Monday, October 28, 2019

As  America’s Electricity Grid Has Become More Digitized With More Web-based Smart Meters And Devices, Cybercriminals Have Targeted The  Energy Sector As An Attractive Target

The  biggest U.S. government-owned electric utility with seven nuclear  reactors, 29 hydroelectric dams, and service to the Oak Ride nuclear  weapons arsenal — is one of the richest potential targets for  cyberterrorists. The Tennessee Valley Authority Chattanooga Office  Complex has a small army of computer specialists work around the clock  to protect the utility against cyberhacks by scanning email messages,  twitter feeds, and network activity looking to spot any signs of  cyberthreats. The 60-employee cybersecurity division monitors more than 1  billion activities a day across different digital platforms in TVA’s  7-state region while also keeping in contact with government and private  watchdog agencies for signs of possible cyberthreats from around the  globe to the electric grid. As a government-owned utility, TVA is  subject to more regulation and review than most investor-owned  utilities, in part, because government identities are regarded as more  of a potential target for state-sponsored terrorists wishing to attack  the United States. (GovTech)

It’s not a question of if the U.S. is headed towards a recession, but when

According  to some economists, Americans appear unprepared for the threat of a  possible downturn. About 40% of people in the U.S. say they are “somewhat prepared”  for a recession if it were to happen within the next year, according to  a new survey, while 16% say they’re not at all prepared. Experts  recommend preparing while the economy is on “firm footing,” i.e., households should try and pay off debt and boost emergency savings. (Bank Rate)

Bottled water profits are drying up

The  bottled-water market has matured in recent years as sparkling and  flavored waters slurp up sales and the burgeoning backlash against  single-use plastic grows. Although panned for “bottling a drink readily available from the tap,”  makers had shrewdly wrung profits out of consumers curtailing their  consumption of sugary drinks. But Nestlé, the world’s largest  bottled-water company, witnessed a 2.2% decline in water sales volumes  this year. It will now restructure its water division and install new  leadership focused on local markets. (Food Dive)

Indiana Is Home to the Latest National Guard Cyberbattalion

Indianapolis,  Ind., will be the site of the U.S. Army National Guard’s fifth  cyberbattalion, an elite team of roughly 100 soldiers focused on  cyberwarfare and cybersecurity, the state’s governor announced. The 127th Cyber Protection Battalion will be the fifth segment of  the 91st Cyber Brigade, whose other battalions are located in South  Carolina, Virginia and Massachusetts, said Gov. Eric Holcomb in a  statement. Indiana, which houses a number of large military facilities,  is home to the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, where the new  cyberteam will have the opportunity to use the Department of Defense’s  full-scale cyber-range — a training tool that uses “realistic  simulations with live environments” to simulate computer warfare,  according to the governor’s office. The state also noted that the  training and education provided to soldiers by the National Guard helps  to create “a stronger civilian workforce as cyber security jobs are in high demand.”  (GovTech)

A Pennsylvania school district is set to drop a hefty sum on a brand-new gender-neutral changing facility for students

Garden  Spot High School in New Holland will eliminate traditional boys and  girls locker rooms with the $2.4 million project. Renovations are  expected to be completed by December 2020. The renovation project will  include four “zones” that will make up a total of 48 private changing  rooms and 76 private showers. The showers will also double as changing  rooms when not in use. The board insisted that they are intent on going  above and beyond providing “reasonable accommodations” and striving to provide students with “extraordinary accommodations.” The board added that while the project “involves a significant investment,” it is a “worthwhile one that will serve the students, coaches, and the school for many years to come.” (WTXF TV)

US sues California over Quebec

The  U.S. government is taking aim at another of California’s plans to  combat climate change, filing a lawsuit against the state over its pact  with Quebec to cut carbon emissions. The Justice Department argues  California failed to receive congressional approval before entering an  international cap-and-trade program with the Canadian province in 2013.  The move follows a California lawsuit against the administration for  reversing the state’s authority to set rules on tailpipe emissions.  Quebec Premier said the province could “continue alone” if required. (CBC)

Leaving home to be happy at work

The  key to finding contentment and fulfillment in the workplace may be  moving abroad. A new MetLife employee study focusing on 2,675 full-time  staffers found satisfaction among 91% of those working overseas or who  were foreigners in the U.S. on a work visa, compared with 73% of locals.  Expatriates often hold their employer in higher regard than those who  don’t leave their hometowns, as workplaces can offer newcomers a  foundation of stability and a budding sense of community. (Metlife)

A Michigan Couple Made An Unbelievable Discover In Their Front Yard Of Their Home

At approximately 8:45 a.m. Saturday (10/26) morning, the couple were about to let their horses out when they heard a loud crash. The couple’s dogs began to bark so they headed to the front yard of their home believing someone would be there. What they saw next was shocking as they realized that a satellite had crashed in their front yard. They called 911 and then a phone number listed on the Samsung Selfie Satellite, which still appeared to be operating. Not only did the satellite fall in the front yard of the home located near the Gratiot and Saginaw County line, a second piece described as a large balloon fell a few miles away. The balloon fell into some power lines leaving those in the area without power and closing an area road. Representatives from Samsung came to the home and collected the debris. The Samsung Selfie Satellite appears to be part of a campaign launched this past week titled “SpaceSelfie”. Samsung Electronics unveiled the world’s first space selfie which was captured during an event filled with celebrities, according to the company’s press release. The company says this was the first of many in their mission to give everyone a shot a having their face in space. (Detroit Free Press)

Monday Rescues Us With:

• Birth of the Bab
• Champagne Day
• National Chocolate Day
• St. Jude’s Day
• World Stroke Day