of abundant and environmentally friendly materials in water-based batteries contributes to sustainability efforts and reduces reliance on scarce resources. Additionally, the potential for improved energy density and charging rates makes these batteries attractive for emerging technologies like electric aircraft and grid-scale energy storage.

Challenges and Future Outlook:

While water-based, fireproof batteries offer promising solutions, there are still challenges to overcome. Researchers continue to work on optimizing the performance, cycle life, and cost-effectiveness of these technologies. Balancing the trade-offs between safety, energy density, and scalability remains a key focus for further development. However, with ongoing advancements and collaborations between academia, industry, and government agencies, the future of battery technology looks brighter than ever.

Conclusion:

The development of water-based, fireproof batteries marks a significant milestone in the evolution of battery technology. These advancements address crucial safety concerns while opening up new avenues for sustainable energy storage. From portable devices to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, these innovative battery technologies have the potential to reshape our energy landscape. As research and development efforts continue, we can expect even more breakthroughs in battery technology, empowering us to embrace a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy future.

Designing Safety Helmets -- Science of the Summer Olympics

Designing Safety Helmets

For many athletes at the 2012 Summer Olympics, safety helmets will be an essential part of their athletic gear. Nikhil Gupta, a mechanical engineer at New York University's Polytechnic Institute, explains how safety helmets are designed, constructed and tested.

Credit: NBC Learn and National Science Foundation

New Sensors for First Responders

Porous photonic crystal microsensor particles on the ends of optical fibers can detect organic pollutants.

The carbon nanostructures were created by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, led by Michael Sailor, and Tyco Electronics. Sailor's research group successfully embedded these fibers into activated charcoal canisters used for respirators. For emergency workers who wear respirators to avoid inhaling toxic fumes, these sensors could be used to alert them when the carbon filters in their respirators have become dangerously saturated.

Sailor, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and bioengineering at UC San Diego, says "The new sensors would provide a more accurate reading of how much material the carbon in the filters has actually absorbed. Because these carbon nanofibers have the same chemical properties as the activated charcoal used in respirators, they have a similar ability to absorb organic pollutants."

This research was funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (grant DMR 08-06859). To learn more, see the UC San Diego news release New Material Could Improve Safety for First Responders to Chemical Hazards.

(Date of Image: January 2009)

Credit: Brian H. King and Michael J. Sailor, University of California, San Diego

FBI Updates Free Child ID App

Daniel McMullen, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Jackson Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is notifying Mississippi parents that the FBI Child ID App has been updated with new features.

The FBI Child ID App, which is currently available for use only on iPhones and only downloaded for free from the App Store on iTunes, was launched on August 5, 2011 as a tool for parents. This free app, the first mobile application created by the FBI, provides a convenient place for parents to electronically store photos and vital information about their children so that information is readily available if needed. The app also includes tips on keeping children safe, as well as specific guidance on what to do should a child go missing.

In response to user feedback, the Child ID App has been updated to include the following features:

Passwords: Parents now have the option of password protecting the application.

Photos: Parents can now add any pictures from their iPhone’s image library.

Other additions include new icons and styles, smarter keypad input fields, and data protection that prevents the loss of unsaved data should the application be closed before saving.

“The FBI does not collect or store data from this app,” stated SAC McMullen. “Our goal in creating this application is to enable parents to provide pictures and physical identifiers to security or law enforcement officers immediately upon realizing a child is missing. This is a tremendous tool to be utilized in conjunction with parents educating their children about personal safety. It literally allows parents to put their children’s safety in their own hands. ”

FBI and American Football Coaches Association Team Up to Keep Kids Safe

The FBI has a new tool to help locate missing children. The Child ID App is the FBI’s first mobile application for smart phones. It makes a parent’s iPhone a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information on their children so that it is literally right at your fingertips if ever needed. You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers, such as height and weight, to security personnel or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with just a few clicks.

The FBI has partnered with the American Football Coaches Association to make the public aware of this new tool. Several members from the FBI’s Chicago office will be in DeKalb at the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies Football game on Tuesday, November 15, to show the public how this app works and help download it from iTunes.

The Child ID App also includes tips on keeping children safe, as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing. If you do not have an iPhone, paper Child ID kits will be available during the fourth quarter of the game. Right now, the app is only available for iPhones. A Droid-compatible app is scheduled to be available in early January.

Put your child’s safety in your own hands. Find out how to download the FBI’s Child ID App today at FBI.gov.

FBI Child ID App Updated with New Features

The Child ID app can be downloaded for free HERE.

In response to user feedback, the FBI Child ID App has been updated with new features, including password protection and additional photo capabilities. To download the update, go to the iTunes store and click on the Apps button.

The iPhone mobile application, which enables users to electronically store photos and vital information about their children so that it’s handy if they need it, was launched on August 5 and has been downloaded more than 80,000 times.

Updates released last week include the following:

Passwords: You now have the option of password-protecting the application. To activate it, go to the Checklist screen, click on the Password icon in the upper right hand of the page, and select Enable Password Protection. If you use this feature, remember to update your password often and make it something you will remember if you need it. The passwords rely on the iPhone’s built-in keychain and encryption features.

Photos: You can now add any pictures from your iPhone’s image library (before, you needed to take a picture with your iPhone to add it to the app). You can also zoom in and crop images prior to saving.

Other additions include new icons and styles, smarter keypad input fields, and data protection that prevents you from losing unsaved data should the application be closed before saving.

With the Child ID App, you can quickly share pictures and physical identifiers such as height and weight with security or police officers. And using a special tab on the app, you can quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks.

The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing.

Free FBI Child ID App Available to San Diego Community

San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter announces the launch of a free FBI Child ID app. The mobile application enables parents to store photos and vital information about their children on their iPhone, so in the event that a child goes missing, parents can immediately show or e-mail physical identifiers and photos to law enforcement officials. The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in the first few crucial hours after a child goes missing.

Currently the app is available for use on iPhones and can be downloaded for free from the App Store on iTunes. The app is expected to be available on other types of mobile devices in the near future.

The FBI does not collect or store information uploaded to the app. The information is only stored locally on the individual’s mobile device unless it is sent to authorities at a time of emergency. Parents are encouraged to refer to their mobile provider’s terms of service for information about the security of applications stored on device.

The FBI also regularly distributes Child ID kits in the San Diego community. Child ID kits are distributed at various San Diego community events throughout the year, including “National Night Out” and “Finish Chelsea’s Run.” The traditional Child ID kits allow parents to physically collect and record their child’s photos, fingerprints, personal characteristics, and DNA for use in an emergency. The FBI does not collect the Child ID Kits, but rather distributes them for use by parents and guardians.

Child ID Kits will be distributed at the Regional San Diego Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive Chick-fil-A night in Mira Mesa (10750 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA) on August 30 from 5-7 p.m.

For more information, please visit fbi.gov.

The FBI's Child ID App

Putting Safety in Your Hands

You're shopping at the mall with your children when one of them suddenly disappears. A quick search of the nearby area is unsuccessful. What do you do? Now there's a new tool from the FBI that can help. Our just launched Child ID app—the first mobile application created by the FBI—provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it’s literally right at hand if you need it. You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks. There is no charge for the app. The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing.  Download the App

You're shopping at the mall with your children when one of them suddenly disappears. A quick search of the nearby area is unsuccessful. What do you do?

Now there's a free new tool from the FBI that can help. Our just launched Child ID app—the first mobile application created by the FBI—provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it’s literally right at hand if you need it. You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks.

The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in those first few crucial hours after a child goes missing.

We encourage you to share the word about this app with family and friends, especially during upcoming activities in your communities to raise awareness on crime and drug prevention. For its part, the FBI is working to publicize the app with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)—its long-time partner in the National Child Identification Program, which provides a physical kit to gather your child’s pictures, fingerprints, personal characteristics, and even DNA to keep with you in case of emergency. The AFCA is producing a public service announcement about the app and will spread the word at various football games during the upcoming season.

Right now, the Child ID app is only available for use on iPhones and can only be downloaded for free from the App Store on iTunes, but we plan to expand this tool to other types of mobile devices in the near future. And we’ll be adding new features—including the ability to upload other photos stored on your smart phone—in the coming weeks and months.

An important note: the FBI (and iTunes for that matter) is not collecting or storing any photos or information that you enter in the app. All data resides solely on your mobile device unless you need to send it to authorities. Please read your mobile provider’s terms of service for information about the security of applications stored on your device.

Put your child’s safety in your own hands. Download the FBI’s Child ID app today.

New Online Vision 20/20 Fire Prevention Advocacy Toolkit Helps Fire Service Demonstrate the Value of Fire Prevention

Alexandria, VA – June 14, 2011   The Institution of Fire Engineers USA Branch (IFE-USA) is launching a new web-based Vision 20/20 Fire Prevention Advocacy Toolkit that gives local fire departments the tools  they need to prove the value of fire prevention in saving lives and reducing the impact of fire on a community and its economy.  Available at www.strategicfire.org, this program was funded by a DHS Fire Prevention and Safety Grant to IFE-USA to demonstrate the value of investing in fire prevention in these difficult economic times.

The Vision 20/20 Fire Prevention Advocacy Toolkit was developed under one of the five Vision 20/20 strategies, Strategy 1 Fire Prevention Advocacy.  This strategy is led by Alan Perdue, Emergency Services Director Guildford County (NC), a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and a member of the Vision 20/20 Steering Committee, and supported by Peg Carson of Carson Associates, Inc.

“In this economy, community officials and fire chiefs are confronted with tough decisions when it comes to what services to save and what services to cut,” said Perdue.  “We all know that fire prevention saves lives and money, but it’s been somewhat difficult to justify these programs economically.  Every day, a fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds, someone is injured every 31 minutes, and every three hours someone dies.  Annually, across the nation, fires cause $15.5 billion in property damage and these new tools can demonstrate the terrible impact that a fire can have at a local level on people, a community and its economy.  A catastrophic fire can not only cause injuries and deaths, but it may also mean that businesses close their doors, resulting in losing both jobs and tax revenue.  It’s really quite simple - prevention pays.”

Included in this toolkit, among others, are resources such as…

•         Fire prevention advocacy strategies

•         Community investment in fire prevention

•         Implementing an advocacy program

•         Working with the local media

•         Evaluating your program’s impact

•         Reaching audiences

“There has never been something like this that local fire chiefs can use to prove the value of fire prevention programs,” said Vision 20/20 Project Manager Jim Crawford.  “The Vision 20/20 Fire Prevention Advocacy Toolkit gives them the information that they can use in reaching out to community leaders, city officials and other decision makers to prove the impact that fire prevention programs have in not only saving lives but making communities economically sound and viable.”

The Vision 20/20 Fire Prevention Advocacy Toolkit can be found at www.StrategicFire.org.  You can also learn more by following us on Twitter @strategicfire and Facebook at Facebook.com/strategicfire.

Managed Internet Security Subscriptions: Wave of the Future? (Part 7 of 7)

Although the Internet basically provides a positive and productive experience, cyber-attacks against our personal privacy and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These attacks are occurring in our own homes and businesses. Our own computers are being used are being used as zombies to attack other people, businesses, and even our nation itself. As an average Internet user, you may not be aware of these threats nor have any idea about the dramatically increasing risks you face when connected to the Internet.

The business opportunities are enormous! Imagine this: As the number of home builders build and sell homes with personal computers as normal fixtures in the home increases, so, too, will the need for professionally managed Internet security services. Therefore, the trend for increased managed Internet security services will continue to point in this direction.

On a campaign for internet safety awareness and protection, my mission is to bring critical awareness to individuals, families, and small business owners, and to provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to secure your computer and help you stay protected.

I invite you to join the many thousands of others who have tested their computers, discovered these threats are real, and taken the necessary steps to protect their computers, their families, and their businesses.

Now that you have become aware of these issues, I encourage you to share this vital information with your families, friends and communities. Together, we can reach many millions of people and inform them about the threats to their privacy and security, and help them get the protection they desperately need.

Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!

© MMIX, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

About the Author:

Etienne A. Gibbs, Internet Security Advocate and Educator, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. To obtain more information and receive a free evaluation, visit him at www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com.

Managed Internet Security Subscriptions: Wave of the Future? (Part 6 of 7)

Of all the Internet users who have anti-virus software on their computers, 85% of them had computers that were subsequently infected with a virus or worm! Have you ever had a virus you couldn't get rid of? Has your computer acted funny or has it slowed way down due to a massive spyware infestation? Then you see and know how dangerous and damaging these threats and risks are!

Unfortunately, for consumers seeking security and privacy protection with brand name solutions will find two extremes - complex systems they cannot afford or properly maintain, or consumer-grade technology that doesn't provide adequate protection. If they do find something that fits their budget, it will likely have only a part of what is needed to truly protect a computer, and it won't include free expert support and a security guarantee.

Caution: Don't be lulled into a false sense of security thinking that the anti-virus software that came with your computer is enough protection. Off the shelf anti-virus software does not always protect you from hackers, spyware, remote access tools, Trojan horses, password crackers, keystroke loggers, identity theft tools, Microsoft security holes, hybrid viruses, and much more. And most people let their anti-virus program expire thereby losing protection from everyday viruses and worms.

To be fully protected, you need:

• at least five layers of overlapping security technologies and services to create a virtual fortress for your PC. Most off-the-shelf and free software offer two, or three at the most, programs. But are they overlapping when they work and when they update?
  
  
• desktop firewall to lock out hackers and other unauthorized intrusions and shield your PC from unauthorized communication both to and from your PC, making your PC virtually invisible to hackers and other intruders randomly scanning the Internet for vulnerable PCs;
  
  
• world-class anti-virus protection, including 24/7 scanning and certification that your incoming and outgoing e-mails attachments are virus-free -- plus scanning of all removable media such as CDs, Zip disks, portable hard drives, and floppies;
  
  
• anti-spyware that continuously monitors, detects, and eliminates all forms of spyware, hacker tools, and malware from your PC including malicious spyware tools, adware, browser hijackers, search hijackers, keyloggers, ghost spammers, remote access tools (RATs), back doors, and many other illegal programs and applications that breach your privacy and security;
  
  
• patch management that will automatically find and fix security holes and other dangerous vulnerabilities in your computer's operating system and software programs that hackers use to break into your computer;
  
  
• security alerts that warns you of brand new viruses, worms, and other security threats as they emerge - including specific recommendations of what to watch out for and how to avoid getting attacked to keep your privacy secured and your PC safe; and to wrap it all together,
  
  
• premium technical support that offers free unlimited expert technical support for any security related problems or issues with options to include online access to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), User Guides, Email Support Hotline, and live, expert telephone support by highly trained technicians.

Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!

© MMIX, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

About the Author:

Etienne A. Gibbs, Internet Security Advocate and Educator, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. To obtain more information and receive a free evaluation, visit him atwww.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com.

Managed Internet Security Subscriptions: Wave of the Future? (Part 5 of 7)

Why would you need a comprehensive security service package?

The Internet-based attacks on your personal privacy and security continue to worsen year after year. The future of Internet security is gloomy and it takes an extremely dedicated and savvy computer user to find the right mix of security programs and stay current with the newest threats. Internet security is not a one-time event. You cannot simply install security software on your PC and then forget about its safety and security, and ultimately, the safety and security of your family, home, and business. Internet safety and security require an ongoing, time-intensive process with a fairly high level of expertise and vigilance.

Why would you need a team of security experts on your side?

Would you want to be an Internet security expert? If you are like most people, you neither want to nor have the time. You don't want to worry about staying current with the latest technologies. You can't possibly keep up with the all the new threats coming at you almost daily because you have better things to do with your time. Instead, most people end up relying on the opinions and recommendations of more knowledgeable friends and family members for their security needs and hope nothing bad happens. But is that the best and safest strategy?

To get maximum protection for your PC, you need an Internet security expert on your side. Better yet, you need a team of experts making sure that you, your family, and your business are always safe and secure. You need to find your own personal team of experts to rely on. If you ever have a security problem, you want a trusted expert you can call for professional answers and solutions without any hassles and extra costs! As time goes on, it will become even more critical than it is today.

The best protection you can have in today's rapidly changing world of cyber-attacks is to have expert support for all your Internet security needs. Hackers will likely always be one step ahead of law enforcement and the security industry itself. Software-based protection alone, as you can see, is not enough anymore.

Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!

© MMIX, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

About the Author:

Etienne A. Gibbs, Internet Security Advocate and Educator, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. To obtain more information and receive a free evaluation, visit him at www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com.

Managed Internet Security Subscriptions: Wave of the Future? (Part 4 of 7)

Think about this: You had problems with your computer in the past. Now you want to insure that those little annoying nuisance, pests, threats, and risks from hackers and spyware don't hide in your computer any more. So, you load up your computer with all the free and off-the-shelf security software you can find. Now, as your confidence rises, you think that your computer is as impenetrable as the gold at Fort Knox.

Wrong!!!! You have been fooled into thinking that your computer is fully protected.

Now think about this: With all the options available to you, how do you know which one offers the best protection for you, your family, or your business? Here are some questions you need to consider:

• Are you a trained computer and Internet security expert?
  
  
• Do you know exactly which security software is compatible with your system?
  
  
• Do you have the time to continually research all the latest security technologies?
  
  
• Do you know exactly which software you should install and which ones should not?
  
  
• Once installed, how do you keep the different software programs updated? In fact, how often are they updated: daily? weekly? biweekly? monthly? Are the updates free. And if so, for how long?
  
  
• If you encountered a problem that your installed security software could not fix, or you simply had a question, would you have access to free, live technical support?
  
  
• If not, what would it cost you? Would it be a one-time fee? Would it come with a warranty period? And what would it cost you when the warranty expires?

By now, I'm hoping that you're beginning to see why it is not enough any longer to install off-the-shelf security software. There is a better option! You need a revolutionary full security service package that gives you peace of mind because its software programs work together, its technical support is always live and free, and its comprehensive personal identity theft insurance comes with a recovery service at no additional cost.

Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!

© MMIX, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

About the Author:

Etienne A. Gibbs, Internet Security Advocate and Educator, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. To obtain more information and receive a free evaluation, visit him at www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com.

911 — Black Hawk down with SMS

Black Hawk County, Iowa has become the first in the nation to start accepting text messages sent to 911.

For now, the service only works for T-Mobile customers, and only those in the Black Hawk County area. Also, the physical hardware and software does not allow emergency operators to automatically locate callers, like they can using the E-911 (Enhanced-911) capabilities of most cellular and POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines–so dial-access is still the way to go for most people, in most circumstances. But, for those with physical impairments (all-thumbs?), or even temporary physical restraints (think hiding under a desk during an armed robbery), this could literally be a life-saver.

“Texting” has another advantage: it tends work where and when voice calls often can’t, and requires very little battery life. Even stranded outside coverage area with a near-depleted battery, a text message is far more likely to “connect” than a voice call, and doesn’t require a sustained signal to get the point across. Which, coincidentally, makes T-Mobile customers good candidates for the service.

Unfortunately, it’s probably not going to do anything for response times, or T-Mobile’s subscriber numbers. But, if it saves just one subscriber’s life, that could make it all worthwhile–at least for T-Mobiles stockholders.

Via HazDat (http://hazdat.com/293)

---

Jeff Michael Fischbach is a Forensic Technologist specializing in digitally-recorded electronic evidence, electronic tracking and discovery. He has advised law enforcement, foreign government representatives, judges, lawyers and the press. You can read more from Fischbach at HazDat <http://hazdat.com>.

Managed Internet Security Subscriptions: Wave of the Future? (Part 3 of 7)

Someday, just as one buys a subscription to an Internet service provider, a DSL service, and/or telephone service, everyone will purchase a subscription to managed security services to protect themselves from Internet threats.

The social implication seems to indicate that the average person has to:

1. be educated about the attacks, dangers, risks, and threats of the cybercriminals;
2. become familiar with the type of protection services they will have to implement according to their needs; and
3. supervise and train their families about safe surfing, safe sites, and safe software.

On the part of government, the social implications seem to indicate that continued education, legislation, prosecution, are warranted. While for business, it appears that more comprehensive managed Internet security services are what would be required. More of these services need to be made available on a subscription basis.

Soon, the demand for Internet security products and services will reach a frantic pace, and Internet security will become a fundamental part of using a computer. In the future, security-in-a-box will go away, and Internet security services will become a giant industry, much like phone, cable, power, and other utilities. Everyone will have their own personal Internet security service subscription.

Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!

© MMIX, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

About the Author:

Etienne A. Gibbs, Internet Security Advocate and Educator, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. To obtain more information and receive a free evaluation, visit him at www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com.

Managed Internet Security Subscriptions: Wave of the Future? (Part 2 of 7)

According to the CERT® Program, part of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and operated by Carnegie Mellon University, “Organizations must practice strong computer security. CERT is also continuously researching various aspects of computer security that can benefit organizations.”

The primary goals of the CERT program are to ensure that appropriate technology and systems management practices are used to resist attacks on networked systems and to limit damage and ensure continuity of critical services in spite of attacks, accidents, or failures.

The SEI advances software engineering and related disciplines to ensure the development and operation of systems with predictable and improved cost, schedule, and quality. CERT, the home of the well-known CERT Coordination Center, studies security vulnerabilities, research long-term changes in networked systems, and develop information and training to help their clients improve security.

When designing malicious code, attackers often take advantage of vulnerabilities in software. In 2006 alone, the CERT Coordination Center received more than 8,000 reports of vulnerabilities. But many of these vulnerabilities are a result of software defects that could easily have been avoided. Through secure coding initiative, CERT is identifying common programming errors and developing secure coding standards to reduce the number of vulnerabilities introduced into software.

The field of survivable systems engineering explores the current state of systems to identify problems and propose engineering solutions. The work described below focuses on the development lifecycles for both new development and COTS-based systems. It includes analysis of how susceptible these systems are to sophisticated attacks and suggestions for improving the design of systems based on this analysis.

Note: Be certain to download a copy of their pdf-format, 68-page CERT Research 2005 Annual Report. Their URL can be found at the end of this article.

(The Annual Report describes current CERT Research projects in terms of problems addressed, research approaches, expected benefits, accomplishments, and plans. Each project is also summarized and links within project summaries lead to longer project descriptions.)

The current trend seems to indicate that people will continue to seek and purchase concomitant managed security services because they are the best forms of protection available. This level of professional grade technology coupled with a team of security experts available to help with any security problem will continue to grow as protection-sensitive consumer order these services for home and small business computers managed security services are the future of Internet security.

Click here to download the CERT Research 2005 Annual Report as a PDF file.

© MMIX, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

About the Author:

Etienne A. Gibbs, Internet Security Advocate and Educator, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. To obtain more information and receive a free evaluation, visit him at www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com.

Managed Internet Security Subscriptions: The Wave of the Future?

It used to be that, if you wanted to surf the Internet, you simply turned on your computer and logged-on to your browser. It was a safe and richly rewarded experience for communicating, educational, entertaining, researching, and shopping purposes. With companies like Yahoo.com and Hotmail.com/MSN.com offering free email accounts, soon everyone under the sun had at least one account. Some have been known to have four or five accounts. Some even had as many as ten different accounts.

As consumer use expanded online, it wasn’t long before the criminal elements found a easy way to make a quick buck with little or no risk of getting caught. Thus, a whole new industry was born. Hackers, the ones looking for a fast and easy buck and the ones looking to make a name for themselves by shutting down computers at major businesses or organizations, thereby creating havoc among all concerned, came into existence. Through their hacking, spamming, phishing, pharming, and keylogging activities, they stole identities, personal and financial information, and simply created an overwhelming annoyance.

The hackers via their devious conduct spawn a new industry: the anti-virus software industry. Thus was born a wealth of major and minor players selling off-the-shelf software to combat the virus attacks, software to combat the spyware, combined software to combat both, and more. Internet service providers soon jumped on the bandwagon and offered their version or a partnered version of the anti- software. In the meanwhile, the hackers always seemed to be two steps ahead – ahead of the industry and ahead of the law enforcement authorities.

Enter a new concept: It is no longer sufficient protection for the consumer, business, or agency to purchase off-the-shelf software packages. Although they are excellent products at what they do, there still remains a void where the hackers are prevailing.

If I may use a fishing analogy: It is no longer safe or productive to go after them with one, two, or more fishing lines that are baited to catch the target or targets they are created to catch. What is needed is more productive approach, a multi-purpose fishing net approach in order to:

• catch the dangers,
  
  
• prevent future attacks,
  
  
• alert when new threats are in existence,
  
  
• be mended and updated daily,
  
  
• become invisible to the preying eyes of the barracudas, and
  
  
• have a team of extremely well trained and proficient net menders.

This fishing net approach is just coming to light for the past 2-3 years. Known as a comprehensive, or managed security services, it is presented to the consumer as a subscription service, similar to subscriptions he would purchase for his Internet access, his telephone, his cable TV, or his daily or weekly newspaper.

(to be continued . . . )

Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!

© MMIX, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

About the Author:

Etienne A. Gibbs, an Internet Security Advocate and Educator, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. To obtain more information and receive a free evaluation, visit him at www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com.