-
Pay attention to the human element in IT security
As far as information security is concerned, even the world’s best technological solution cannot replace a piece of paper –- the company security policy
-
-
Organizational security: Alion takes stock and offer remedies
Organizations which take their security seriously want to evaluate continuously their security situation and security policies; often they also must see that they are in compliance with government security mandates; serious organizations should take a look at Alion’s CounterMeasures
-
-
Canada's increasingly worried about Arctic vulnerabilities
The Arctic has immense oil reserves and mineral wealth, but Canada has been slow to protect its northern sovereignty; this becomes even more important as receding Arctic ice makes Canada’s northern frontier more accessible to uninvited guests
-
-
China, India to drive global energy growth
If current energy consumption trends continue, global energy consumption could increase well over 50 percent by 2030; global carbon dioxide emissions from energy use would increase by 57 percent
-
-
2007 Maritime Security Expo: Security challenges, business opportunities
The U.S. maritime transportation system — ports, ships, warehouses, access roads — is vast and sprawling; securing this system offers many opportunities for security-related businesses for two reasons: It is essential to the welfare and national security of the United States, and many of its nodes are vulnerable to attack and disruption
-
-
Corporate e-mail authentication battle royal: IP-based vs. signature-based
There are two categorical approaches to corporate e-mail security: Path- or IP-based focuses on where the message originated and evaluates the network path traversed by the e-mail; cryptographic methods look at who sent the message
-
-
Penn State researchers increase data transmission rate of copper cables
Nittany Lions electrical engineers show it is possible to increase the data transmission of Category-7 copper cables used to connect computers to each other and the Internet
-
-
Chinese espionage "single greatest risk" to U.S. technology sector
China’s disregard of intellectual property law is a matter of record; European governments are increasingly alarmed by Chinese intelligence engaging in massive industrial espionage campaign on behalf of Chinese companies; now, congressional panel warns of dire consequences to U.S. technology sector from sustained, sophisticated Chinese espionage campaign
-
-
U.K. uses new law to force hand-over of encryption keys
In October 2007 Parliament passed a law allowing authorities to force people to hand over encryption keys to data stored on their private computers; an animal rights activist is among first to be ordered to hand over encryption keys for her computer, which was seized in May
-
-
U.S. power grid remains vulnerable
As was the case with the chemical industry, the lobbyists for the utilities have blocked meaningful reform and left the North American power grid exceedingly vulnerable
-
-
More questions than answers in South Africa's nuclear facility attack
What was the purpose of the two coordinated, “military-style” attacks on South Africa’s Pelindaba nuclear facility last week? The answer may lie in the facility’s history: Two decades ago the apartheid regime used it to produce six operational nuclear bombs; were the intruders after bomb-making records, blueprints, and computer files?
-
-
Britain launches broad homeland defense plan
Gordon Brown offers details of new homeland defense initiative, increasing the security budget from £2.5 billion to £3.5 billion by 2011, placing emphasis on protecting venues where crowds gather; budget includes £400 million for fighting radicalization abroad
-
-
Major conference on illicit nuclear trafficking to open next week
The IAEA next week will hold a major conference on illegal possession and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials; in 1995 the IAEA established the Illicit Trafficking Database; to date, it has received reports on approximately 1,250 incidents
-
-
Teenager drills a hole in ammonia pipeline, forcing evacuation
Three teenagers believed money was hidden in 6-inch-diameter ammonia pipeline, so they drilled a hole in it; cloud of amonia forces evacuation, road closure
-
-
DOE completes final environmental impact study of FutureGen
Project for cleanest coal power plant in the world clears another hurdle; FutureGen, a 275-megawatt power plant, will begin construction in 2009 and go on line in 2012; cost will be shared: $620 million by DOE, $250 million by coal mining and power industry companies
-
The long view
Helping Strengthen America’s Critical Infrastructure
Everyday life depends on a robust infrastructure network that provides access to running water, communications technology and electricity, among other basic necessities. The experts who keep our national infrastructure secure and resilient also need a strong network to share their knowledge and train the next generation of professionals capable of solving complex infrastructure challenges.
AI and the Future of the U.S. Electric Grid
Despite its age, the U.S. electric grid remains one of the great workhorses of modern life. Whether it can maintain that performance over the next few years may determine how well the U.S. competes in an AI-driven world.
Using Liquid Air for Grid-Scale Energy Storage
New research finds liquid air energy storage could be the lowest-cost option for ensuring a continuous power supply on a future grid dominated by carbon-free but intermittent sources of electricity.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems: A Promising Source of Round-the-Clock Energy
With its capacity to provide 24/7 power, many are warming up to the prospect of geothermal energy. Scientists are currently working to advance human-made reservoirs in Earth’s deep subsurface to stimulate the activity that exists within natural geothermal systems.
Experts Discuss Geothermal Potential
Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from within Earth—the term comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). It is an energy source that has the potential to power all our energy needs for billions of years.