Be Very Afraid - the internet is coming to get you!
Be Very Afraid - the internet is coming to get you!
This week our speaker was club member Dr. Mike Scott who has high-level qualifications in computing, and in recent years has become a guru in cyber security. He has just retired from the Todd Foundation, where he managed their security, and will continue to offer similar services as a consultant.
The technology behind the internet was born in the 1980s, and it came to the notice of the general population about ten years later. Mike’s PhD was a study of the impact it might have in the future. He got most things right, he says, but he underestimated how it could be used by criminal elements and evil-doers.
Mike’s talk was detailed and well-illustrated, and frankly, quite scary. We have become dependent on the internet for much of our communication with the outside world, and we use it in making important decisions and transactions. The risks this creates are horrendous.
Some of the world’s best computing brains, and especially those in rogue nations like Russia, Nigeria, and North Korea, are engaged in nefarious activities, and they collaborate with each other via bulletin boards. Most are intent on stealing your money, but state-sponsored hackers are looking to gain political advantage or disrupt essential services in other countries.
Mike gave some examples of spectacular internet thefts, some of which have run into tens of millions, and the tools and techniques that hackers use to invade our security. These are many and varied and on a personal level, it is a challenge to recognise and counter them.
He recommends a best practice, defence in-depth strategy, in which we use protections provided by our software suppliers and the use of strong passwords. Above all, we should be suspicious of incoming material, especially attachments to emails, and requests for private information even those coming from seemingly legitimate sources.
A very sobering talk from an acknowledged expert in his field.
Don't overthink this riddle...
I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
-
40.6% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
-
57.5% No, I enjoy it
-
1.8% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
