How long would it take for a newly internet-attached PC to be attacked by the silent army of hackers around the world? Sadly, the answer according to
this BBC article from 2005 is "eight seconds". Think about it: "1-Mississippi, 2-Mississippi, 3-Mississippi, 4-Mississippi, 5-Mississippi, 6-Mississippi, 7-Mississippi, 8-Mississippi" - and you're hacked. Sobering thought, especially for those who hate anti-virus software packages (and I am one of them).
In some ways, this is an old story - even for the BBC, but the results are still alarming.
What I would study if I were not in MIS...
Contrary to the central notion of this blog, which is to keep track of opportunities for practical, relevant research in MIS for future usage and study, I am absolutely in love with the philosophy of science. It appeals to the egghead inside me that wants to leave a scholarly mark on the world. And yet, there is something so distant and archane about the way these things are approached. For instance, one of the "open problems in Philosophy", is the Demarcation Problem, which essentially is an attempt to find the line between science and non-science (and yes, there is much more to the story than that). As an application of this notion to MIS, I wonder if we can really call most of what is done in business schools a 'scientific' endeavor. Note that I am not questioning the value or relevance, only whether or not we can really call it 'science'. (Note to self: look at this book by Curd and Cover later.
Of course, I can still study this as a MIS professor, but it sure isn't going to help much in the way of publishing things for tenure - which is the first goal.
Of course, I can still study this as a MIS professor, but it sure isn't going to help much in the way of publishing things for tenure - which is the first goal.
Microsoft Office 'Zero-Day' Attack
Slashdot reports that the new version of Microsoft Office is already under attack. No surprise there -- and I am not blaming Microsoft. Why attack Open Office when there are so few users? Why not attack MSFT Office and its legion of well-placed (meaning Corporate) users?
Usable Security
Interesting report on how Bank of America's Sitekey doesn't work as well as it should. This and other reports can be found at this conference which is formed around different aspects of 'usable security'. In some respects, this deals with similar earlier work (ACM membership required - mirror copy here) by Mary Ellen Zurko on User-Centered Security - which she has apparently updated recently.
No more whining
In response to the previous post entitled "Coding Sucks", this blog has officially become a "No Whining Zone".On second thought, isn't that one of the purposes of having a blog...to whine???
Coding Sucks!!
Given my current coding framework, I will need to come up with codes for a metaschema that will need to fit the following basic format:
{unit} {predicate} {resource1 [, resource2]}
Where there are (at least) 5 units not including the individuals themselves, 5 predicates (including contributes, accumulates, uses, exchanges, and transforms; the latter two require the second resource), and over 10 resources (more like 18-20) of three types (capital, goods, and services).
This level of 'micro-analysis' cannot be necessary. Unfortunately, my advisor (who I respect highly, mind you) says that it is absolutely necessary for the next round of analysis. Bummer... Looks like it's time for another quote by Ovid:
Endure and persist; this pain will turn to good by and by.
What a good week...so far
What a difference a week makes! I can now see clearly to what I have to do to get out of here.
- No, I do not have a good coding template yet, but I am well on the way to having one. The new, new one has a lot of good points going for it, but I will have to go back over it again, which sorta stinks but is better than the previous one.
- The interviews since 1/24 (four, with 2 more for this week and one to reschedule) have been outstanding! I can honestly say that I have learned a lot about the cases that I have been studying and also about the software industry in general. Lots of good info on all fronts!
- Received official invitation to a think-tank that will cover the area that I am doing for my dissertation and my writing for the next 4-5 years. Should be an excellent way to get some great contacts. I can even see how this could lead to some personal equity-building activities.
- Wrote a brief which should set up my dissertation writeup, which my advisors think would be ok. Additionally, they want to work on a separate case, which should satisfy the aspirations of the CEO of the case firm.
- Worked on two other non-dissertation related projects, both of which should lead to publications.
