Self-Supplied Security

Norton, McAfee, and Avast, OH MY!!!!!  I've installed my share of operating systems and it still appalls me how much slower my machine runs after installing anti-virus software.  Once done with that, there's the hundreds of Windows Security Updates.  Then, finally I get to start using my computer only to have to type in different passwords for every website I go to.  Modern computer security is a downright pain to maintain.

Anti-virus systems have managed to succeed to a small degree though.  Gone are the days of root-kits, trojans, and worms aiming to drag the internet community to a standstill.  Sure there are a few impressive attacks still, but those are usually aimed at disabling Iranian nuclear facilities or the like.  If your job is something other than maintaining centrifuges at a controversial nuclear facility, you can be fairly confident that Symantec, or your choice of software security provider, will be there to guard you from the worst of it.

We are not home-free yet.  With more secure computers and connections than ever before, society has begun to trust the internet more than is wise.  Facebook is notorious for having more information available to strangers than its users prefer.  Google docs open up a world of collaboration, but can quickly be compromised if too many people get access.  Society needs to catch up to the Open Source community, thinking about everything carefully before posting it to the world, and being careful who can make changes.  Ultimately this boils down to 3 things:

1) Be careful what you put online.
2) Use caution when sharing passwords
3) Change default settings to allow only what access you want to share

With these precautions, you can remove yourself as a target of opportunity for the next prowler.

Firefighters From the Future

Firefighters are underrated.  They are seen as heroes and are honored every parade, but how often do we consider that every time a fireman goes to work, he might not come home?  Wildfire Fighters save lives, homes, businesses, and the environment, by predicting where elusive flames will blaze up next.  Fortunately, researchers at BYU are developing methods to improve this deadly guesswork.  While studying how fast a leaf will burn, these scientists are also giving their protection and gratitude to our brave guardians.  Next time you meet a firefighter, do the same.  Our heroes deserve our thanks, regardless of who catches me with illegal fireworks next July 4th.