Reflections on Session 5

I found it fascinating the changes in the types of potential security breaches students mention from semester to semester. In past classes, the issues surrounded viruses, spyware, worms, and other malware. During the past semester, the postings were on wireless issues (lack of encryption), server security, patch management, laptop (data-at-rest)and thumbdrive security, social engineering, shoulder surfing, tailgating, identity theft, and dumpster diving. This semester again wireless issues and thumbdrive security seems to be the major concern. But I am pleasantly surprised that physical security issues (tailgating, improper key duplication and social engineering) and CAC card problems seemed to garner the most attention. This reflects a broader perspective of security beyond the intrusions from the World Wide Web.

Some students think that because of the exercise on alternatives to passwords, I am implying that passwords should be replaced totally. No, I am in favor of a two-factor authentication which typically includes a password or a PIN particularly when dealing with portal entry. I am disappointed with passwords themselves which are long, complex and impossible to memorize. And they say not to write it down. There MUST be a better system. I'm glad a few of you mentioned PassFaces but that is still vulnerable to shoulder surfing!

Oh, yes, MISS RAMBO says...

Reflections on Session 4

Students are getting "in the groove" (to use an archaic term) with the course. The discussion threads are full of insightful comments and exchanges, the current events postings are timely and stimulating to read and the mini-projects reflects significant thought by the students. Most students are keeping up with their blogs. Hey this is what graduate school is all about!

I had to e-mail a handful of students, though, for not submitting "value-added" postings but they were in the minority. They were able to post re-writes well before the deadline...but starting next week -- no more Mr. Nice Guy! I probably won't send e-mail if your posting is deficient.

There is no perfect web site (except mine :-) ) so Zillow reflects a number of flaws but represents where we are going when it comes to the web. Self reporting, integrating and re-packaging data, and collaboration are features of most new web sites.

Keep up the good work, gang! Groovy!

Reflections on Session 3

Students posted some very unique next-generation telecommunications devices. The trend among the submissions was human implantations -- under the skin, in the eye and in the ear. This really should not be a surprise...after all some folks have pacemakers, artificial limbs and VeriChip. Other trends include converged functionality: small form factor, wireless, MP3, and GPS technologies. This is the world of "mash-ups" where different technologies are married together to create a new application. The classic one is the mash-up of cell phones and GPS technology.

Except for Sarah's illustrations, another trend was that many students are awful artists! I'm REALLY glad this is not an art class.

I remember when I was a kid there were matchbooks with offers to take drawing lessons by mail. I wonder if these companies are still around. Some of the students could use their services!



I am pleased with the students' topic selections. Frankly, I wish students could write on 2 or even 3 of the topics they proposed. But I am satisfied with the final selections -- these should be very informative for both the students and myself. You see, students will post their papers in a conference for everyone to view. We are in a collaborative, sharing environment in our virtual classroom!

Ms. Rambo's Blog

Reflections on Session 2

I am glad to see that we have an imaginative group of students in the class. The diary assignment revealed that! Here are just a few of the creative thoughts that came up:

Laser shower
GPS car-crash avoidance system
Waterless shower
Aero car
Health sensor (just like Bones)
DNA sampling
MP7
Touch TV Screen
Virtual assistant
Retina scan for authorization
Multi-purpose and secure PDA's
Smart kitchen
Holographic ads
Nano-bots
Instant video messagingFred the Robot
Voice Recognition Car
Holographic tables
10 Terabyte PDA's
Quantum servers
Integration across systems
All-Access Device
Wireless entertainment system
Wallpaper TV
Cloned bosses
Computer control by thought
Digital textbooks
GooHoo (Google + Yahoo)
Organic solar panels
Hyper-bikes
100 core processors
OLED
Auto dresser
Cyber-wife
Kitchen digital assistant
Wireless Base Launch
Imbedded RFID chips
3-D holograhics
20-core processor

One of my favorite sayings is "Imagination is more important than Knowledge." Reflect on that statement a few minutes because it is very profound. Without imagination, our society would not have advanced at all.

BTW, that saying came from Al...

P.S. Humor is also important!