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Gina M. Scott

Writer


RECENT ARTICLES

March 27, 2008

British Prime Minister Backs Internet Safety Report

Report commissioned by the Prime Minister outlines steps to improve online safety of children.
March 17, 2008

California State Workers Protest Salary Database Publication

Public resource or privacy invasion?
March 11, 2008

Handing Over the Keys: Keeping Kids Safe Online

Just like oncoming traffic, there are many dangerous things out there on the net that can hurt kids.
February 21, 2008

Congress Urged to Pass Health Information Technology Legislation

"Health Information Technology will help streamline medical recordkeeping and improve access to quality health care by reducing paperwork and making communication faster and more accurate."
February 11, 2008

Undersea Internet Cables Repaired

Internet access returning to normal in Middle East, Asia.
January 31, 2008

Cut Undersea Cables Disrupt Internet in Middle East, Asia

Internet disruptions across two continents could take over week to repair.
January 18, 2008

California Broadband Task Force Releases Final Report

96 percent of households have broadband access, statewide e-health network among recommendations.
January 14, 2008

Social Networking Safety Agreement with MySpace Announced

MySpace, Attorneys General agree to creation of age and identity verification technology, social networking safety taskforce.
January 10, 2008

U.K. Prime Minister Discusses National ID Cards with Parliament

"The whole purpose of identity cards is to protect people's identity and the way to do that is to use ... biometrics so that use of the information cannot be triggered other than by the facial or fingerprint data that are part of the biometrics."
January 2, 2008

Government Sites Post Social Security Numbers

Washington Post reports government sites with personal information, including SSNs, readily available.
December 23, 2007

Cyber Security 2007: Special Holiday Issue

Scams we keep falling for, scammers paying their dues and other Cyber Security Issues in this special edition of Government Technology's Security E-Newsletter.
November 21, 2007

Personal Data of 25 Million U.K. Children Lost

"When mistakes happen in enforcing procedures we have a duty to do everything we can to protect the public...we will do everything in our power to make sure data is safe," said Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
November 20, 2007

Turkey Tradition an Example of Technology in Everyday Life

"I also thank everybody who voted online to choose the names for our guests of honor."
November 14, 2007

Public Trust of RFID

As RFID becomes more prevalent in society, how can the government reduce the public's uncertainties about this mystifying technology?
November 9, 2007

Play a Word Game, Feed the Hungry

"FreeRice really hits home how the Web can be harnessed to raise awareness and funds for the world's number one emergency."
October 22, 2007

What Will Your Agency do if Sensitive Citizen Information is Stolen?

An expert's advice for those in charge of databases, and the private information they contain.
September 27, 2007

Internet, Mobile Phone Lines Cut in Attempt to Hide Burma's Peril

"The junta has cut the country off from the rest of the world in order to better crush the nascent saffron revolution. We appeal to the international press to step up its coverage by trying to get journalists into the country so that this dramatic situation is not played out behind closed doors."
August 22, 2007

Social Security Numbers Printed on CalPERS Mailing

"We sincerely apologize and regret this unfortunate incident, and we are taking every step necessary to prevent this from happening again."
August 15, 2007

Six Security Bulletins Deemed Critical this "Patch Tuesday"

Patches should be installed quickly, say security experts.
July 26, 2007

Americans With Disabilities Act Sees Possible Restoration After Seventeen Years

In those 17 years, much has improved for people with disabilities ... Yet for some, the glimmer of hope as been snuffed out simply because of advancements in medicine and court decisions.
July 17, 2007

Two Texans Accused of Zombie Computer Stock Scam

SEC lawyer said to have received one of the pump-and-dump e-mails.
June 26, 2007

First Prosecution Under CAN-SPAM Act Returns Guilty Verdict

Two men convicted of running international pornographic spamming business.
June 21, 2007

Stolen Ohio Data Storage Device Held Taxpayer Information Also

"We will continue working hard to make sure that everyone affected by this data theft has up-to-date information as we confirm it."
June 21, 2007

Virginia Mainframes Experience Hardware Failures

Backlog in data processing impacted multiple state agencies.
June 18, 2007

Theft of Ohio Data Storage Device Includes SSNs of all State Employees

"Our review of the information in the stolen data device will continue until we have determined ... that we have identified every piece of sensitive information contained in the device."
June 15, 2007

"Phish & Tips" For Father's Day

FTC offers Father's Day e-card with cyber security tips.
June 12, 2007

National Internet Safety Month

Display a wire ribbon, promote Internet safety. 
June 6, 2007

Indiana Launches More Secure Drivers License

Cards feature embedded digital enhancements to help battle ID theft and tampering.
May 31, 2007

Spam King Indicted on Multiple Counts of Fraud, ID Theft

"Our investigators dubbed him the 'Spam King' because he is responsible for millions of spam e-mails."
May 25, 2007

Rash of Spam Uses Social Engineering to Exploit Victims

Spam claims to offer free tickets and a trailer of new movie.
May 21, 2007

Privacy Matters

"Protecting privacy means protecting people."
May 21, 2007

MySpace to Turn Over Sex Offender Data to States

Company heeds the demands of Attorneys General.
May 15, 2007

Integrity in Public Procurement: Good Practice from A to Z

OECD released paper includes e-procurement practices.
May 15, 2007

Attorneys General Seek Information on Sex Offenders Using MySpace

Eight Attorneys General say that thousands of convicted sex offenders use the site.
May 15, 2007

Twelve Entertainment Web Sites Blocked by Defense Department

Bandwidth issues cited as reason for the block.
May 3, 2007

Public Comment Taken on Real ID Act

National Town Hall meeting held in California.
April 30, 2007

Digital Currency Business Indicted for Money Laundering and Illegal Money Transmitting

"The advent of new electronic currency systems increases the risk that criminals, and possibly terrorists, will exploit these systems to launder money and transfer funds globally."
April 24, 2007

Strategic Plan, Web Site, Released to Combat Identity Theft

Identity theft "is a personal invasion, done in secret, that can rob innocent men and women of their good names."
April 16, 2007

Technology Can Improve Lives

The part technology plays in helping and/or hindering people with disabilities.
April 16, 2007

Like We're Not Even Here

Accessibility doesn't stop when a ramp is built.
April 11, 2007

Personal Data of Georgia Medicaid, PeachCare Recipients Lost

CD lost in transit held Social Security numbers, names addresses, more.
April 2, 2007

Animated Cursor Worm Attacks Grow Over Weekend

Microsoft to release out-of-cycle patch.
March 29, 2007

Mass Travel Brings New Risks, Says Blair

Biometrics not a cure-all, say opponents.
March 29, 2007

Update: Wondering why a Droid is on the Street Corner?

USPS reveals R2-D2 mystery.
March 16, 2007

R2-D2, Where's the mail?

Spunky little robot enlisted as honorary collector for America's mail.
March 14, 2007

Schwarzenegger Includes Health Information Technology in Executive Order

Governor Schwarzenegger is joined by U.S. HHS Secretary Leavitt on tour of modern health facilities.
March 2, 2007

Breach of Personal Information at Calif. Dept. of Health Service Handled Quickly

"We are taking steps to notify you of this, consistent with our policy, and with the sensitivity around all HIV related issues."
March 1, 2007

Real ID Act Deadline Pushed Back to 2009

"We will work closely with states to implement these standards and protect American's privacy against identity theft and the use of fraudulent documents."
February 26, 2007

Two Reports Concur: No Error in Florida County Elections

"As always, Governor Crist and I are committed to ensuring that every Floridian's vote is counted."
February 26, 2007

TSA to Supply Information on Possible Web Security Oversight

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform requests documentation by March 9th.
February 23, 2007

British Prime Minister Responds to Constituents

Blair e-mails 1.8 million petition participants.
February 13, 2007

NASCIO Executive Director Comments on Government Technology Story

"Thanks for this piece and the reminder that this change could end up as not just a minor inconvenience."
February 12, 2007

Valentine Spam, Valentine Virus

"As Valentine's Day approaches this year we are already seeing a proliferation of computer threats."
February 12, 2007

Springing Forward Creates Big Issue for Information Technologies

New Daylight Saving Time means updating systems.
February 8, 2007

Halifax Regional Municipality Alert System

Is it time to worry? Just log on and see.
February 6, 2007

Safer Internet Day 2007

"The Internet offers tremendous opportunities to all. But many remain unaware of its darker side."
January 26, 2007

Maine Legislature Urges Repeal of Real ID Act

Privacy risks and high costs cited as reasons for repeal.
January 24, 2007

Governor's Panel Answers Health Care Reform Questions

Patient privacy and telemedicine part of the plan.
January 18, 2007

International Taskforce Announced to Tackle Internet Child Abuse

Disturbing new trend of criminals using "modeling" sites to gain access to children.
January 15, 2007

Over 500 U.K. Government Web Sites Set to Close

"We are at the beginning of the Transformational Government strategy and we recognize that we have more to do."
December 22, 2006

FCC Proposes Nationwide Broadband Interoperable Public Safety Network

Network would run in the 700MHZ band.
December 20, 2006

Bush Signs Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

Businesses can deduct technology R&D investments from taxes
December 19, 2006

Mobiles Get Sick Too, and Other Cyber Security Issues

Paid to be paranoid
December 7, 2006

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Passes Senate

Information technology part of "nationwide public health situational awareness network"
December 5, 2006

UN Draws Attention to Web Access for Persons with Disabilities

Web site survey results released in conjunction with International Day of Disabled Persons
December 1, 2006

HHS Launches Awareness Web Site on World AIDS Day

"Combined, we can strive to defeat HIV/AIDS"
November 29, 2006

ChildLine: the Voice on the Other End

Program reaches out to children in danger across India
November 22, 2006

Holiday Tradition Takes "Flight" Online

Technology and tradition
November 16, 2006

California Golden Guardian

"This is a very likely scenario, this is real stuff, and this is incredibly important."
November 15, 2006

NYC Mayor Urges State Officials to "Kick Start" Election Board

"Expedite the testing and certification process of new voting machines"
November 15, 2006

Encryption Key to Identity Management

Security is like a Ding-Dong
November 14, 2006

UK Chief Answers ID Card Questions

Citizens question privacy, security of information and biometrics in live chat
November 10, 2006

Live Web Cast to Honor the Courage, Honor and Devotion of Veterans

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Event will be seen by American troops and U.S. citizens worldwide
November 7, 2006

British Prime Minister Speaks About Biometric ID Cards

"The real issue here is not privacy or cost, it is modernity"
November 7, 2006

Election Day

Civic duty done with the newest technology
October 31, 2006

A Different Type of October Scare -- Rootkits, Identity Theft and Cyber Predators

Governments, grassroots come together to educate people during National Cyber Security Month
October 23, 2006

Communication and Education Key to Keeping Kids Safe Online

California Cyber Safety Summit
October 19, 2006

San Francisco Takes Steps to Improve Emergency Management, Ensure Safety

Strengthening the city's "abilities to respond immediately and effectively when the next Big One occurs."
October 16, 2006

Sounds Spooky, but Just Might Save Your Data

DeadMan's Handle: failsafe program for stolen laptops
October 9, 2006

Dublin, Ohio, Rolls out Citywide Wi-Fi

The wireless network "will allow residents, businesses and city employees of Dublin to have mobile access to the Internet"
October 6, 2006

Schwarzenegger Vetoes RFID Bill

Privacy regulations might "contradict" the Real ID Act
October 5, 2006

Internet Seminar: Solving the Human Factor of Security

Network security and a plethora of lost passwords
October 4, 2006

Plans for Improvement, Growth of California County E-Government

Future projects and trends outlined at Sacramento County meeting
October 2, 2006

Brazil's Classroom-On-Wheels Helps Bridge the Digital Divide

Mobile truck gives Brazilian city residents Internet access and training.
September 29, 2006

Information Technology on the Horizonte

Mobile truck gives Brazilian city residents Internet access and training
September 28, 2006

Number 10 Downing Street: More Than Just a Door

British Prime Minister unveils Young People's site
September 22, 2006

Virginia to Give "Real Choice" to People With Disabilities

Technology, Web sites to be improved through grant
September 21, 2006

Study Says Real ID Act Will Cost $11 Billion, be Logistics Nightmare

Recommend progressive 10 year re-enrollment schedule
September 21, 2006

US Attorney General Testifies About Internet Service Providers

ISPs should retain customers' data to combat child pornography
September 20, 2006

State CIO, CISO Speak About National Survey

NASCIO's survey reveals diversity of issues important to CISOs
September 15, 2006

Governor Schwarzenegger Focuses on Emergency Preparedness, Public Health

Bill creates new California Department of Public Health
September 14, 2006

Princeton Researchers Find Flaws in Electronic Voting Machine

Mock election again shows betrayal of Benedict Arnold
September 13, 2006

Downtown Pittsburgh Goes Live with Wi-Fi Mesh Network

"It's our hope that being connected will give Downtown a greater sense of neighborhood, community and cohesiveness"
September 12, 2006

California Health Officers Research Real-Time Collaboration

"PCRI will allow officers to rapidly and securely share ... visual data, collaborate on strategies, policies and communications."
September 12, 2006

Wireless Signage Project for Visually Impaired Seattle Travelers

Sound Transit receives grant from FTA, Congress approves
September 11, 2006

Landfill Holds Wealth of Personal Data

2.6 million credit card holders affected
September 8, 2006

Great Britain's National ID Card: What Does it Mean for The United States?

Trustworthy preventative technology or political slippery slope?
August 31, 2006

Californians May Go Hands-Free

Bill on way to Governor's office
August 23, 2006

Internet Danger: Don't Walk Down the Dark Alley

Get Net Safe tour hopes to promote Internet safety
August 22, 2006

One in Three Teens are Victims of Cyber Bullying

"Like everything else, bullying has met the information super highway"
August 16, 2006

Google to Roll Out Free Internet Access in Hometown

Whole town will be a hot spot
August 9, 2006

HotCity Wireless: Connecting the Divide

Get young people talking and maybe the guns will be put aside in favor of the Internet
July 28, 2006

Los Angeles Mayor Launches Environmental Web Site

"Million Trees LA" gets online support
July 26, 2006

House Internet Restriction Legislation Comes Under Opposition

American Library Association and Information Technology Association of America voice concerns over new bill
July 19, 2006

California DMV Introduces e-Checks to Online Payment Options

Fees paid easier through Web site improvement
July 13, 2006

Ask Governor Schwarzenegger

Governor speaks about concerns of citizens via webcast
July 12, 2006

Internet Gambling Restrictions Bill Passed by House

Violators could face up to five years imprisonment
July 10, 2006

Revamped Web Site to Track Revitalization of Lower Manhattan

Part of new campaign called "This is 2010. It's Happening Now"
June 15, 2006

Oregon Governor Speaks Out About Recent Trojan Horse Attack

Pledges to take "every possible action"
June 15, 2006

What's So Secure About Social Security Numbers?

Perhaps it is time to upgrade our technology