Ransomware and other computer crimes are big business, with cybercrooks attacking our oil infrastructure and healthcare facilities. At the July meeting of the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club, we heard from two experts about the threats — and how you can protect yourself.
- Seth Hall, who leads techLEAD, a San Diego organization of technologists listening, engaging, advocating and defending on the technology issues of our time. .
- Antonio Adams, senior advisor at Southern California Edison, responsible for developing security solutions helping to ensure reliability of electricity to more than 15 million users. Additionally, Adams serves in the US Navy Reserves, and previously served as the Senior Intelligence Officer for Cyber in Asia and Critical Infrastructure at the Director of National Intelligence. He holds a Bachelors Degree in International Security from San Diego State University, a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Norfolk State University, and is currently completing his Executive MBA at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Seth and Antonio talked about the overall threat of cybercrime and ransomware. This type of crime is becoming more dangerous, following multimillion dollar attacks on the Colonial Oil pipeline that triggered gas shortages on the East Coast, and – close to home — a ransomware attack on Scripps Health that threatened lives. How big is the threat, and what can and should we be doing about it?
They also discussed how can we protect ourselves and individuals.
And Seth talked about the importance of digital rights, particularly regarding privacy and surveillance, broadband access, net neutrality, and more.
Also, join our next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 4, 6:30 pm for informal social time, 7 pm for the general meeting, on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82072702753?pwd=aThYeEcwZ0loMFJ0N0psYjBoaFJ1dz09
La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club 