Topic Technology
University of Calgary case highlights criminal demands for computer ‘ransom’
June 10, 2016 by Steve Lambert - THE CANADIAN PRESSRansomware attacks, such as one that recently saw the University of Calgary pay cyber criminals $20,000 to unlock its computer systems, are on the rise around the globe. Government and industry experts say at small businesses, at hospitals and even…
Province of Alberta introduces new website, improved mobile app to help manage flood risk
June 10, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe government of Alberta has introduced a new website and updated mobile app to help “keep Albertans informed and allow municipalities to respond faster and more efficiently if conditions change.” Although Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) noted in a press…
GM Canada announces expansion of work on autonomous and connected vehicle technology
June 10, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterGeneral Motors (GM) Canada announced on Friday an expansion of its engineering and software work in the country to support the development of “innovative new automotive systems and technologies for the future.” GM said in a press release that it…
Ontario’s Region of Waterloo gives green light to non-traditional taxis
June 10, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Region of Waterloo in Ontario announced earlier this week that a new taxi bylaw, set to be implemented in October, will include “consistent insurance requirements for traditional and non-traditional taxis.” The bylaw will also include new licensing ratios and…
U.K. penetration testing firm hacks into SUV through mobile app
June 9, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterUnited Kingdom-based Pen Test Partners LLP said recently that it has hacked into a Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) through a mobile app. Pen Test Partners said in a blog post on June 5 that while most remote…
Increasing adoption of cloud services primary driver of growth in global critical infrastructure protection market: research
June 9, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe increased adoption of cloud-based services among enterprises is the primary driver for growth in the global critical infrastructure protection market, according to global market research company Technavio. Research analysts at Technavio predicted on Wednesday that the global critical infrastructure…
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to monitor greenhouse gas emissions for two years to help form reduction targets
June 9, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced a plan for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions that involves monitoring to help form reduction targets. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Executive Council said in a press release on Tuesday that…
Driving while talking on a hands-free phone can be as distracting as talking on hand-held mobile: study
June 8, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterDriving while talking on a hands-free phone can be as distracting as talking on a hand-held mobile, according to a study from researchers at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. The study, titled Imagery-inducing distraction leads to cognitive…
Need exists to embrace all tools, including social media, to enhance emergency management and response
June 8, 2016 by Angela Stelmakowich, EditorSocial media can serve as an important tool in a scattergun approach that helps the public to be better informed, further engaged and more prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster, suggests Melanie Irons, PhD, psychology lecturer with…
University of Calgary pays ransom after attack on computer systems
June 8, 2016 by The Canadian PressCALGARY – The University of Calgary says it paid a ransom of $20,000 demanded after a recent cyberattack. The school says in a news release that staff were able to isolate some of the attack and are working to ensure…
Businesses wait for damaging cyberattacks before taking action: study
June 8, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterTwo-thirds of respondents to a global study commissioned by technology and innovation company Raytheon have indicated that not until there is a “significant data loss” from an IT security breach are their organizations motivated to engage a vendor. Don’t Wait:…
Ontario will spend up to $8.3 billion to fight climate change, offer incentives
June 7, 2016 by Keith Leslie - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Ontario’s action plan on climate change will include financial incentives to get cleaner, more efficient cars and trucks on the roads and to convince homeowners and businesses to lower their carbon footprints, The Canadian Press has learned. The…