Concerns Raised by the PlayStation Network Outage

In the middle of April 2011, Sony faced an outage to the PlayStation network that revealed 100 million users private information. Approximately one month later the network is still down and raising plenty of questions regarding the security of cloud computing. This outage is sure to have an impact on the way in which most individuals perceive the security of the cloud. Speculative Reports Reports have been published indicating that Sony was using outdated software that helped the cyber criminals perform the attack. However, this information is speculative. Sony representatives have still not confirmed a date when the network is to be restored. Giving Back to the Gaming Community Historically Sony has had a loyal following. However, after this incident gaming experts have predicted that Sony may have to offer a lot to appease those same users.

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Concerns Raised by the PlayStation Network Outage

Google Chrome Browser Cracked

Vupen Security, a group specializing in vulnerability research, claims to have broken through the Google Chrome browser as well as the sandbox thus denting claims regarding the security of the browser. A video was recently released on Vupen’s website displaying the exploit from Google Chrome v11.0.696.65 using Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 (x64). The exploit is also effective on Google Chrome versions 11.x and 12.x The Exploit A user visiting the page is tricked into thinking they are at the correct web page that hosts the exploit which executes a variety of actions that end in downloading the Calculator from a remote location to externally launch it from Google Sandbox. Technical Details According to Vupen, the exact details of the breach including the code have not been publicly disclosed and will only be shared with their government customers to prove the effectiveness of their services. The exploit has been noted as one of the most sophisticated codes as it completely bypasses all security features such as ASLR/DEP/Sandbox. Also, the vulnerability does not crash following the execution of the exploit and it relies on zero-day vulnerabilities found by Vupen Security while working within a Windows system.

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Google Chrome Browser Cracked

Methods for Increasing Page Speed and Improving Search Engine Rankings

Google recently announced it plans to begin factoring in page speed more heavily with regards to search engine rankings. This change is being made because studies have shown that quicker sites create happier users. Therefore, ecommerce merchants must adapt to this algorithm change. As a merchant, improving your speed will depend on how easily you are able to change several technical factors in the page code. For those new to ecommerce, page speed should not be your priority. Creating high quality, relevant content is the most important step.

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Methods for Increasing Page Speed and Improving Search Engine Rankings

mindSHIFT and Kentico Team Up

mindSHIFT Technologies is one of the leading provides of information technology and cloud services to small and medium-sized organizations. Recently the firm announced that it has achieved the Kentico Certified Solution Partner status. mindSHIFT currently utilizes Kentico’s content management system to develop affordable, fully interactive and dynamic websites. The Use of Kentico CMS mindSHIFT uses this technology because it is an easy-to-use program that meets the needs of website development and production.  The company is thrilled to be receiving this certification and recognizes that the Kentico software is the most important tool in their information technology toolbox. Recent Uses mindSHIFT recently utilized the Kentico CMS to create and launch the new VVA Project Managers and Consultants website. The CMS simplified the website updating process be more efficient and allowed for much more control. mindSHIFT also played a major role during the entire implementation process; from design to build to launch, the experts at the company helped achieve the shared organizational goals

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mindSHIFT and Kentico Team Up

Web Mapping through HillTop Content Management System

Website content management system (CMS) HillTop recently announced the ability to share information with constituents utilizing a geographic context. HillTop CMS is currently used by over 50 congressional offices. GSL Solutions has combined Esri’s geographic information system (GIS) with the HillTop software to produce web mapping capabilities. Viewing and Interactive Map States across the nation should be able to utilize the best available resources to understand exactly how specific pieces of legislation from Washington, DC affect their lives. The software can produce an interactive map on governmental websites to indicate the work being conducted and way to become involved in community efforts. Showing Areas of Interest Many legislative representatives are also using the software to post maps depicting various types of project spending efforts, news coverage, suites of interest for visitors and community meeting details. This mapping functionality is built directly into HillTop’s platform allowing for the content to be easily entered with an interactive geographic format. The Future of Geographic Software GSL Solutions is planning to create a working group to guide future geographic software applications in the HillTop system including national maps displaying important issues of interest which would allow legislators to include the viewpoint from the state government that citizens would be able to track from the website

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Web Mapping through HillTop Content Management System

An Overview of Facebook Deals

Facebook recently released the details regarding a new coupons and deals segment of their enterprise. There will initially be five test markets including, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, San Diego and San Francisco. However, this is not your everyday print and cut coupon site. Facebook plans to revolutionize this system by placing a different spin on discounts by focusing on deals that individuals would do with their friends. New Discounts at Facebook Therefore, Facebook is continuing their innovative ideas with a social spin. For instance, instead of displaying teeth whitening deals, Facebook will show discounts for activities like white water rafting, concerts and wine tasting events.

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An Overview of Facebook Deals

An Update on the Playstation Network Security Scandal

Since the attack occurring on April 28 th , 2011, the Playstation Network has been left with millions of players unable to engage in multiplayer action. Unfortunately, Sony has not been forthcoming as to the repairs of the network and when it will go back online. On April 30 th , 2011, Sony expected to have some services available within a week. That never happened. Confusing Statements Other statements revealed that the service would be fully functional as of Tuesday, May 3 rd , 2011. That also never happened and Sony has continued to go out of its way to hide whether or not the network would be available tomorrow. This silence by the company cannot be good for sales or their reputation. More importantly, it is not a good sign for the customers that just want to log back in and play their favorite MMO.

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An Update on the Playstation Network Security Scandal

Important Features of Content Management Systems

Although well organized and informative content has always been vitally important to the success of a website, it is now even more important in terms of search engine optimization (SEO) because of Google’s new algorithms. Unfortunately, writing and then manually uploading content to a website can be extremely time consuming and tedious. As a result, many web hosting companies also provide access to automated content management systems for their customers to utilize. The Benefits of Content Management Systems One of the main boons of a content management system (CMS) is the ability to add content daily without being tied to a computer. Since a constant influx of well crafted and informative content is vital to page rank a good CMS can help automate the process. The webmaster can simply schedule when and how much content to upload and then go on about his or her business.

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Important Features of Content Management Systems

HP Awarded NASA Cloud Hosting Contract

HP recently announced that its enterprise services unit was awarded $2.5 billion in a newly drafted contract with NASA. The deal is for a fixed price and will require HP to provide user desktop services that will improve the efficiency at NASA while allowing employees to easily communicate ideas across a secure computing environment. The contract is set for four years with two, three year optional extension periods. Upgrading NASA’s Entire Infrastructure This project will be a consolidated end-user program in which HP will upgrade NASA’s entire infrastructure through the deliverance of a suite of computing services and devices to over 60,000 end-users. The process will require HP to provide, maintain and manage a variety of computing options, an advanced level of customer support and connect all NASA facilities in the United States to improve productivity and implement cost savings. Focusing on Security The cellular seat and computing services will be designed with a focus on security and collaboration to allow all NASA employees to share information in a safe and reliable environment. Evolving NASA’s Information Technology According the to the Senior Vice President and General Manager of HP Enterprise Services, this contract will assist with the evolution of NASA’s information technology platform and centralize and infrastructure allowing for agency-wide availability and a significant improvement in security and manageability. HP will utilize its industry knowledge to support this transition as easily and seamlessly as possible

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HP Awarded NASA Cloud Hosting Contract

A Look at Security in the Cloud

With the recent outage of the Amazon EC2 network and the data breach of the Sony PlayStation Network, many experts and customers are wondering if security is a larger issue in cloud computing than any other type of hosting. The answer is no, cloud services are not riskier than typical applications found in a corporate data center. The Two Recent Problems Amazon EC2 or Elastic Compute Cloud services were affected on April 21 st , 2011 by an outage that shut resulted in major websites being unavailable for three days. To this day, the cause of the outage is not known. Two days prior, Sony shut down two of its cloud servers due to an external intrusion in which the hacker or hackers obtained the personal information of over 77 million subscribers. These two problems are proving to be significant.

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A Look at Security in the Cloud

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