The best way to explain how to choose a good password is to explain how they're broken. The general attack model is what’s known as an offline password-guessing attack. In this scenario, the attacker gets a file of encrypted passwords from somewhere people want to authenticate to. His goal is to turn that encrypted file into unencrypted passwords he can use to authenticate himself. He does this by guessing passwords, and then seeing if they’re correct. He can try guesses as fast as his computer will process them – and he can parallelize the attack – and gets immediate confirmation if he guesses correctly. Yes, there are ways to foil this attack, and that's why we can still have four-digit PINs on ATM cards, but it's the correct model for breaking passwords.

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Monday, December 09, 2013

Has your e-mail password been compromised? Check this out.

From friend Arthur:

Were you caught up in all the recent databases that were compromised (Adobe, Stratfor, Gawker, Yahoo!, Pixel Federation and Sony)? There's a site where you can check your email address(es) to see, since the big companies aren't doing much to help their customers. http://haveibeenpwned.com

Have I been pwned? allows you to search across multiple data breaches to see if your email addresses has been compromised.

Crypto Locker malware ALERT

There is a serious piece of malware called “Crypto Locker” that is being circulated as an email attachment.

Description
If Crypto Locker is successfully installed on a victim’s machine, it will encrypt all the data files stored on the computer’s hard drive.
In addition, the malware will also seek out and encrypt any data files it finds on Windows shared drives and folders. It will also encrypt cloud-based shares such as SkyDrive if you have these shares open on your computer.

Once all the accessible files have been encrypted, the victim’s computer will display a banner screen informing them that their files are encrypted and they have 72 hours to pay a ransom, generally $300, for the key to recover their files. If the ransom is not paid, the files remain encrypted. If no plain-text originals are stored as back-ups, the data contained in the files is irrecoverably lost.

Recent victims were exposed to Crypto Locker when they clicked on email attachments labeled “Remit.zip” with a subject line of “FW: Last Month Remit.”

Prevention
The only effective defense against Crypto Locker is prevention. Please--DO NOT--click on any email attachments, or links in messages, if you have not personally identified and confirmed with the sender that the content is legitimate.

Please exercise great care in this matter as this malware represents a serious threat to organizational and personal information.

The Survey of the Use of Tablet Computers by Academic & Special Libraries

Primary Research Group , ISBN 978-157440-232-2

This special 80+page report is based on data from 78 academic and special libraries and looks closely at how they are using tablet computers. It helps librarians and information technology personnel to answer such questions as: what type of libraries are using tablets? What are they using them for? Which library departments are benefiting most from tablet use? Which brands of tablet are most popular? What are buying plans for the future? What stock of tablets do libraries have and how fast do they plan to expand this stock? How have tablet affected their ebook acquisition plans? What kind of apps do they use or develop for their tablets? Do they loan out tablets to patrons? On what terms? How long can patrons borrow them? Have they had losses due to theft? What is their overall budget for tablets and app development?

Just a few of the report’s many findings are that:
• 34% of the academic libraries in the sample loan out tablets to library patrons.
• Academic libraries in the sample plan to spend a mean of $2,210 on tablet computers in the next year.
• The number of tablets owned by the libraries in the sample ranged from 0 to 34.
• A majority of the libraries preferred the iPad over other brands for its availability of apps, readability and high level of demand from patrons. However, several libraries disliked the iPad because of lack of durability and high price.
• 12% of academic libraries have had a tablet computer stolen or lost by a patron.

A PDF version is available from Primary Research Group for $75.00, and a print version of the report is ready to ship; site licenses are also available. The report is also available through major book distributors and report sellers. To place an order to for a table of contents, list of survey participants and a free excerpt, view our website at www.PrimaryResearch.com or call us at 212-736-2316.

How Do You Define Reading?

From Cheryl Russell, editorial director, New Strategist Publications.

The American Time Use survey, which is taken annually by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, asks Americans what they did minute by minute during the previous 24 hours. Their activities are classified into categories such as "reading for personal interest" and "computer use for leisure." Here's the question: How does the Time Use Survey classify reading a book on an iPad? Is it computer use or reading?

Not a problem, according to the time use experts at the BLS. Computers, they say, are tools for accomplishing other tasks. When respondents report using a computer, the interviewer then asks what they were doing on the computer. If they were reading a newspaper or book on their iPad, the activity is classified as reading, not computer use. Similarly, if they were using their computer to manage their money, the activity is classified as financial management rather than computer use. In fact, the category "computer use for leisure" is nothing more than a residual--what little remains after assigning all possible computer use to other activities...

This is good news because it means the time use survey category "reading for personal interest" is positioned to capture any changes in time spent reading due to e-readers. An increase in reading might be on the way, according to an analysis posted by Read It Later, an app that allows users to save articles on their computers and phones for later reading. The company's data show a spike in iPad reading between 8 and 10 pm--typically television time. Could e-reading compete with television as a prime-time activity? Maybe, but it is not happening yet. Between 2005 and 2009, the average person spent a lot more time watching TV and slightly less time reading. There is one exception, however. Teenagers aged 15 to 19 spent a bit more time reading and a bit less time watching TV. Is this a blip or a sign of things to come?

For more about American time use see New Strategist's American Time Use or visit the ATUS web site.

Chatting With Kids About Being Online

The Federal Trade Commission is offering a FREE publication, "Net Cetera," to help parents talk to their kids about safely navigating the online world.

Net Cetera covers what you need to know, where to go for more information, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online.

OnGuardOnline.gov encourages you to use this guide with your kids, in your school, at your PTA meeting, or anywhere else parents might gather. Feel free to order as many free copies as you'd like, put your own sticker on it, reprint sections in a newsletter or on a website, download a button or link to it, or even reprint it with your own logo. These materials are in the public domain.

Recession drives more Americans to libraries in search of employment resources

...but funding lags demand - April 11, 2010

CHICAGO – When jobs go away, Americans turn to their libraries to find information about future employment or educational opportunities. This library usage trend and others are detailed in the 2010 State of America’s Libraries report, released by the American Library Association. The report shows that Americans have turned to their libraries in larger numbers in recent years.
Since the recession took hold in December 2007, the local library, a traditional source of free access to books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs, has become a lifeline, offering technology training and workshops on topics that ranged from résumé-writing to job-interview skills.
The report shows the value of libraries in helping Americans combat the recession. It includes data from a January 2010 Harris Interactive poll that provides compelling evidence that a decade-long trend of increasing library use is continuing—and even accelerating during economic hard times. This national survey indicates that some 219 million Americans feel the public library improves the quality of life in their community. More than 223 million Americans feel that because it provides free access to materials and resources, the public library plays an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.
And with more businesses and government agencies requiring applicants to apply on line, job-seeking resources are among the most critical and most in demand among the technology resources available in U.S. public libraries. Two-thirds of public libraries help patrons complete online job applications; provide access to job databases and other online resources (88 percent) and civil service exam materials (75 percent); and offer software or other resources (69 percent) to help patrons create résumés and other employment materials.
However, the report also shows that increased library use did not lead to an increase in funding for libraries. Research by the ALA and the Center for Library and Information Innovation at the University of Maryland suggests a “perfect storm” of growing community demand for library services and shrinking resources to meet that demand. While library use soars, a majority of states are reporting cuts in funding to public libraries and to the state library agencies that support them.
Other key trends detailed in the 2010 State of America’s Libraries Report:
• Internet use continues to expand at public libraries, which have seen double-digit growth since 2007 in the on-line services they make available to their patrons. More than 71 percent of public libraries provide their community’s only free public access to computers and the Internet, according to an article in the November 2009 issue of American Libraries. Wireless access also continues to grow and is now offered at more than 80 percent of public libraries.
• Ninety-six percent of Americans feel that school libraries are an essential part of the education experience because they provide resources to students and teachers and because they give every child the opportunity to read and learn. School librarians play a crucial role in “keeping the digital doors open to help young people think about learning beyond the classroom,” according to one authority on online social networking sites. However, funding for school libraries also lags.
• America’s academic libraries are experiencing increased use, both physical and virtual. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports academic libraries have more than 20.3 million visits per week (1.5 million more than two years earlier), answered more than 1.1 million reference questions, and made more than 498,000 presentations to groups. Almost 95 percent of students use their academic library’s website at least once a week, according to one study of students and technology, and nine out of 10 college students surveyed in another study said they turned to libraries “for online scholarly research databases . . . for conducting course-related research, valuing the resources for credible content, in-depth information, and the ability to meet instructors’ expectations.”
• America’s libraries continue their efforts to support minorities and other underserved or disadvantaged populations. The ALA’s Spectrum Scholarship Program, for example, awarded 48 scholarships in 2009 to members of underrepresented groups to help them pursue master’s degrees; and the library community remained committed to sustained efforts on behalf of people with visual and other disabilities and adult English-language learners.
• The library community continues to defend a core value embodied in the First Amendment and the corollary right to receive and consider ideas, information, and images. Librarians nationwide encountered new challenges as a range of individuals and groups sought to have books or other materials removed from public access, and as the federal government debated extending the life of intrusive legislation such as the USA PATRIOT Act.
• Library construction fared better in 2009 than many expected during the recession, especially given the unreliability of funding for programming, materials, and hours. The answer may be that money earmarked years ago was seeing construction through to conclusion. Many of the new libraries and renovations show a timely concern for the environment.
The full text of The State of America’s Libraries, 2010, is available here.

Third of Americans Use Library Computers

A third of Americans -- about 77 million people -- use public library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, do their homework and improve their lives, according to a new study released Thursday.

It confirms what public libraries have been saying as they compete for public dollars to expand their services and high-speed Internet access: library use by the general public is widespread and not just among poor people.

But researchers found that those living below the federal poverty line -- families of four with a household income of $22,000 or less -- had the highest use of library computers. Among those households, 44 percent reported using public library computers and Internet access during the past year.

More here.

Grant Award for NYS Libraries

NEW YORK AWARDED $9.5 MILLION TO EXPAND BROADBAND CAPACITY AT LIBRARIES

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has been awarded $9.5 million in a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to expand computer access in public libraries across New York State. The funding is being provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

The grant will support the State Library’s Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary project to help low-income, unemployed, underemployed, and other vulnerable populations in upstate New York. High unemployment rates, a distressed economy, and a lack of affordable public access to high-speed broadband services, education, training and technical support have been particularly acute in geographically isolated upstate communities. The grant will enable the State Library and its public library partners to purchase equipment to expand the public’s access to computers and teleconferencing.

Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary will provide more than 860 computers in 30 libraries and five mobile training centers across 41 economically distressed upstate New York counties with populations totaling 6,655,824 (2008 census). This grant will allow libraries to extend hours, provide 24/7 access to job search resources, and serve an estimated 50,000 additional users per week system-wide.
A list of partner libraries is found here, and includes Albany Public Library.

New York State Education Commissioner David Steiner said, "Libraries are vital to our communities and our economy. The increased broadband capacity, training and online resources funded through this grant will provide more New Yorkers with access to essential online information for work, healthcare, education, and citizenship as well as E-government resources."

"What librarians and libraries do everyday is vitally important work," said State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Bernard Margolis. "Yet, even though New Yorkers turn to their public libraries more in difficult economic times, libraries themselves have suffered cuts and reductions to their valuable services. This grant will enable our libraries to continue to do critically important work and to expand the opportunities, education, and services that high speed Internet provides to the unserved and underserved in our communities."

The New York State Library, within NYSED, worked with partner libraries throughout the state and the New York State Office of the Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) to submit the proposal for the grant. In order to participate in this matching grant, partner libraries must make an in-kind contribution to support the project. The total in-kind match is $5.4 million.

"CIO/OFT is very proud to continue supporting the innovative Broadbandexpress@yourlibrary project," said Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York State CIO, Director of the Office For Technology, and Chair of the Broadband Development and Deployment Council. "In these tough economic times, access to free resources is critical for New York’s citizens. Many times, computers located in libraries are the only point of broadband contact for many citizens. Those who do not own a computer or have access to the internet often go to the library, where it is available for free. And for those who have never used a computer help is available. These grants will help ensure our libraries can continue to provide high-speed, reliable internet services and digital literacy training programs for our communities."

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, funded by ARRA, provides matching grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. Funded at $4.7 billion, BTOP will also advance ARRA’s objectives to spur job creation and stimulate long-term economic growth and opportunity.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. NTIA plans to announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010.

Service Trends in U.S. Public Libraries, 1997-2007

Washington, DC- The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announces the release of a new research brief, Service Trends in U.S. Public Libraries, 1997-2007. The brief identifies important changes public libraries have made to address patron needs in an increasingly Internet-centric environment and explores service differences in urban and rural communities.

A comparison of more than 11 years of Public Library Survey data suggests that service changes in U.S. public libraries are having an impact on visitation and circulation, as record numbers of people now use public libraries nationwide. Several findings from the survey include:

* The availability of Internet terminals in public libraries rose sharply between 2000 and 2007, increasing by 90 percent on a per capita basis. This dramatic increase is one example of the way U.S. public libraries are expanding their range of services to meet patron demand.
* Between 1997 and 2007, per capita visits to public libraries increased nationwide by 19 percent. During the same period per capita circulation increased by 12 percent. This growth in demand for library services occurred even as people increasingly turned to the Internet to meet other information needs.
* The study identified very different trajectories between urban and rural communities for select service trends, highlighting the importance of local context for identifying patron needs and improving services.

Future research from the Office of Policy, Planning, Research and Communication will examine library services in a variety of different contexts from small towns and remote rural areas to central cities and suburbs. This type of placed-based analysis can provide important insight into the impact libraries have on their communities, while building a stronger, evidence-based platform for planning library services to meet local needs.

To read the research brief please go here.


About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

Study Finds Internet Content Filtering Ineffective, Harmful

Public Knowledge released a landmark analysis (PDF) showing that filtering of Internet content as advocated by big media companies will not work and will be harmful to the Internet.

Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge, said: “Our study, ‘Forcing the Net Through a Sieve: Why Copyright Filtering is Not a Viable Solution for U.S. ISPs,’ examines for the first time the complex topic of content filtering from the technical, economic and legal perspectives. Content filtering fails in all of these tests. Filtering will not be the ‘magic bullet’ that the media moguls want, but it could degrade and alter the Internet for everyone while invading the privacy of every Internet user. There is no reason that any Internet Service Provider or media company should even think about engaging in such activity.”

The report was submitted with Public Knowledge’s reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission (PDF) (FCC) in the proceeding asking for information on how to structure a national broadband plan. Several content-related parties suggested content filtering should be part of such a plan.

Job posting: Computer Support Specialist – Part Time

Albany Public Library is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, experienced professional for the position of Computer Support Specialist. In this position, the Computer Support Specialist will be responsible for set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of library computer and audio-visual equipment in all locations. Trains staff and public in use of library technology. Assists with network support and planning, and maintains network hardware and software documentation. The Computer Support Specialist reports to the Information Technology Manager.

Albany Public Library is an urban library serving a population of 95,000 in the Capital Region of New York State and has a publicly funded budget of $6.4 million and a staff of approximately 75 FTE. Albany Public Library’s $29.1 million Branch Improvement Plan will see the opening of five new or renovated branch library facilities by 2010.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:
This position involves supporting microcomputer systems in a Windows-based networking environment. This position requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, make independent judgments, troubleshoot, seek information, independently follow tasks through to completion, communicate results to staff, and document activities. Familiarity with Windows-based microcomputers, Windows XP/Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite is essential. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Automation Services Librarian. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities (illustrative only):
Configures, installs, maintains and repairs microcomputers; assists staff and public with use of hardware and software as needed; performs server maintenance activities, such as back-ups and updates; helps price, search for, evaluate and select microcomputer and server hardware and software; maintains network documentation and software and hardware inventories; drafts equipment procedures; special projects as assigned.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:
Working knowledge of Windows-based microcomputer hardware and software, including Microsoft Windows XP /Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite; strong communication and organizational skills; good judgment; flexibility; tact and courtesy; strong writing skills; willingness to develop computer skills to keep pace with evolving technologies. Physical condition must be commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field, and three (3) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in computer science or a closely related field, and five (5) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
C. Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

Special Requirements:
1) A valid NYS driver’s license is required at the date of appointment and for the duration of employment.
2) Candidate must possess COMPTIA A+ Computer Technician Certification at the date of appointment and for the duration of employment.

Highly desirable: Experience with virtual computing models, remote software deployment, scripting languages, and group policy management in a Windows Server 2003/2008 network environment.

The salary for this position is $21.75 per hour with some benefits. The schedule is 18.5 hours/week in a combination of daytime, evening and weekend hours as needed. This is a provisional Civil Service position. A Civil Service examination will be required before permanent appointment in accordance with Civil Service laws and rules. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin on August 3, 2009. To apply send resume, letter of interest, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:
Marjorie Reinhart, Human Resources/Finance Manager Albany Public Library
161 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210
reinharm@uhls.lib.ny.us

Education is Best Way for Congress to Address Cyberbullying

If Congress wishes to address cyberbullying through federal legislation, it should focus on education-based approaches instead of criminalization, argue Berin Szoka and Adam Thierer in Cyberbullying Legislation: Why Education is Preferable to Regulation, released this week by The Progress & Freedom Foundation. Criminalizing what is mostly minor-on-minor behavior will not likely solve the age-old problem of kids mistreating each other, a problem that has traditionally been dealt through counseling and rehabilitation at the local level.

Governor David A. Paterson’s Recovery Cabinet to Hold Broadband Stimulus Information Session

March 30, 2009, 1pm – 3pm
Clark Auditorium, Cultural Education Center
Empire State Plaza, Concourse Level
Albany, NY

Governor David A. Paterson’s Recovery Stimulus Cabinet is conducting Information Sessions across the State regarding the provisions of the Recovery Bill. An Information Session on the Broadband Provisions of the Recovery Bills will be jointly hosted by NYS Chief Information Officer and New York State Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) and the NYS Public Service Commission (PSC). Come hear about the Broadband Initiatives funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (“Stimulus”) of 2009. Learn how these provisions align with Governor David A. Paterson’s Universal Broadband Strategy for New Yorkers. This meeting is intended for members in the broadband service provider community, digital literacy training community in the public and private sectors, local/county/state entities, not-for-profit organizations, foundations, schools, community technology centers, libraries and other organizations who provide either Internet services or digital literacy and consumer education programs.

Hear about the two main broadband programs: Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and the Rural Utilities Services Broadband provisions of the Stimulus Bill. Included in the session will be a question and answer segment. Please email your questions no later than 48 hours before the session begins to broadbandstimulus@cio.state.ny.us to enable a productive session.

Invited Parties Include:
· State and local officials and agencies interested in extending Broadband access to their unserved and underserved urban and rural communities;
· Not-for-profit organizations interested in deploying Broadband access to the populations they serve;
· Libraries, educational and research institutions, foundations or digital literacy education programs interested in building out broadband infrastructure or providing digital literacy training programs to increase broadband demand and adoption; and
· Broadband service providers interested in partnering with other public and private organizations and companies to accelerate the build out of broadband infrastructures and training programs which will create jobs.

To Make A Reservation: Please make your reservation to attend by sending an email to: broadbandstimulus@cio.state.ny.us . With limited space, the state is asking each organization to limit the number of attendees to no more than four, as a courtesy, to allow more organizations to participate in the first of a series of information sessions.

For Additional Information and Stimulus Resources: Please continue to monitor Governor David A. Paterson’s Recovery website at: www.recovery.ny.gov. Mail your prepared questions to broadbandstimulus@cio.state.ny.us or use the toll free broadband stimulus number at 1-866-322-5787.

Project Information Literacy

Project Information Literacy is national research project, based in the University of Washington’s Information School. We are currently collecting data from early adults enrolled in community colleges, pubic colleges and universities, and private colleges and universities in the U.S.

Its goal is to understand how early adults conceptualize and operationalize research activities for course work and 'everyday use' and especially how they resolve issues of credibility, authority, relevance, and currency in the digital age.

Progress Report February, 2009 (14 pages; PDF)

Online v. print reading: which one makes us smarter?

It’s no mystery that publications have been taking a beating as more and more people read their news on the Net. But there’s a catch. The online info may be instant and abundant — and in many cases free — but it may come at a cost, says a new study published in the Journal of Research in Reading.

McAfee Experiment on Spam

McAfee, Inc. released the results of its S.P.A.M. (Spammed Persistently All Month) Experiment, in which 50 people from around the world surfed the Web unprotected for 30 days. By taking part in the experiment, participants were given permission to go where most Internet users would not dare, in order to discover how much spam they would attract and what the effects would be.

Norton Online Living Report

The Norton Online Living Report "gives a snapshot of how different cultures and different countries approach the Internet and provides insight into how their daily lives are affected by the online world. All the data is constantly changing and will be updated in further iterations of this first bi-annual report."

APL Computer Camp

Check out the Albany Public Library Computer Camp 2008, a free day camp for kids ages 9 to 13. Register your child for one of two sessions: July 7th - 18th, or August 4th - 15th. Both sessions are held at the Main Library, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Registration forms may be filled out in the Children's Room. Call 427-4310 for more information. Space is limited.

So many Free Computer Classes to choose from!

Choose from Introduction to the Internet at Main on Wednesday February 6th at 10:30 or Open Lab at North Albany on Wednesdays, February 20th & 27th.