Would Equifax ignore a warning like this?

http://www.securityweek.com/critical-flaw-found-siemens-smart-meters

Critical Flaw Found in Siemens Smart Meters

Siemens’ 7KT PAC1200 multichannel measuring devices, part of the company’s SENTRON energy management portfolio, are designed to allow customers to monitor energy consumption. The product uses sensors to collect data that can be viewed via a desktop web browser or mobile applications for Android and iOS.

Researcher Maxim Rupp discovered that the product’s integrated web server, which is accessible on TCP port 80, has a vulnerability that allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication using an alternate path or channel. An attacker can exploit the security hole to access the web interface and perform administrative operations.

… Siemens has advised customers to update their products to version 2.03 and secure network access to the web server.

Illustrating why password security isn’t enough…

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3041302/security/4-new-ways-to-bypass-passcode-lock-screen-on-iphones-ipads-running-ios-9.html?google_editors_picks=true

Easy way to bypass passcode lock screens on iPhones, iPads running iOS 11

With iOS 11, you can still bypass the iPhone lock screen and trick Siri into getting into a person's phone. The bypass is the same as it was in the earlier version of the operating system

...and the future of AI?

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3230132/mobile-wireless/google-s-clips-camera-offers-a-snapshot-of-things-to-come.html

Google’s Clips camera offers a snapshot of things to come

Pixel-branded smartphones, two Google Home devices, a new Pixelbook laptop, new earbuds called Pixel Buds, and a consumer camera called Google Clips.

Of all the new Google products announced, Google Clips is the most interesting by far — which is to say that it represents the most interesting trend. This consumer device represents the future of enterprise A.I.

… Clips is a 12-megapixel camera.

Google Clips uses artificial intelligence (A.I.) to choose when to take pictures. To “use” the camera, you twist the lens to get it started, place it somewhere, then forget about it.

It learns familiar faces, then favors those people (and pets!) when deciding when to take pictures. It looks for smiles and action, novel situations and other criteria. It discards blurry shots.

Each time it takes pictures, it captures a burst of photos at 15 frames per second, which you can use or edit as a GIF or from which you can cherry-pick your favorite still photographs.

I probably need one.

http://taskandpurpose.com/finally-actual-physical-vet-cards-will-issued-veterans-apply-starting-november/

Finally: Actual, Physical Vet Cards Will Be Issued To Veterans Who Apply Starting In November

… The law, which was originally sponsored by Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, orders the VA to issue a hard-copy photo ID to any honorably discharged veteran who applies for one. Currently, only veterans enrolled in the VA health-care system or who receive retirement pay have photo ID cards.

“Goods, services and promotional activities are often offered by public and private institutions to veterans who demonstrate proof of service in the military, but it is impractical for a veteran to always carry Department of Defense form DD-214 discharge papers to demonstrate such proof,” the law states.

… The cards will be available free of charge to any honorably discharged veteran who applies for one online via the VA website; however, a VA official told Military.com that the department has yet to finalize a “timeline for how long it will take to receive a card” once the application is sent in. Given the VA’s reputation for being a well-oiled paperwork processing super machine, I think it’s safe to assume that the turnaround time will be lightning fast. [Might be a bit of sarcasm there… Bob]

An article for the birds.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2017/10/national-audubon-society.html#.WdjLyzJrzYA

National Audubon Society Offers Great Educational Resources

The mission of the National Audubon Society is to, "Protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas, using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation." Their beautiful website is full of resources that could be used in a variety of subjects and with students of all ages.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Binocular guide- provides tips on selecting binoculars as well as a guide to identify birds in the field.
• News- numerous articles that focus on science.
• Ideas for how to get involved and help be an advocate for birds.
• Live bird webcams from around the United States.
• Education page with information on different nature camps for kids.
• Tips and tricks for photographing birds.
• Bird Guide with beautiful illustrations as well as bird calls for hundreds of different birds.

If you want to see more posts about birds make sure you check out Wall of Birds and an Interactive Mural of Birds.