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Friday, October 22, 2010
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Speaker warns of ‘Insecurity in Cyberspace’ Chris Bratta Staff Writer The attacks are underway, the cyber-attacks that is, and everyone is susceptible, according to the event titled “Insecurity in Cyberspace.” Whether a Windows, Mac or Linux user, common security exploitations may be compromising your computer. Three-time UT graduate, Stacy Prowell spoke about these security issues at the Baker Center on Tuesday. Prowell currently serves as chief cyber security research scientist in the Cyberspace Sciences and Information Intelligence Research Group at ORNL. Additionally, Prowell holds an associate professor’s position in UT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Prowell’s presentation provided insight into the past, present and future of a variety of computer exploitations. Although his speech gave a great deal of information on computer problems, it contained far less technological language than some in attendance expected. Prowell confronted many of the common ideas regarding computer security, such as: “Keep software up to date, install anti-virus and anti-malware software, avoid Windows and Internet Explorer and identify phishing attempts.” All of these ideas were given less validity as his speech progressed. “Thirty-four percent of the web based attacks are coming from the U.S.” Prowell said. “The infected computers generating spam distributed denial-of-service attacks and other securityrelated problems are mostly found in the U.S.” The underlying reason for the majority of bad-natured behavior around the computer world was explained as money. “The No. 1 money maker is not stealing your credit card numbers; it is click fraud,” Prowell said. “This is how these companies are tricking advertisers to cutting them checks.” These companies want to click advertisements from your computer to generate revenue for themselves explained Prowell.
insecure design, insecure protocols, (which) last forever and social engineering.” The philosophical problems lie within the design goals of the Internet, Prowell said. He explained that “security was not one of them, because it was not going to go to everybody's house ... security was very much an afterthought. “The Internet is a disruptive technology and a platform for disruptive technology.” As grim as some of the points in the presentation were, all hope is lost, Prowell said. Prowell said insecurity is a “really tough problem,” because exploitations are being found and used, antivirus software isn’t as effective as it should be and because “more and more people are living in the web browser.” He explained that one exploit in a web browser, like the commonly used Firefox, could open the door to computer-compromising software on any platform. His suggestions are to “use endpoint software, such as firewalls,” as well as “filtering” techniques. Additionally, he suggested that, to ensure security for places like banks, where sensitive material needs to remain secure, they should create “new networks and subnets,” which would minimize the amount of insecurities. Caitlin Newman, a junior in public relations, Hayley DeBusk • The Daily Beacon described the information provided in Prowell’s presenStacy Prowell speaks about security issues on computers tation as “a rude awakening.” “I am not technologically advanced, so it scared me, Tuesday. Some tips he had were to keep the computer antisoftware up to date and to avoid phishing attempts while because I was not aware of what could happen,” online. A source for students is OIT in the Commons of Newman said. “... I will use more precaution when using Hodges library or visit its website at http://oit.utk.edu/. the web and rethink what I am doing.” Prowell stands on the front line, trying to stop, as In Prowell’s opinion, two major issues cause insecurity: The technology is insecure, and the philosophy behind computer well as inform the public of, these problems. With computers networks is problematic. Technological insecurities, as Prowell controlling the majority of topics, it is important to understand explained, consist of “bugs, insecure programming practices, exactly what is happening.
Student wins collegiate pageant Donesha Aldridge Staff Writer One of UT’s own swept away judges and won the first crown and title of Miss Tennessee Collegiate America. Callie Atkins, junior in business adminstration, will move on to compete in the national Miss Collegiate America competition in San Antonio, Texas, in January. The pageant was held at Wilson Central High School in Lebanon, Tenn., on Oct. 9 and 10. For this competition, Atkins was judged in four different phases: a private panel interview with the judges, a fashion-wear competition, an onstage interview and an evening gown competition. Fifty-one girls will compete in the national competition in San Antonio. This will be the first national competition for the Miss Collegiate America title. The prize for being crowned Miss Collegiate America will be a scholarship of $10,000. Atkins said she wanted to compete in this pageant because she valued the criteria that the contestants would be judged on for winning. She also said she heard wonderful things about the sister pageant, Miss High School America. “Not only do these pageants present their delegates in a high moral regard, but they also focus on scholarship and community service,” she said. “I have always lived in Tennessee, and for me, it was an exciting opportunity to represent not only Tennessee but the University of Tenessee on a national level.” The Miss High School America’s first competition occurred in March. The pageant was founded by Amanda Patterson, who was involved in pageants for many years of her life. George Pinckney, coordinator of the pageant, said this competition is a fun thing he loves to do. He said it’s all about promoting community service and not just about beauty. “You meet good people,” he said. “The part I enjoy getting is the girls to focus on interviewing and their aspirations. It’s important to remind them to be them-
selves.” Atkins said the competition was not just about winning for her. “By all means I wanted to win, but pageantry is also a way for me to meet new people and improve communication skills that will be vital when it comes to pursuing my future career,” she said. One of Atkins’ friends, Lindsey Reeves, junior in logistics, said this was a pageant that Atkins worked tirelessly for, and she was ecstatic, but not surprised, that Atkins won. “I think Callie is an extremely poised, talented, beautiful and intelligent young woman, and I completely support her endeavors, this pageant included,” Reeves said. Reeves said even though she was not at this pageant, she has seen Atkins compete before, and each time she does a remarkable job. “She has such a distinguished presence on stage, beautiful and poised, while also being strong and assertive,” Reeves said. Atkins said this was her fourth competition. She was crowned Miss River Queen in 2009 and won first runner up in Miss Spirit of the South this year. Atkins also competed in the Miss Tennessee USA competition last year. Atkins said she wanted to win the title so that she could make a positive impact on people. “I have never wanted to be thought of as a ‘pageant girl,’ and I know many other titleholders feel the same way,” she said. “All too often there is a stigma associated with pageants, and I think it is important to have representatives who are driven and honestly want to do what they can to help others.” Reeves said those from Knoxville and East Tennessee should be extremely glad that Atkins won. “We should all be so proud that the representative in the Miss Collegiate America competition for the state of Tennessee is a student at UT,” Reeves said. “I know I am.” For additional information about the pageants and the upcoming competitions visit the pageant’s website at www.americashighschoolpageant.com.
• Photo courtesy of George Pinckney
Callie Atkins, a junior in business administration, won the new Miss Tennessee Collegiate America. She will now represent Tennessee in the Miss Collegiate America Pageant in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2011.