Security Lessons Still Lacking for Computer Science Grads

Security Lessons Still Lacking for Computer Science Grads
InfoWorld (04/22/11) Robert Lemos

The number of software development and engineering jobs has grown significantly over the last five years, with social media software engineers, mobile applications engineers, and cloud infrastructure experts in the highest demand , according to Indeed.com. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job market for software engineers to grow by a third over the next seven years. However, top computer science programs do not require students to learn the fundamentals of secure programming, which could hurt application security in the future, says Mykonos Software CEO David Koretz. He recently started working with the Rochester Institute of Technology to improve the security readiness of computer science graduates. Other companies, including Microsoft and Solera Networks, also have launched efforts to boost security training and reduce the number of vulnerabilities found in applications. Recent breaches of major online service providers, including Google, Facebook, and Twitter, have highlighted the need for more secure programming. "To me, not only is it not surprising [that we are seeing these incidents], it seems exactly what we set ourselves up for," Koretz says.

Kim Kommando's "Set Up Facebook to Protect Your Security"

Keep your information private on Facebook. Who can see your photos, your friends, or your profile settings? - Just friends or everyone?

Would you mind if the college you are applying to saw your Facebook? What about a present employer? a future employer?

Click the title to watch Kim's video on protecting your security.

Kim says, "If you use Facebook, it's a good idea to visit this Facebook
site. With more and more crooks targeting Facebook, you want to make sure you're safe."

2011 Maine Cyber Defense Competition (MECDC)

For information go to following links:
http://mecdc.umfk.maine.edu/
1. Go to the News page and listen to the video at the bottom of page.
2. On the home page listen to the MECDC Overview (a powerpoint) or read the Announcement.

This site will show a simulation of the program that will be used.
Video on Cybernex programs
The following gives information about the program that will be used.
Information on the program.

What is meant by "hardening a computer"?

At some point watch these videos about basic online security - some of which you might be aware.
Government Info on Cyber Security

Look at other sites listed under resources at the main Maine Cyber Defense Page.
Cyber Defense Page

What should we do for a community project? Post a comment. I think we should try to keep it to our school or one of the Winslow Schools since we have so little time.