Technology - Communities, Governments (Citizens for Safe Technology)

Everyone Has Been Hacked. Now What?

Fri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

" . . . Simply installing firewalls and intrusion detection systems and keeping anti-virus signatures up to date won't cut it anymore -- especially since most companies never know they've been hit until someone outside the firm tells them.""According to Richard Bejtlich, chief security officer for computer security firm Mandiant, which has helped Google and many other companies conduct forensics and clean up their networks after an attack, the average cyberespionage attack goes on for 416 days, well over a year, before a company discovers it's been hacked. That's actually an improvement over a few years ago, he says, when it was normal to find attackers had been in a network two or three years before being discovered . . ."I don't think we can win the battle," Henry told Wired.com. "I think it's going to be a constant battle, and it's something we're going to be in for a long time.... We have to manage the way we assess the risk and we have to change the way we do business on the network. That's going to be a fundamental change that we've got to make in order for people to be better secure."

David Chalk on Smart Meter Hacking - Parts 1,2 and 3. (Video)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Radio interviews with Bill Good (EMR Health Alliance Audio Recording)

The monster footprint of digital technology

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

The power consumption of our high-tech machines and devices is hugely underestimated."When we talk about energy consumption, all attention goes to the electricity use of a device or a machine while in operation. A 30 watt laptop is considered more energy efficient than a 300 watt refrigerator. This may sound logical, but this kind of comparison does not make much sense if you also consider the energy that was required to manufacture the devices you are comparing. This is especially true for high-tech products, which are produced by means of extremely material- and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. How much energy do our high-tech gadgets really consume? . . .

LG Smart Appliances (Video)

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

CES 2012 Home Appliance Zone - LG Smart Appliances with SMART THINQ Technology

Smart Meter Interference

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Assessment of Chatham-Kent Hydro Smart Meter Implementation (Ontario, Canada)This paper has become one of the highest ranked resources on the web addressing Smart Meter interference problems. This article has been updated to incorporate new research.

Background
Technical Radio Spectrum Overview
Smart Meter RF Specifications
Smart Meters Cause Illegal Interference
Hydro Justifies Smart Meter Interference
Hydro Offers Unacceptable Solution
Industry Canada Warns of Risk
Railway Safety Compromised
Amateur Radio Wiped Out
Official Bandplan for 902-928 MHz
Planned Local Uses of 902-928 MHz by Amateur Radio
Ontario Energy Board Recommendations Ignored
Chatham-Kent Hydro Supported the Loss of 220-222 MHz Band to Amateurs
Updates in 2010
Conclusion

iRex on Apple

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

CBC's The National - Rex Murphy shares his thoughts on Apple, and it's a bite the tech giant might not like.Rex shares his thoughts on Apple, and it's a bite the tech giant might not like. Read a transcript of this Rex Murphy episode iRex Thursday, March 8, 2012 "If somebody came up with a device that could (a) end world hunger, (b) forestall nuclear war for all time and (c) erase the cast of Jersey Shore from the memory of the man - I doubt that person would get the kind of "news" coverage the Apple corporation gets anytime it has a hiccup. "From Australia to Alaska, whenever Apple has got a new product, an upgrade - in other words a re-jigged version of something it's already sold under equipped in the tens, if not hundreds of millions - every news outlet in the world: magazines, online, blogs, network news, the twitter gallery, halts to note the latest trinket from the most profitable corporation on the face of the Earth. "It started with iPod, which was a tinkering with existing technology to produce, essentially, just a small jukebox tied to a couple of peanuts serving as headphones. Not a world-changing moment, not an advance in civilization like the Renaissance, or the invention of the wheel . . .

The monster footprint of digital technology

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

The power consumption of our high-tech machines and devices is hugely underestimated."The power consumption of our high-tech machines and devices is hugely underestimated. Smart grid and wireless metering technologies will add a HUGE new burden on energy needs. There is no demonstrated savings at all. This is really a redistribution of energy - not energy conservation - the electric utilities charge ratepayers more; but expend far more on the wireless information transmission systems, information storage . . .

Education and the Environment

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Education, Entitlement, E-waste and Environment: We are killing this planet, Earth (D12 Voice" . . . Some years ago, education in our schools became a follower of trends in society, economy, media (imitation of television shows about fashion, singing, dancing, etc.) and politics. Despite all the posters and symbolic demonstrations--such as for Earth Day/Week-- consumer mentality thoughtlessly advocates continued pollution of the environment under the arrogant tenet that humans have the right to use the planet's resources as they see fit. This tenet has been adopted by many institutions and organizations, as well in the educational field. "As life and learning are inseparable, I believe that education should lay the foundation in any society and culture. Education should lead the way of life and instill higher levels of thinking and higher valuation of nature and our only living space: the planet Earth. "Our economy has shifted from a focus on manufacturing industries to a focus on service industries. This transformation cost society many job losses and made a huge impact because service industries rely more heavily on retailing. As a result, this service economy relies more directly on end-user consumers. Therefore, the best way to guarantee that the service industries will continue growing and the corporations will make profit is to find ways of assuring that the end-user population is well-trained to become dependent consumers with limited consciousness of the result of their purchases. "In the name of education, we are killing this planet, we are contributing to global warming, we are officially producing e-waste and we are proud of it (the more we rely on technology the higher our score as a teacher/school)! Worst of all, we are raising a generation of dependent consumers--their sense of entitlement and their need for convenience, instant gratification and feeling good in the moment is dangerously destructive to their own environment and the future of the only home we have: Earth.

Power grid vulnerable to cyberattacks

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

"Power grid updates left system vulnerable to cyberattacks, auditors say""A rush by the Energy Department to use stimulus money to modernize the country's power grid has left the system vulnerable to cyberattacks, the agency's internal watchdog found. "Inspector General Gregory H. Friedman found "shortcomings" in the cybersecurity plans of more than a third of the utility companies that got federal funding for "smart grid" projects -- from incomplete strategies to prevent an attack to vague steps for stopping one if it started. "Without a formal risk assessment and associated mitigation strategy, threats and weaknesses may go unidentified and expose the . . . systems to an unacceptable level of risk," Friedman wrote in an audit released in January. "Energy officials knew of these weaknesses but approved plans for the projects anyway, auditors said: "The initial weaknesses had not always been fully addressed, and did not include a number of security practices commonly recommended for federal government and industry systems. . . .

Privacy and Cybersecurity

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

New CRS Report on Smart Meter Data: News on Science, Technology, Law and Society"Summary: Fueled by stimulus funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), electric utilities have accelerated their deployment of smart meters to millions of homes across the United States with help from the Department of Energy's Smart Grid Investment Grant program. As the meters multiply, so do issues concerning the privacy and security of the data collected by the new technology. "This Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) promises to increase energy efficiency, bolster electric power grid reliability, and facilitate demand response, among other benefits. However, to fulfill these ends, smart meters must record near-real time data on consumer electricity usage and transmit the data to utilities over great distances via communications networks that serve the smart grid. "Detailed electricity usage data offers a window into the lives of people inside of a home by revealing what individual appliances they are using, and the transmission of the data potentially subjects this information to interception or theft by unauthorized third parties or hackers . . .

Smart Meter radiation shown on HF35C analysis instrument in Nanaimo BC (Video)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

This refutes BC Hydro's claim that the meters are only transmitting for a few minutes

Gigabit Wi-Fi takes centre stage at CES

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts: Good-bye Wi-Fi ... at least as we've known Wi-Fi."Manufacturers will be showing early versions of wireless gear that will use the upcoming high speed WLAN technology in 5 Ghz and 60 Ghz bands "At this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, next-generation radio chips will finally make real what most people have only imagined for the past three years: Wi-Fi connections that measure their data rates in gigabits per second . . .

Parents to keep tabs on baby through wirelessly connected pajamas

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Promotional Material for "Exmobaby"As with wireless baby monitors, this wireless, snap-on transmitter uses the same frequency as other wireless devices, and exposes a sleeping infant to radiation throughout the night. Here again is an example of a misleading and dangerous technology that targets vulnerable infants in the name of convenience, creating a toxic sleeping environment for babies and providing a false sense of security for parents and caregivers. "If you're tired of losing sleep because you can't take your eye off of the baby monitor, some much needed rest is on the way. AT&T and Exmovere . . . today announced an agreement to wirelessly enable Exmovere's patented biosensor baby pajamas, Exmobaby. "Exmobaby is a snap-on transmitter designed to measure critical vital signs in infants, including heart rate, skin temperature, moisture and movement. The data is transmitted at regular intervals to the parent's computer, tablet and smartphone and is used to interpret the baby's emotional states and behavior, transmitting alerts to parents and caregivers when their babies require attention or care. The wireless transmitter device will be sold with pajama garments available in four sizes ranging from 0 - 12 months. The transmitter device can easily be removed for washing. "With Exmobaby, parents, grandparents and caregivers will be conveniently equipped to monitor an infant when the pajamas with the transmitter are worn. The biosensor capability provides parents with continuous information about their baby and enables baby monitoring . . . "By utilizing AT&T vast infrastructure and support, Exmobaby can be a game changer for parents, grandparents, and caregivers on a global basis while providing significant revenue for Exmovere shareholders."

"Smart Cities" Australia

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

50,000 NSW homes to form "smart cities"

"Thousands of homes across the Hunter and in Sydney will form the first "Smart Cities" in Australia, as part of a $100million trial that will see the deployment of smart-grid technology.

"Ausgrid beat tough interstate competition to win in the Commonwealth funding for the revolutionary "Smart Grid, Smart Cities" project.

"Smart Grid, Smart Cities" is the first large-scale trial to test network, metering and renewable technology, along with consumer behaviour and responses, to help guide the deployment of smart grid technologies across Australia.

"Smart grids work by combining advanced communication, sensing and metering infrastructure with the existing electricity network. A smart grid can find and repair faults on the electricity grid quicker, self-heal, manage voltage and identify infrastructure requiring maintenance. It can also help individual consumers manage electricity consumption and will enable the use of energy efficient 'smart appliances', which can be programmed to run on off-peak power . . ."

Finding New Ways to Keep Tabs on People

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

A Wall Street Journal video interviewThe global market for off-the-shelf surveillance technology has taken off in the decade since 9/11. WSJ's Jennifer Valentino-DeVries explains some of the new methods governments and law enforcement are using to monitor people.

Deal opens India's exploding wireless market to B.C.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

News Release: Office of the PremierNEW DELHI, INDIA - Wavefront, Canada's Vancouver-based wireless centre of excellence for commercialization and research started with a $5-million investment by the B.C. government, has signed an agreement with the Cellular Operators Association of India that will facilitate and accelerate the flow of bilateral wireless business, Premier Christy Clark announced today. "India has over 601 million active mobile subscribers generating US $38.2 billion in revenues, and has the highest subscriber growth rate in the world. It is the world's second-largest wireless market in terms of mobile connections. The COAI represents India's major cellular operators, infrastructure and service providers. The two organizations will work together to develop and promote strategic business and partnering opportunities. "This is a tremendous opportunity for technology and service providers in B.C. - and the rest of Canada - to tap into the world's fastest-growing wireless market that will continue its rapid expansion due to the huge growth in India's middle class," Premier Clark said. "Our government's $5-million investment in Wavefront's Vancouver facilities has already provided early-stage wireless companies with comprehensive research and commercialization support to boost B.C.'s world-class industry. Now Wavefront's agreement with COAI has opened the doors for these startup firms to make connections in India and deals of their own that will benefit the industry in both jurisdictions . . ."

Untested Science - "Fracking"

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

"Hydraulic Fracturing" in Western Canada - Global News Carolyn Jarvis, Anne Hainsworth on 16x9Industrial practices that damage our ecosystem and all living things most definitely are "harmful technologies." This report sheds light on "Fracking" and its effects on our planet. Also demonstrated are the misleading information and outright lies that are presented to the public in order to continue these practices. In this video, BC Energy Minister Rich Coleman, also responsible for mandating wireless smart meters without any public process, is shown openly lying to the public when assuring parliament that there would be an extensive consultation before any contracts for Fracking were ever signed. Just 2 months later a 23 year long water license was granted to company Talisman Energy for 10 million liters of water every day from Williston Lake without any public input. Coleman states in an interview with Carolyn Jarvis he misspoke when he said he would consult with the public first. Clearly Mr. Coleman forgets who he is working for . . . "There is an energy revolution underway thousands of meters below our feet. A new method of extracting vast reserves of natural gas that were previously thought inaccessible is in full swing. It's called fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, and its lead to a boom in gas production across western Canada. But this new technique is also raising serious environmental red flags. In France, 'fracking' has been banned. In Quebec and New Jersey there are moratoriums in place. So is this the answer to our energy woes or a risky unproven science? "How hydraulic fracturing works: "Fracking is not new to the oil and gas industry but recent technical advancements have made it possible to access previously inaccessible gas deposits held in rock formations thousands of meters below the surface. "It's done be forcing water, sand and a chemical mixture down the drilling pipe under extreme pressure. The fractures or cracks in the rock allow the gas to rise to the surface . . ."

Many Are Claiming Health Problems Caused by Smart Meters

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Society of Environmental Journalists - Your source for environment, energy, science, health and climate reportingThe Society of Environmental Journalists is a terrific journalist organization. This article provides up-to-date information about the smart meter issue in the United States. We highly recommend you share this link with your media connections to encourage them to write about smart meters.October 12, 2011

"A broad consortium of government agencies, environmental groups, and utilities and their industry organizations is touting the benefits of a "smart grid." Generally, this is conceived as an extensive revamp of the electrical system to make it more efficient and reliable, less polluting, and less expensive. Proponents of the smart grid envision it as having many benefits to both electric utilities and their customers -- and see its costs largely as the dollar costs of building infrastructure.

US Dept. of Energy, Smart Grid; Henry Kenchington, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Research and Development, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, 202-586-1878.

"One component of the smart grid is smart meters, which operate as part of electric, gas, or water systems, and transmit meter readings to the utility many times a day, often via radio waves but sometimes via hard-wiring. This allows utilities to save money since meter readers are no longer needed. It also gives utilities frequent input on how much demand there is on their system at any one time, allowing them to fine tune their operations, use various tools (such as demand-based pricing) to equalize demand throughout the day and reduce peak loads, and plan for future supply needs.

"The concepts sound good to many people, but serious flaws are becoming apparent as utilities rapidly install smart meters across the country, according to a rising chorus of critics. They are concerned about privacy (since they say utilities can interpolate many behavioral aspects of building occupants via the detailed reporting of utility use), security (since any utility's system could be hacked), and accuracy (with reports of very inaccurate readings from a small percentage of meters). Each of these issues warrants investigation and coverage.

"Another major issue is possible human health impacts from smart meters. That is the focus of the remainder of this Tip . . .

Shaw, Cisco to build Wi-Fi super network in major cities

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PDT

"The service is aimed at the fastgrowing mobile-device market that is seeing people tune into Wi-Fi networks from their smart phones, tablet computers and other devices. "Rather than providing coverage at a limited number of hot spots such as coffee shops and other businesses, the Shaw Wi-Fi network, which is being built in collaboration with Cisco, will attempt to provide seamless coverage over broader areas, such as along rapid-transit lines, throughout stadiums, in parks, or along busy urban streets. "The challenge will be to build them [wireless access points] where our customers are," Bissonnette said, adding that they could be anywhere from small arenas where parents take their kids to play hockey to shopping centres in Surrey. "Bissonnette said the Vancouver coverage will extend throughout the Lower Mainland and, after the initial network is in place, the company will continue to expand on it, filling in areas where there is demand . . ."

Cellular smart meter market to climb... and climb

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Smart Grid News - News and analysis for the modernization and automation of electric power"Report author Roland Campos said "The US and UK are forecast to experience the largest volumes of cellular shipments through 2016 for distinct reasons. In the US, telecoms have reduced the cost of data plans for meters significantly to about $1 (or less) per meter, per month. Utilities that wish to reduce up front capital expenditures by over 40% and reduce operating expenses are finally realizing the benefits of using public cellular providers."

The iBabysitter?

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Letter to journalist who is touting toddler apps for iPads and smart-phones . . ."In a pinch, it's a great babysitter," says Mariah Sutton, mother of a 2 1/2 year old. "A mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do!" "Savvy software developers aim to assuage parental guilt and shame by offering educational toddler apps for iPads and smart-phones that are highly interactive, colourful and fun, and tiny tots are embracing portable digital technology like a favourite blanket. According to BlogHer/Parenting, 25% of toddlers will have used a smartphone by age 2. By preschool age, 33% will have used a laptop or digital camera . . ." Joanne Richard in the Kingston Whig, October 14, 2011 Dear Ms. Richard, I was very alarmed to see the afore-mentioned headline and photo of a baby holding an iphone, then find no mention at all about the serious health effects associated with radio frequency radiation. As a respected and informed journalist, you should be educating your readers on this issue. In May of this year, this type of radiation emitted by cellphones and other wireless devices was declared a possible class 2B carcinogen. Long before that, epidemiologist Dr. Devra Davis Ph.D, MPH of the Environmental Oncology Unit at University of Pittsburgh warned of the dangers of exposure to these well-loved devices, especially children with their thinner, developing skulls. She has written a book on the subject, 'Disconnect: The Truth About Cellphone Radiation'. There is a growing body of scientific information on the toxicity of radio- frequency radiation by other doctors and researchers, such as Dr. Magda Havas of Trent U., Dr. Sam Milham, MPH, and Dr. David Carpenter, Co-Editor of the Bioinitiative Report (www.BioInitiative.org) to name a few. I am a teacher who is currently off work because the wireless routers in the schools make me ill. I have developed Electrical hypersensitivity (EHS), diagnosed at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. Perhaps you could follow up on this article, discussing these perils of the technology, not just the social ones. We as a society have the duty to protect our precious children. Sincerely, Nancy Miller, OCT

Smart Gadgets are Like Sleeper Cells in Your Kitchen

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Technology Review"Most people don't know their gadgets can already talk to one another, and even be controlled remotely by their utility company. "If you bought a major appliance in the last three years, odds are it was "smart," even if you didn't know it. Meaning: it probably contains a wireless radio that can broadcast and transmit over a small personal area network, sending out information about a device's status and energy use, as well as receiving commands that alter its behavior. "Many appliances that don't even announce they have this capability are equipped with it, says Mike Beyerle, an engineer at GE whom I recently interviewed about GE's coming Nucleus home energy management system. "We want to build up a base before we make a big deal out of it," says Beyerle. "It's an intriguing twist on the old business maxim "under-promise, over-deliver." In this case, manufacturers aren't even telling consumers what their devices are capable of because, in part, those abilities are useless without an energy management hub like GE's Nucleus or a utility company's smart meter. (Confusingly, GE appliances that can communicate in this way are labeled "Brillion.") . . .

Smart Grid Security Inadequate (Video)

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

CIA Director calls Smart grid "stupid" due to security problems - USA

Microwave Warfare - Interview with Barrie Trower (Video)

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The Truth about ITRON and B.C. Hydro Wired Connections

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

ITRON phone line options, annual reports, photos, patents"Back in March 2011, in response to groups of individuals concerned about the negative effects of the upcoming Smart Meter Program, B.C. Hydro gave assurances that, once Hydro's plans were "finalized" they would be offering help to people with legitimate concerns. People took Hydro at their word. "Since March, a growing number of citizens have been writing letters and making phone calls, contacting B.C. Hydro, sharing their health issues, asking for answers and offering information with regards to the problematic effects of wireless metering technology. To this date, there has been precious little, if any, constructive feedback or support received from Hydro . . . "There are areas in Ontario and the United States that are still using wired electric meters. In fact, today, homes in Ontario have meters collecting data and sending it via phone lines. This process makes sense. It uses a private line that is only used for this service and it is safe and secure. The filed patents for the Itron OpenWay meters actually state, as do many patents for other smart meter brands, that Itron OpenWay can use a telephone line for communications . . ."

Hackers May Be Able to Hijack More Personal Medical Devices

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

iLOOK BOTH WAYS - The Human Factor in Online Safety"Whether you have a pacemaker, a defibrillator, an insulin monitor, or some other medical device that transmits information, there is the risk that it could be hacked. "At last week's Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas security researcher Jay Radcliff showed how, by experimenting with this own diabetic equipment, he identified flaws that a hacker could use to remotely take over the control of his insulin flow. This follows on the 2008 demonstrations of how to hack pacemakers and how to hack defibrillators. "In Radcliff's insulin pump example he found that the pump can be reprogrammed to respond to a stranger's remote. According to a news article by CBS San Francisco, all Radcliffe "needed was a USB device that can be easily obtained from eBay or medical supply companies. Radcliffe also applied his skill for eavesdropping on computer traffic. By looking at the data being transmitted from the computer with the USB device to the insulin pump, he could instruct the USB device to tell the pump what to do." "To remotely manipulate the insulin pump the hacker would have to be located within a narrow (200 feet) radius of the victim which is certainly doable. The article also said Radcliffe was able to tamper with his blood-sugar monitor, overriding the actual signal with a stronger signal so that the device would fail to deliver the proper insulin dose. Assuming a powerful enough antenna, Radcliffe claims the attacker could be up to a half a mile away . . ."

Hacking implanted defibrillators: shockingly easy

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Nobel Intent: published 2008"Implanted medical devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated, moving from simple pacemakers to computerized devices that can actively respond to changes in a patient's condition. Perhaps the most sophisticated devices commonly in use are implanted defibrillators. These devices monitor the heart's electrical activity and, when an arrhythmic event is detected, can induce a shock that resets the heart. They also contain small radio transmitters that let doctors read their monitoring of the heart and even reprogram the device to customize it to the patient. Unfortunately, researchers have found that it's incredibly easy to reverse-engineer the communication protocol (PDF) of these radio transmissions and use that information to hack the implant . . ."

Could Hackers Break into Your Electric Meter?

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Innovation & Invention - In Search of the Unexpected - Looking for Patterns"When I was getting my solar panels installed, I couldn't wait to see my electric meter literally spin backwards. Alas, as part of the process, the utility swapped out the old analog meter. That spinning metal disk had been a reminder of the raw mechanical power--giant turbines, mighty waterfalls, searing furnaces--that stood at the other end of the dainty wires running into my house. Now, instead of a disk, I have flashing digits, which seem more ethereal. In return, the new meter is more capable, which is why power companies are installing smart metersby the millions. But a lot of people worry they are a little too capable. "If someone in a utility control room can read your meter remotely, shut off power to your house, and modulate individual appliances to shed load during peak hours, then so could hackers. As the number of smart meters grows, so does the incentive for criminals and terrorists to misuse them. Concern has been mounting for several years. In early 2009, IOActive, a security firm, demonstrated how little it takes is to break into smart-meter networks. Last year, computer security expert Nate Lawson of Root Labs hacked a smart meter radio module he'd bought on eBay for $30. Many people who've gotten the meters complain about incorrect readings, often with good cause. After all this, I begin to wish I had my old spinning wheel back . . ."

Securing the Smart Grid

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The grid's flow of data is supposed to improve energy delivery but must be protected from hackers' prying eyes - Scientific American May 2010"Unlike the traditional power grid, a "smart" grid is designed to accommodate a two-way flow of both electricity and data. This creates great promise, including lower energy prices, increased use of renewable resources and, it is hoped, fewer brownouts and blackouts. But a smart grid also poses several potential security problems--networked meter data, power companies' computers and those of customers could all be vulnerable to tampering . . ."

Canada considers clearing the surf for Super Wi-Fi wave

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

End of analog clears spectrum; New technology has range of up to 100 km"Canada will consider clearing the way for the adoption of Super Wi-Fi - a wireless high-speed Internet with a range of up to 100 kilometres. "Already approved for use in the U.S., Super Wi-Fi - a term coined by the Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. - uses unused spectrum, or white space, formerly needed by stations transmitting analog television signals. "It's hoped that Canada will follow the lead of the U.S. and allow the unused spectrum to be used for free to transmit Internet service, which could be a boon for those living in rural regions with limited Internet service. Also called the Wireless Regional Area Network, Super Wi-Fi could allow for speeds of up to 22 megabits per second - among the highest speeds currently offered by service providers. Super Wi-Fi also is an extremely strong signal, which can penetrate concrete structures . . ."

Smart Grid Privacy And Security Risks Loom For Agencies

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Letter to BC's Information and Privacy Commissioner references this article"'The article below is a comprehensive and concise description of the risks to privacy and security from the impending provincial, nation-wide, and world-wide smart grid. The "smart grid gold rush" has allowed technology deployment to rush ahead of proper forethought, planning, and scientific research over a proper period of time. "'And this so-called smart grid 'gold rush' has already encountered several significant security breaches.'" "Please read this article. It covers the essentials of what thousands of British Columbians are extremely concerned about.""The smart meter program needs to be stopped. There are so many issues, including privacy and security, that were not researched properly or without prejudice. And the citizens of British Columbia were not allowed their democratic rights to give input into this enormous and costly program that will affect everyone's future. We are rushing into bankruptcy of our citizens and BC Hydro. And we are rushing into a catastrophe of enormous dimensions. "Please stop the smart meter program until you have released your report and opened this issue up for discussion with the citizens of British Columbia who are paying for this train wreck about to happen. "The citizens of British Columbia urgently need your assistance. "The effort to modernize America's electric grid is well underway, with nearly $8 billion in federal funding since 2009 and states across the country hastening to deploy everything from electronic smart meters for homes to regional sensors capable of detecting and responding to power outages. "But major privacy and security problems for the smart grid effort could be on the horizon and present a host of challenges to federal agencies, according to multiple smart grid technology and policy experts. "Funding and deployment during what some call the "smart grid gold rush" has vastly outstripped the federal government's ability to develop meaningful privacy and security standards and regulations within one of the nation's most critical infrastructures. "And efforts in Congress to put one agency, such as the Department of Homeland Security, in charge of securing the grid could add to the chaos surrounding security and privacy . . ."

More provincial parks embracing wireless internet

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Wi-Fi available in Ont., N.S., B.C., Sask., Alta. parksTech companies score another point . . . When will it stop? Where will we not have wireless "connectivity" and wireless radiation intrusion?"It's now easier than ever to stay connected in provincial parks across Canada, but not all visitors are happy campers about it. "With wireless access available at some parks in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, visitors can enjoy the web in the wild. "We're an accommodation -- bottom line," says John Salo, southwest zone manager for Ontario Parks, the agency that oversees provincial parks. "Yes, we protect significant [environmental] areas, but we're an accommodation, and when people go to motels and hotels, they expect to have wireless internet." "Ontario Parks has decided to extend a pilot program that introduced wireless internet in Pinery Provincial Park last year. Salo says the hotspot at the park's convenience store will stay active until November. "If there's a positive response, we'll sit back and determine if it's worth it to continue," he said. . ."

"Itron OpenWay for the Smart Utility" (Video)

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

promotional video for utility companies February 2009

Radiofrequency Interference with Medical Devices (IEEE)

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

COMAR Technical Information StatementIEEE stands for "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers." COMAR stands for "Committee on Man and Radiation." This article was published in Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine 17(3):111-114 (1998) "The past few years have seen increased reports that medical devices, such as pacemakers, apnea monitors, electrically powered wheelchairs, etc., have failed to operate correctly because of interference from various emitters of radiofrequency energy. This condition is called radiofrequency interference (RFI). The consequences of these failures range from inconvenience to serious injuries and death. Reasons for this problem are twofold: 1) increasing numbers of electronically controlled medical devices with inadequate electronic protection against RFI, and 2) a significant increase in the number of RF sources in the environment. Medical devices are widely used outside the hospital and may be attached to, or implanted in, patients. Portable wireless communications equipment, including cellular phones, handheld transceivers, and vehicle mounted transceivers, comprise one of the largest sources of RFI. Some medical devices are especially sensitive to the type of digital modulation that some of the wireless communications devices utilize. ". . . Technology exists to protect, or "harden," most medical devices from RF fields that are much more intense than the 3 V/m level specified in present RFI standards. Most of these techniques, including shielding, grounding and filtering, are not costly if they are incorporated into the initial design of the electronics system. "COMAR recommends that the various parties involved in the manufacture and use of RFI prone medical devices take steps to avoid serious RFI problems that may lead to safety hazards. Medical device manufacturers should design and test their products to ensure conformance with current RFI standards and educate the users of their devices about the possible symptoms of potential RFI. If there exists the possibility of RFI problems to medical devices, steps should be taken to ensure that all sources of RF energy be kept at a sufficient distance . . . INTRODUCTION "Since the early 1990s, reports of medical device failure from electromagnetic interference have increased. This is due to several factors. The number of electronically controlled medical devices has burgeoned in hospitals and other medical facilities. Newer instruments are often more sensitive to radiofrequency interference (RFI) because they incorporate low power integrated electronic circuitry that can be much more sensitive to electromagnetic fields than their electrical and electromechanical predecessors. In this document, RFI refers to radiated interference from electromagnetic fields that are coupled from a source to a medical device through the air (i.e. without connections via conductors such as wires or cables). "There has also been a significant rise in the use of electronically controlled medical devices outside the clinical environment. These devices are often used in homes, attached to patients, or implanted in their bodies. In addition, portable wireless communications equipment, such as cellular phones, handheld transceivers, and vehicle mounted transceivers, is a major source of RFI. The number of land mobile transmitters in the US alone currently exceeds 10 million and personal communications systems are burgeoning throughout the world. To an ever increasing extent, wireless communications equipment (e.g., cellular phones) is likely to be used in close proximity to medical devices without the knowledge of the patient or attending medical personnel. "Digital mobile communications systems often utilize pulsed amplitude modulation, a type of modulation, that can enhance the potential for RFI. For example, cellular telephones based on some digital technologies generate peak powers of up to 8 watts and are modulated at 2 to 217 pulses per second. This range spans the physiological frequencies of the human body, from about 0.5 Hz to several hundred Hz, that are monitored by many medical devices. This is often termed the "physiological passband." While modulation at very low frequencies is critical, this document does not address RFI from sources with very low carrier frequencies. Thus, AC power line fields (50-60 Hz) are excluded from discussion. Also excluded are transient fields, such as pulsed gradient fields from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, where most of the frequency content is below a few MHz. The frequencies discussed in this statement are in the range of 30 to 3,000 MHz . . ."

Keep an eye on mobile phones - they could bring down the global economy ...

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Moneyweek, June 2011"There is no shortage of stuff out there to make investors feel nervous. The euro could get blown apart if a long, hot summer of protest in Greece and Spain boils over into civil unrest. The Chinese economy might suddenly turn down, removing just about the only source of global growth. Inflation might suddenly rip out of control, provoking central banks into raising interest rates sharply. "But there is one other risk that most people probably haven't thought about. What if mobile phones really do give you cancer? Mobile technology has the potential to be another tobacco - a huge and powerful industry that was just about destroyed by the unfortunate fact that it killed people. If this happens, hundreds of billions will be wiped off stockmarkets around the world . . . "For starters, investors should be monitoring the medical data and keeping up with the latest developments. They should be demanding that the mobile companies do everything they can to research the risks - and mitigate them. There is no point in simply denying that such a risk exists, in the way that the tobacco industry did for decades. Investors should also be preparing an exit strategy. If a link is ever proved beyond a doubt, you don't want to be holding the shares or bonds of any of the main players in the industry. You might want to avoid holding equities full stop - the knock- on effects for the rest of the markets would be so severe. "Meanwhile, don't give up on some fairly old-fashioned technologies. Fixed-line operators, such as British Telecom, could be set for one of the greatest bounce backs of all time. The shares yield 4%, so tuck a few away. If we all decide to get rid of our mobiles and start using the landline again, these shares will soar."

Letter to Information and Privacy Commissioner re Smart Meters

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

privacy and security implicationsDear Sirs/Mesdames, I have concerns and questions regarding the future privacy and security implications for BC ratepayers with regard to the implementation of BC Hydro's smart meters. I have reviewed the public copy of BC Hydro's Business Case for Smart Metering and Infrastructure program and I have found it to be vague in providing any real information or substantive details that the address the potential loss of the privacy and security that ratepayers currently experience with the present electro-mechanical metering system . . ."Includes references to news article citing recent cyber attacks: IMF Hacked; No End in Sight to Security Horror Shows by Ian Paul.

Toronto's Wireless Water Meter Program - Promotional Information and Video May 2011

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

NEPTUNE is under contract to the City of Toronto, OntarioNeptune is under contract to the City of Toronto to install wireless water meters in homes and businesses throughout the city and surrounding neighbourhoods. To prepare home owners, the video shows the in-home installation process. Instructions are given for a "clean install." "The City of Toronto is rolling out a mandatory, automated water meter program that will replace or install water meters for all customers, with more efficient and accurate automated meters. The meters, and the installation, are free... "All water meters will transmit consumption data via a transmitter, eliminating the need for city staff to enter your home in the future to obtain your water meter reading. The transmitter wire is attached to the water meter and the transmitter box is placed in a location that will ensure the best possible signal transmission. The transmitter is programmed by your installer and will only send consumption data and your serial number to the city. No other personal information is transmitted..."

"Cyber War" on CBC's The Current

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

radio broadcast June 14, 2011

Part Two of The Current

Cyber War - KT McFarland

We started this segment with some sound from attacks we know about. Government and corporate computer systems are under attack, possibly by hackers in the employ of hostile governments. In the U.S., the Pentagon has drawn a line in this silicon sand: a major cyber attack linked to a foreign government may be an act of war.

To help tell us what that exactly means, we were joined by KT McFarland. She has held national security posts under U.S. Presidents Nixon, Ford and Reagan. She was the Pentagon's spokesperson from 1981 until 1984. She is currently the national security analyst for Fox News. KT McFarland was in New York City this morning. Cyber War - Wesley Wark

Cyber attacks may be intrusive and damaging, but some people think they're not much different than regular, old espionage. And spying isn't usually enough to get troops on the march.

Our next guest follows this kind of security issue closely. Wesley Wark is a national security affairs expert and a professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. He was in Ottawa.

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Beware: Smart Grid May Be Hacker's Paradise / Four Ways to Hack the Smart Grid

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Preston Gralla- Two articles, first posted in March and September, 2009Article One: "Worried about the security of the Smart Grid? You should be. Security researchers warn that the Smart Grid could become a hacker's playground. As proof, here are four ways the Smart Grid can be hacked . . ." Article Two: "A security firm has warned that the Smart Grid for delivering and managing energy is rife with security holes, and could easily become a hacker's playground, endangering the nation's entire power-delivery infrastructure. Because the Smart Grid will also be used by IT pros to manage electricity use in the enterprise and the data center, it also means that the grid could be used by hackers to crawl their way into company networks as well . . ."

LightSquared wireless Internet plan concerns officials pushing GPS for aviation

Sun, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Washington PostAn article from the Washington Post. Think of the implications for GPS, for emergency vehicles, airplanes, let alone our health. The system operates on the L band, and 1559 megahertz is where LightSquared's authorized bandwidth ends and the GPS band begins."The Federal Communications Commission in January issued a waiver to allow Reston-based LightSquared to develop a $14 billion broadband communications system adjacent to the bandwidth used for GPS transmissions. "Two of 21st-century America's favorite gadgets -- the smartphone and the GPS device -- are on a collision course, according to a report delivered Friday to the Federal Aviation Administration. "The report says deployment of a massive new network of towers and satellites to expand wireless communication may effectively shut down Global Positioning System devices that are at the core of a multibillion-dollar plan to revolutionize aviation. They also may affect some GPS units used by drivers, bicyclists and boaters. "The report puts the Obama administration in a Solomonesque position with two of its most cherished, ambitious and expensive initiatives. The president has promised to make Internet access available to all Americans, even as the administration has pushed airlines to invest billions to install GPS-based equipment. "The Federal Communications Commission in January issued a waiver to allow Reston-based LightSquared to develop a $14 billion broadband communications system adjacent to the bandwidth used for GPS transmissions . . ."

Mauvaises ondes (en Francais)

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Inodores et invisibles, les ondes electromagnetiques sont pourtant partout. Mais sont-elles dangereuses?A groundbreaking investigative report from France that exposes the truth for all to see. It has been reported that this video will be removed from circulation, as telecommunications companies are concerned it will damage their reputation . . .Mauvaises ondes

Talking to the Wall

Thu, 5 May 2011 00:00:00 PDT

An experimental interface from Microsoft turns any wall into an interactive surface.This article is posted in "Technology Review." Apparently, MIT thinks it's good news . . . "Our lives are awash with ambient electromagnetic radiation, from the fields generated by power lines to the signals used to send data between Wi-Fi transmitters. Researchers at Microsoft and the University of Washington have found a way to harness this radiation for a computer interface that turns any wall in a building into a touch-sensitive surface. The technology could allow light switches, thermostats, stereos, televisions, and security systems to be controlled from anywhere in the house, and could lead to new interfaces for games . . ."There's all this electromagnetic radiation in the air," says Desney Tan, senior researcher at Microsoft (and a TR35 honoree in 2007). Radio antennas pick up some of the signals, Tan explains, but people can do this too. "It turns out that the body is a relatively good antenna," he says."

"AT&T covers 97% of Americans" (Video)

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 PDT

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Open Letter to Chancellor Merkel, Berlin, from German doctors, re WiMAX auction

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 PDT

November, 2006Dear Chancellor, we know that it is very late for our appeal, but not too late: Exercise all your influence and stop the auctioning-off of the WiMAX-Frequencies! "People on the run" - this could be the headline for what is now happening at various places in Germany. Eg. in Oberammergau, where new, extremely low frequency pulsed communications technologies from T-Mobile are being trialled. These also are inducing hitherto healthy people to seek protected areas, because they can no longer endure being in their own home. The Mayor is threatening to turn off the electricity supply to the T-Mobile transmitter, if the operator does not remove this technology again. "In December, the auctioning-off of WiMAX is due to take place, to a broadband wireless communications system in the region of 3.4 -3.6 Giga Hertz with a transmission range of up to 40 kilometres, that is due to be introduced over the whole area of Germany. The regions have already been zoned and it is already in operation in several regions. "With WiMAX, it involves a new type of technology, that, like GSM and UMTS, has not been researched in this form with respect to its long term risks for humans and that is not sufficiently covered with conventional measuring equipment. Although numerous studies indicate GSM and UMTS damage, the population are now to be exposed to a new technology!"

Radar device developed to prevent cot death

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 PDT

University College CorkThis is insane. What has happened to people's common sense? University College Cork in Ireland, with generous funding, has developed a microchip for babies to be monitored by radar to prevent cot death. "Using a new type of radar, a microchip sensor operates wirelessly and can detect breathing rates without touching the person under observation. "The chip allows for constant monitoring of babies in cots and could serve as an early warning system for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is highly sensitive and can detect very small movements, including the beating of a heart . . . "The sensor microchip consists of ultra-wide-band pulse radar, capable of detecting sub-centimetre movements. The radar sends very short pulses towards the chest and detects the echo reflected in proximity of the skin . . . "This is the first time that such an ultra-wide-band pulse radar has been integrated into a single silicon chip . . ."

The Monster Footprint of Digital Technology - 2009

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Low-Tech Magazine: The power consumption of our high-tech machines and devices is hugely underestimated."When we talk about energy consumption, all attention goes to the electricity use of a device or a machine while in operation. A 30 watt laptop is considered more energy efficient than a 300 watt refrigerator. This may sound logical, but this kind of comparisons does not make much sense if you don't also consider the energy that was required to manufacture the devices you compare. This is especially true for high-tech products, which are produced by means of extremely material- and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. How much energy do our high-tech gadgets really consume?"

"Super Wi-Fi" nears final approval in U.S.

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PDT

Available for free. Multibillion-dollar market. Rural broadband."Technology companies envision all sorts of uses for white spaces: providing emergency services in disaster zones and creating home wireless networks that can send video between television sets and computers, to name just a few possibilities." (Associated Press) "A new flavour of Wi-Fi, with longer range and wall-piercing power, could show up in wireless gadgets a year from now if the U.S. Federal Communications Commission works out the last details of new spectrum rules that have been long in the making. Nearly two years ago, the FCC voted to open up the airwaves between broadcast TV channels -- so-called "white spaces" -- for wireless broadband connections that would work like Wi-Fi on steroids. But wrangling over key technical details, including concerns about interference with TV signals and wireless microphones, has prevented the use of these spaces."