ABC News uses iCloud to track a stolen iPad to TSA officer's home

ABC News uses iCloud to track a stolen iPad to TSA officer’s home
By Daniel Eran Dilger
An investigation into frequent thefts at American airport security
screening checkpoints resulted in a stolen iPad being tracked to a TSA
officer’s home, using Apple’s ‘Find My Phone’ iCloud service. [SNIP]
http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/09/27/abc-news-uses-icloud-to-track-a-stolen-ipad-to-tsa-officers-home

Cyber Attacks on Banks Expose U.S. Infrastructure Vulnerability

September 27, 2012 10:44PM ET | Bloomberg
(Bloomberg) — Cyber attacks on the biggest U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co.and Wells Fargo & Co., have breached some of the nation’s most advanced computer defenses and exposed the vulnerability of its infrastructure, said cybersecurity specialists tracking the assaults.
Bank Attacks
The group started almost two weeks ago with test attacks that triggered multiple alerts. The assault on financial firms began last week, starting with JPMorgan, Citigroup Inc. and Charlotte, North Carolina-based Bank of America Corp., moving successively this week to Wells Fargo, U.S. Bancorp and yesterday, PNC Financial Services Group Inc.
If the financial industry, which spends more on Internet security than any other industry and has its largest and most extensive defenses, can’t handle this, it’s not clear whether any critical-infrastructure industry can, the analysts said
The U.S. Senate last month failed to advance comprehensive cybersecurity legislation and the administration is contemplating using the executive order because it’s not certain that Congress can pass a cybersecurity bill, the officials said.
Inadequate Defenses
That hackers telegraphed their intentions and targets shows the difficulty industries and governments face in keeping up with fast-moving network threats, said Atif Mushtaq, senior staff scientist with FireEye Inc., a Milipitas, California-based security firm.
“They had already declared they would hit these banks at these times, and still we are seeing that these banks are not able to handle these DDoS attacks,” Mushtaq said. “It’s clear that the current infrastructure under the control of these banks is not good enough.”
There’s no sign the attacks are going to stop, Alperovitch and Joffe said.
A broader or more sustained denial of service attack could shake consumer confidence in the banking industry, Joffe said.
Bad Timing
“If banking infrastructure was affected in this way for an extended period of time, the natural outcome of that is a loss of faith,” he said. “If you can’t get to your banking site for three or four hours on a day when you have to do things, you start thinking about what are my alternatives because this might happen again.”
The banking industry worries about an organization with more resources launching attacks, said Ed Powers, head of security and private issues for U.S. financial firms at Deloitte & Touche LLP.
“This is coming toward the end of the month; it’s badly timed,” Joffe said. “People have to pay bills today and tomorrow.”
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[ECP] Educational CyberplayGround NetHappenings News Letter

Subscribe to NetHappenings
1. Foreign Policy: The Cuban Missile Crises
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/cubanmissilecrisis
2. The Bostonian Society: Mapping Revolutionary Boston
http://www.bostonhistory.org/sub/mappingrevolutionaryboston/
3. National Science Foundation: Nanoscience
http://www.nsf.gov/news/overviews/nano/index.jsp
4. Smithsonian Science
http://smithsonianscience.org/
5. The Wisconsin Oneida Language Preservation Project
http://uwdc.library.wisc.edu/collections/Oneida
6. National Resource Center for Materials Technology Education
http://www.materialseducation.org/
7. Environmental Health Risk Assessment
http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/healthrisk/index.html
8. The Landscape Architect’s Guide to Washington, D.C.
http://www.asla.org/guide/
9. Vermont Historical Society
http://www.vermonthistory.org/
10. Center for Financial Services Innovation
http://cfsinnovation.com/
11. Buffalo Architecture Foundation Building Stories Collection
http://ubdigit.buffalo.edu/cdm/search/collection/LIB-APL001
12. Dwell
http://www.dwell.com/
13. Fire & Ice: Hindenburg and Titanic
http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/fireandice/index.html
14. Writer
https://writer.bighugelabs.com/
15. Picisto
http://www.picisto.com/

[ECP] Educational CyberPlayGround K12 Newsletter: NASA Education

NASA Education

[ECP] Educational CyberPlayGround K12 Newsletter

REGISTER NOW — REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPT. 28 — Zero Robotics High School Tournament 2012
Audience: 9-12 Educators and Students
Registration Deadline: Sept. 28, 2012
Free Education Webinar Series from the Aerospace Education Services Project
Audience: K-12 Educators
Event Dates: Various Dates During October 2012
Solar System Ambassadors Program Accepting Applications
Audience: All Educators
Application Deadline: Sept. 30, 2012
2012-2013 National Student Solar Spectrograph Competition
Audience: Higher Education Educators and Students
Deadline to register and apply for build awards: Sept. 30, 2012
Engineering Design Challenge: Water Filtration Web Seminar
Audience: Physics Teachers and Informal Educators
Event Date: Oct. 2, 2012
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Remote Sensing Ices on Mars Web Seminar
Audience: 8-12 and Informal Educators
Event Date: Oct. 4, 2012
Celebrate World Space Week
Audience: All Educators
Event Date: Oct. 4-10, 2012
NASA’s Digital Learning Network Celebrates World Space Week Special Events Featuring Curiosity!
Audience: Grades 5-12
Event Dates: Oct. 4-10, 2012
Celebrate World Space Week With Free Education Webinars from the Aerospace Education Services Project
Audience: K-12 Educators
Event Dates: Oct. 4-9, 2012
2013 Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
Audience: 9-12 Students
Application Deadline: Nov. 2, 2012
NASA Sponsors Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem — It’s How You Look at It
Audience: All Educators and Students
Visit Website for Regional Competition Dates
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

REGISTER NOW — REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPT. 28 — Zero Robotics High School Tournament 2012

NASA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s, or MIT’s, Space Systems Laboratory are proud to announce that the next Zero Robotics High School Tournament will take place this fall, offering high school students the opportunity to design experiments that will be tested in space.
Zero Robotics challenges high school student teams to write their own algorithms to fly the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites, or SPHERES. The competition starts online where teams compete to solve an annual challenge guided by mentors. Students can create, edit, share, save, simulate and submit code, all from a Web browser. After several phases of virtual competition, finalists are selected to compete in a live championship aboard the International Space Station!
Teams may register now:
1) Go to http://zerorobotics.mit.edu/.
2) Log In or Create an Account. (Note: You can start programming in the online integrated development environment at this point!)
3) Click “Tournaments” and register for the High School Tournament.
4) Create a team and invite other users.
5) Visit Resources to get started.
Registration closes on Sept. 28, 2012. Visit the site now to create an account and join the competition!
The Zero Robotics High School Tournament 2012 is brought to you by NASA and DARPA, and facilitated by the MIT Space Systems Laboratory, TopCoder and Aurora Flight Sciences.
To see a promotional video for the competition, visit http://www.youtube.com/roboticsinspace.
Please email any questions about this opportunity to ze**********@mi*.edu.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Free Education Webinar Series from the Aerospace Education Services Project
The Aerospace Education Services Project is presenting a series of free webinars throughout October 2012. All webinars can be accessed online. Join aerospace education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources to bring NASA into your classroom.
I’m Signed up for NEON — Now What? (Grades K-12)
Sept. 29, 2012, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. EDT
Aerospace education specialist Anne Weiss will introduce participants to basic features of the NASA Educators Online Network, or NEON, professional/collaborative learning community. Participants will also learn how to use NEON to find appropriate NASA standards-aligned activities that satisfy state-specific teaching standards.
Applying the Engineering Process to STEM (Grades K-12)
Oct. 2, 2012, 5 – 6 p.m. EDT
Aerospace education specialist John Weis will discuss the uses of the Engineering Design Process as a method of problem solving in subject areas other than engineering.
Engineering Is Elementary (Grades 3-8)
Oct. 3, 2012, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. EDT
Aerospace education specialist Brandon Hargis will discuss ways to incorporate the engineering design process using NASA-developed engineering design challenges for students in grades 3-8. These challenges will engage students’ creativity, foster their curiosity, and encourage their interest in space.
Solar System and the Periodic Table (Grades 3-8)
Oct. 17, 2012, 5 – 6 p.m. EDT
Aerospace education specialist Sandy Kaszynski will lead this standards-based webinar that teaches participants basic principles of what the periodic table represents, using the solar system as an exciting basis for understanding. This is an introductory lesson with a concluding game.
Investigating the Climate System (Grades 5-12)
Oct. 24, 2012, 4 – 5 p.m. EDT
Aerospace education specialist John Weis will introduce participants to the five problem-based learning educator guides in the NASA Investigating the Climate System series. Topics addressed will include wind, precipitation, energy, clouds and extreme weather. This webinar is part of the Department of Education Green Strides webinar series.
Robotics on a Budget (Grades 5-12)
Oct. 30, 2012, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. EDT
Aerospace education specialist Steve Culivan will explore how to use robotics to enhance your students’ understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. Participants will also learn about NASA STEM robotics missions, curriculum and activities that are available.
For more information about these webinars, and to see a full list of webinars taking place through December 2012, visit http://neon.psu.edu/webinars/.
Questions about this series of webinars should be directed to Katie Hayden at Ka************@na**.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Solar System Ambassadors Program Accepting Applications

The NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassadors, or SSA, Program, a nationwide network of space enthusiast volunteers, is accepting applications through Sept. 30, 2012.
Highly motivated individuals will be given the opportunity to represent NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as volunteer Solar System Ambassadors to the public for a one-year, renewable term beginning Jan. 1, 2013.
While applications are being sought nationwide, interested parties from the following states are especially encouraged to apply: Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and southern Arizona (near Tucson). Successful applicants from southern Arizona will also have the opportunity to support the University of Arizona locally as OSIRIS-REx Ambassadors. The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer, also known as OSIRIS-Rex, is a NASA planetary science mission that will send a spacecraft to an asteroid in 2016.
To learn more about the Solar System Ambassador Program and to apply online, visit http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/.
If you have questions about this opportunity, contact Kay Ferrari, SSA Coordinator, by email at am******@jp*.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

2012-2013 National Student Solar Spectrograph Competition

The National Student Solar Spectrograph Competition is the Montana Space Grant Consortium’s Education Program for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, mission. IRIS will use spectrography and imaging in ultraviolet wavelengths to reveal the dynamics of the sun’s chromospheres and transition region.
This yearly competition is open to undergraduate interdisciplinary teams from colleges and universities across the U.S. Teams are challenged to design and build a working ground-based solar spectrograph and demonstrate the capabilities of the spectrograph as defined by their science goal. Typical teams have three to six students and must have a faculty advisor.
Both substantial scholarship prizes and travel prizes will be given in four categories: best design, best build, best science observations and best presentation of results. Teams may apply for funding of $2,000 per team for project materials. Priority for build funds will be given to minority-serving institutions, community colleges and institutions with less aerospace activity.
Applications for build awards and registrations are due on Sept. 30, 2012.
The competition will be held in Bozeman, Mont., in May 2013.
For more information and to register online, visit http://www.spacegrant.montana.edu/IRIS/index.html.
Please email any questions about this competition to Randy Larimer at rl******@ec*.edu.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Engineering Design Challenge: Water Filtration Web Seminar

As part of a series of electronic professional development experiences for educators, the NASA Explorer Schools project and the National Science Teachers Association are hosting a 90-minute live professional development Web seminar for educators on Oct. 2, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. EDT.
Earth recycles water naturally. Water is also recycled in processing plants and in the Water Recycling Assembly on the International Space Station. During this seminar, participants will receive background information about the principles that apply to all three systems, and then see how to incorporate the information into an exciting hands-on, inquiry-based challenge requiring students to solve a problem in the best way they can create.
For more information and to register online, visit http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NES3/webseminar3.aspx.
To learn more about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.
Email any questions about this opportunity to NA*******************@ma**.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Electromagnetic Spectrum: Remote Sensing Ices on Mars Web Seminar

As part of a series of electronic professional development experiences, the NASA Explorer Schools project and the National Science Teachers Association are hosting a 90-minute Web seminar on Oct. 4, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Learn how to use authentic NASA mission data to investigate the composition and distribution of ices in the high-latitude regions of Mars through analysis of visible light, infrared light and gamma rays. The seminar includes information about a unique student extension activity, where students access a free computer simulation illustrating how gamma rays are used to determine the chemical composition of Mars.
For more information and to register online, visit http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NES3/webseminar4.aspx.
To learn more about the NASA Explorer Schools project, visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov.
Email any questions about this opportunity to the NES Help Desk at NA*******************@ma**.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Celebrate World Space Week
Join educators and space enthusiasts around the world to celebrate World Space Week, Oct. 4-10, 2012. This international event commemorates the beginning of the Space Age with the launch of Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957.
World Space Week is the largest public space event in the world, with celebrations in more than 50 nations. During World Space Week, teachers are encouraged to use space-themed activities. The theme for 2012, “Space for Human Safety and Security,” has been chosen to celebrate the many ways in which mankind’s activities in space improve our daily lives.
To find NASA educational resources that can be used during World Space Week, visit the Educational Materials Finder: http://search.nasa.gov/search/edFilterSearch.jsp?empty=true.
To learn more about World Space Week, search for events in your area and find educational materials related to the event, visit www.worldspaceweek.org.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

NASA’s Digital Learning Network Celebrates World Space Week Special Events Featuring Curiosity!

Join NASA’s Digital Learning Network, or DLN, for a trio of special events to celebrate World Space Week (Oct. 4-10, 2012).
On Oct. 4, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. EDT, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland are teaming up to celebrate the landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars! This live event will explore NASA’s latest rover on the Red Planet, and students will learn from NASA experts about how both centers contributed to the mission.
On Oct. 9, 2012, at 3:30 p.m. EDT and Oct. 10, 2012, at 6 p.m. EDT, the DLN presents opportunities for students to interact with experts at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. During these special live events, students can discuss the Curiosity mission to Mars with NASA experts who helped design the mission. Visit the DLN website to learn how your class can participate.
For more information and to watch the webcasts online, visit the DLN website at http://dln.nasa.gov.
Inquiries about these events should be directed to Caryn Long at ca********@na**.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Celebrate World Space Week With Free Education Webinars from the Aerospace Education Services Project
The Aerospace Education Services Project is celebrating World Space Week with a series of free webinars taking place Oct. 4-9, 2012. All webinars can be accessed online. Join aerospace education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources to bring NASA into your classroom.
Kepler Mission (Grades K-12)
Oct. 4, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m. EDT
Join aerospace education specialist Tony Leavitt as he discusses NASA’s Kepler mission to find Earth-like planets. Participants will also learn about Kepler-related educational materials and how to use the activities with their students.
The International Space Station: Life in Space (Grades 4-12)
Oct. 4, 2012, 5 – 6 p.m. EDT
The International Space Station is a unique and exciting classroom in space. Join aerospace education specialist Steve Culivan as he shares inquiry activities and online resources for your classroom on Earth. NASA STEM resources, space food and nutrition, and Newton’s Laws of Motion are just some of the topics integrated during the out of this world webinar.
The Origins of the Solar System: The Dawn Mission (Grades 4-12)
Oct. 5, 2012, 1 – 2 p.m. EDT and 4 – 5 p.m.
Join aerospace education specialist Rachelle Oblack as she discusses the Dawn mission. Learn how this mission will characterize the early solar system and the processes that dominated its formation by studying asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, celestial bodies believed to have accreted early in the history of the solar system.
Exploring Strange New Worlds (Grades K-12)
Oct. 8, 2012, 4 – 5 p.m. EDT
Most of our knowledge about the solar system and objects beyond our celestial neighborhood comes to us through remote sensing, fly-by, orbiter and robotic missions. Join aerospace education specialist Rick Varner as he discusses these information gathering techniques. Participants will be introduced to the “Strange New Worlds” classroom activity.
Solar System Resources (Grades 2-12)
Oct. 9, 2012, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. EDT
Join aerospace education specialists John Weis and Brandon Hargis for an overview of NASA resources available for teaching about the solar system. Resources will focus on hands-on activities and include topics such as scale, missions, moons and eclipses.
For more information about these webinars, and to see a full list of webinars taking place through December 2012, visit http://neon.psu.edu/webinars/.
Questions about this series of webinars should be directed to Katie Hayden at Ka************@na**.gov.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

2013 Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars project is an interactive, online learning experience. It is highlighted by a six-day internship where selected students are encouraged to study mathematics, science, engineering or computer science by interacting with engineers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars project is open to high school juniors throughout Texas. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have access to the Internet.
The application deadline is Nov. 2, 2012.
For additional information on the project and to apply online, visit http://has.aerospacescholars.org/.
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to js**********@ma**.gov.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

NASA Sponsors Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem — It’s How You Look at It

NASA is sponsoring the Odyssey of the Mind Long-Term Problem — It’s How You Look at It.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that offers creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Participants apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretations of literary classics. The teams then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state and international levels.
This year’s NASA-sponsored problem requires teams to create and present an original humorous performance that includes two characters that act naturally — to them — but odd to those around them. One scene will establish the “normal” behavior of one character that, at some point in the performance, finds itself among others who react to the out-of-place behavior. The other character’s behavior will stand out too, but this character will end up in a setting where its odd behavior is considered normal. The performance will also include a meter that indicates the degree of odd/normal behavior and a creative scene change.
For more information and to find dates for regional competitions, visit http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email in**@od**************.com.