Sean Michael Kerner

The open-source OpenStack cloud platform has the support of many of the world’s leading IT vendors, including IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Intel, AT&T, Cisco and Red Hat, but does it have the support of enterprises? A new study from IDG Connect, sponsored by Red Hat, shows growth and demand for the OpenStack cloud. The survey found […]

Inside the Ubuntu 13.10 Linux ‘Saucy Salamander’ Linux Desktop By Sean Michael Kerner Ubuntu 13.10 Isn’t a Sharp Departure From Prior Releases For current Ubuntu Linux users, the basic desktop login and interface carry forward from the 13.04 release. Full Disk Encryption Is an Installation Option In this modern era where data thefts and breaches […]

Some members of the technology community see VMware as a key competitor and rival to the open-source OpenStack cloud platform. The truth of the matter is somewhat different, as VMware is a major contributor to OpenStack and has taken multiple steps forward to help advance the upcoming Havana release. Dan Wendlandt, director of product management […]

As organizations continue to deal with the implications of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and its Internet surveillance efforts, interest in and demand for cloud encryption has increased. Just because data is encrypted doesn’t mean that enterprises should not be able to find what they’re looking for, which is where new features from CipherCloud […]

There was an interesting story this week on SFGate about some new Stanford University research into how sensors on smartphones could be used for tracking people. To make a long story short, the researchers found that every smartphone that has an accelerometer movement sensor has a unique digital fingerprint. That is, through careful analysis, subtle […]

The OpenStack Foundation was officially launched in September 2012 in a bid to provide an open governance model for OpenStack. OpenStack is an open-source cloud platform originally started by Rackspace and NASA in 2010 that has since become a much bigger effort with widespread industry participation. Allan Clark, currently serves as the chairman of the […]

There has been a lot of talk lately about the potential for the Internet of things—just this week Intel threw its hat into the ring. The Internet of things will connect all manner of devices, including household appliances, to the Internet. One thing that few vendors have talked about though is security for the Internet […]

TORONTO—Automated teller machines are a common sight in modern society, and they’re also obvious targets for attackers looking to steal money. Researchers from security firm Trustwave discussed security issues related to ATMs at the SecTor security conference here, outlining their discoveries of ATM insecurity made during penetration-testing engagements. The flaws are widespread implementation issues that […]

Are mobile devices actually safe? That’s the question a new PayPal and National Cyber Security Alliance study is aiming to help answer. The study, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults about their views on mobile device security and usage, shows where the shortfalls are in mobile security. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents […]

TORONTO—Metaphors are always a fun and easy way to try to describe complicated topics. In the security world, metaphors have long been part of the vernacular helping us to draw comparisons and build understanding. This week at the SecTor security conference here, I heard G. Mark Hardy, founder and president of National Security Corp., give […]