Conflict in the Digital Age

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7400904n   

Stuxnet: Computer worm opens new era of warfare

In this ever-changing digital era, it seems that a not so new but incredibly evolved form of warfare has begun before our eyes, yet society is really not aware of it. It began in June of 2010, a small company in Belarus after a client in Iran had complained about a software glitch. Within a month computer security experts analyzed what became know as Stuxnet. This was a computer virus like no other. This was beyond cutting edge and highly sophisticated. What separates Stuxnet from all other computer viruses was that it wasn’t looking to steal money or identities or passwords; it was after an industrial operation and it was being spread by simple USB thumb drives. After tracking it they found that the highest number of infections had been Iran. Experts figured out it were trying to damage an Iranian nuclear plant and concluded that it set the Iranian program back by several years. What if no one had caught on to it, and who could be the next target?

            We’ve entered a new stage of conflict where we use cyber weapons to create physical destruction. This has us asking our officials how safe is our own (U.S.) infrastructure? Our clock is now literally ticking. Cyberspace is a domain of conflict, and we could be next. Some experts claim it could be the next Pearl Harbor at the rate it is going. With such sophisticated viruses such as Stuxnet, they can target and literally shut down power plants, water treatment facilities, chemicals plants and other types of plants our nation depends on. With Congress wanting to pass the first cyber security law, after previously failing in the past multiple times, it has become a fierce debate over whether our government should be allowed to require the owners of certain infrastructure’s to improve security of their computer networks. Senator Collins of Maine went as far to state, “I can’t think of another area in homeland security where the threat is greater and we’ve done less”.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/05/18/prweb9523433.DTL






Myx TV Shatters the Digital Divide with New Program MashBox



On Monday, May 21, the premier Asian American entertainment network in the US known as Myx TV, introduced the first ever interactive multiplatform program featuring second screen technology. This new program, MashBox, by Teddy Zee Productions, is truly changing the traditional way Americans watch television, because we are now interacting.

.MashBox is enhancing the viewing experience for all audiences. Teddy Zee, executive producer of MashBox says he was originally trying to provide Asian American talent with a more hands on experience in television production. Little did he know this would lead to a revolutionary technology, truly breaking the digital divide. This breakthrough technology is making video content interactive. The mobile application is powered by Mozaik Multimedia Inc. Mozaik is available on television, computers, smartphones, tablets, Blue-ray devices, set-top boxes and other internet enabled devices.

"With the internet serving as home to today's most promising Asian American entertainers, the network fulfills its commitment of bringing Asian Americans to mainstream television through Mashbox," says Miguel Santos, Associate General Manager of Myx TV.

This revolutionary technology is changing the way we interact by a click on your phone or device. This technology is letting people bookmark whatever they choose to on their device, and from their load more content. For example, while watching MashBox, make a bookmark with their application. These hotspots contain information streaming to your device all while watching the show live. Once you click on that hotspot you will be linked to more information. If an artist is playing, you can be linked to their Facebook, twitter, iTunes songs if you would like to purchase and more.

Our technology continues to change by keeping us updated and linked to people at all times. MashBox is changing this way by not only keeping us updated while watching live television, audiences are now able to choose what they interact with and when from a live television show. This network will not only be airing a combination of original and syndicated shows, but as well as interactive music video countdowns, animation, and Independent and Asian films. "The incorporation of Mozaik's ground-breaking mobile application is a nod to our market's trendsetting ability to adapt to new technology,” says Santos.

Podcast #1

http://gwalsh.podbean.com/

Google+ faces thorny online identity issues

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20078671-264/google-faces-thorny-online-identity-issues/


In an article from 2011 on CNET, an interesting issue was addressed concerning online identity. As social networking continues to grow, Google had decided to make their own version known as Google+ in late 2011. What makes Google+ stand out from other social networking sites is that it requires people to use their actual real-world names.

The article explains that people who choose not to disclose their real name on the account will have their account suspended. “After reviewing your profile, we determined that the name you provided violates our community standards,” said Google. This is also a problem because as the article says, although people’s names may not be the same as on their birth certificates, often they are a real persona. The main issue this article is concerning is the right to privacy. Social networking thrives because there are many options as to who you want to connect with and how you wish to do so.

I found this article to be interesting because not only do I not have a Google+ account but I wasn’t aware of these factors that come with having an account. As we learned in class, there are three elements to where our sense of identity comes from; one being “virtual identity”. This type of identity was the last to be added to this theory of where our identity comes from as a result of social networking being developed.

The cons that come along with having this account and having to put your real information is that there are people who prefer to remain anonymous or not want to have their real name and contact information for many reasons. These limitations prevent people from freely expressing themselves or remaining true to their identity. Many people prefer this identity because it is more easily relatable because you can remain anonymous if you wish to do so. Also, people who have been rejected in real life due to their sexual orientation, race, class, religion particular interests or for whatever reasons, choose to live through their virtual identity because they have a better chance at finding an online community in which they can relate to and therefore be a part of and “fit in”.

Like other social networking sites, Google+ has continued to thrive but perhaps it hasn't caught up with facebook as a result of their privacy issues.