The semester is over!

The end of my fourth semester at Flagler College has come and all I can say is, thank goodness! Now sitting in the winter wonderland that is my hometown Geneva, Illinois, I am reflecting on everything I learned, and hoping most of the information stuck. 

Next semester will be my last, I am finally graduating and will be thrown into "the real world," and to be honest, I cannot wait. I am enrolled in some fun and tough classes I need to complete my communication major and art history minor, and will be the marketing intern at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida. 

It's going to be busy, but fun, and I can't wait. I will be posting some of the pieces I have written the past semester as soon as I can. 

I wish everyone has a safe holiday! 

Podcast number 2

I think I'm getting better, but you let me know!

Big thanks to Amy and the Prime Directive for letting me use their music!

Podcast

Privacy on the Internet (Wysocki told me to #4)

New Facebook “super-logoff,” a term coined by Michael Ducker, trend is a sign that many are wary of the protection of their private information provided by the internet. According to CNN.com, some are deactivating their Facebook pages instead of simply closing the browser or logging off the site.

It’s not incredibly difficult, all one has to do is click on deactivate, choose a reason then continue with their internet routine. When the page is deactivated, it is impossible for others to search for the person, post to the wall or tag them in photos. But, the account preserves all of the users wall posts, photos, connections, etc.

The trend, spotted by danah boyd, Microsoft researcher and social media expert, gives privacy minded people complete control of their online presence. While the physical person is offline, so is the cyber being.

“This is a great risk reduction strategy if you’re worried about people who might look and misinterpret. Or people who might post something that would get you into trouble,” boyd mentioned on her blog.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a donor-supported membership organization working to protect fundamental rights based in San Diego, discussed the future of internet privacy at the UN Internet Governance Forum, where civil society, industry and technical communities discussed key aspects of Internet governance issues.

Some of the points they covered were: government access to citizens’ private communications and related records, protection of data stored for a user by a provider such as Hotmail and Google Docs and better protection for traffic data.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Obama administration recently announced they are preparing a stepped-up approach to policing internet privacy including new laws and the creation of a new position to oversee the effort.

“The initiatives would mark a turning point in Internet policy. Recent administrations typically steered away from Internet regulations out of concern for stifling innovation. But the increasingly central role of personal information in the Internet economy helped spark government action.” – Watchdog Planned for Online Privacy, Julia Angwin, Wall Street Journal

The internet is not as safe as we think it is. As soon as you post it, your information is available to millions. And, they can do as they please with it. Maybe those who “super log-off” are on to something.

All is fair in love and war, especially when it's digitized (Wysocki told me to #3)

Cyber-warfare is the new threat to our nation that many are over looking. Mainly because, like me, they have no idea what it is and what it could be. There are so many things a person could do from/to a computer, what falls under this term?

Michael Hayden, retired Air Force general and former CIA director said, “We are a bit sloppy with our language. We throw the phrase ‘cyber-war’ at anything uncomfortable on the web.”

According to the Wikipedia entry, cyber-warfare, as defined by Richard A. Clarke, government security expert, is"actions by a nation-state to penetrate another nation's computers or networks for the purposes of causing damage or disruption." (This definition can be found in Clarke's book, Cyber War.)

An example of cyber-warfare is in 2007, Estonia suffered a succession of denial-of-service assaults which shut down banking systems and government systems. Some believed the Russians were behind the attacks, others believe they were the work of an online flashmob. James Appathurai, NATO spokesperson, said the organization has been giving Estonia technical help.

"In the 21st century, it's not just about tanks and artillery." -Appathurai

To protect our country from these digital attacks, the Army Forces have created Cyber Command, responsible for protecting Army information networks from threats around the globe. 

"The mission for ARFORCYBER is to direct the operation and defense of all Army networks, and, on order, conduct full spectrum operations in support of our combatant commanders and coalition partners." -Maj. Gen. Steven W. Smith, director of the Army Cyberspace Task Force. 

The command will operate in the cyber world, which includes devices such as laptops, desktops, routers, servers, network switches and short and long distance connections between Army information systems. Not only will it monitor digital data for possible threats, but it will teach soldiers "good network hygiene."

"Our biggest problem is... the digital natives who are very comfortable with with YouTube and other things who don't understand the threats behind it," said Maj. Gen. George J. Allen. "That's not their fault - that's our fault. It's a matter of educating them."

Smith said the command is a 24/7 operation and is the front line of defense for defending the Army network worldwide. The 21 thousand person command uses existing facilities and manpower. A statement from the Department of Defense states, "the department will continue to grow to the capacity and the capability essential to operate and defend our networks effectively." 

The Digital Divide (Wysocki Told Me To: Post #2)

For many of us it is hard to think of our lives without technology. Think about it. When was the last time you spent a day without your cell phone, laptop, iPad, iPod, etc? How much would our lives change without the ease and speed of gathering information from the internet?

For many, this is the case. There are entire areas in the world that have little to no access to the technologies we take for granted. In the United States, 40 percent of homes do not have broadband, 30 percent of these homes are in areas where internet is not available at all. (Survey: 40 percent in U.S. have no broadband)


There are many factors contributing to the lack of technology usage such as: demographics, age, gender, race and employment status. According to The Digital Nation, research results published by the NTIA,

"Persons with high incomes, those who are younger, Asians and Whites, the more highly-educated, married couples, and the employed tend to have higher rates of broadband use at home. Conversely, persons with low incomes, seniors, minorities, the less-educated, non-family households, and the non-employed tend to lag behind other groups in home broadband use."

The lack of internet usage and availability in these areas is attracting the attention of many organizations and political figures/campaigns. The technologies these areas are lacking effects their education and job opportunities, along with their social and political awareness.

"One key to strengthening education, entrepreneurship, and innovation in communities… is to harness the full power of the Internet, and that means faster and more widely available broadband."
   -President Barack Obama, September 21, 2009, in Troy New York

The Digital Divide, the gap between people with effective access to information technologies and those with limited to no access, needs to be closed. The benefits are not only for those who would be getting access, but it would eventually effect the nation.

"Widespread access is critical to America’s future as the world’s economic leader because of its impact on increasing our productivity, global competitiveness, and improving Americans’ quality of life – through economic growth and development, job creation, national security, telemedicine, distance learning, public safety, civic engagement, and telework."
    -The Digital Nation, NTIA.

I got an internship!

Well, kind of. I was asked to be the head of public relations for a new movement/organization: This is a Good Sign.

It is just starting up and there is a lot of work to be done! Not only am I helping with the PR, but I am helping develop the business. I am so excited to be a part of this.

Check out our first blog post: Peace, love, Good Signs: A little introduction.

If you have any suggestions for the blog, organization or maybe a little advice I would love to hear it!

First attempt at Podcasting

My Podcast

Enjoy!

Music by: Budda Bar, Cafe Del Mar Vol. 1