Hank Payton

Hank Payton – Internet security has always been at top concern for IT industry. Because, nowadays a large number of monetary transactions are taking place using the online mechanism. Computer users prefer using online banking service instead of waiting in long queues for their turn. Some enjoy shopping from their home, and others like to invest in share’s using the online trading option.

Each of this service requires important credentials of users, which are known only to the user. The online transaction is carried forward after the server authenticates the entered credentials with the stored credentials in the server. When the authentication process is successful, the user then can start the transaction process.

So, whenever your computer is connected to internet, there arises the risk of virus infection, identity theft, and so on. Here comes the concept of internet security. The challenges to internet security are to keep the information of the computer user’s safe and secure. Because the cyber criminals are always in search of stealing the important user credentials.

Basically, internet security is concerned with the protection of internet accounts and files of computer users from unknown and unauthorized user. It is concerned with three important issues like confidentiality, availability and integrity.

In internet security, confidentiality deals with maintaining the information of a user secure and inaccessible by unauthorized users. The concept of integrity deals with maintaining the information of the user intact. And availability is concerned with making the information available to the user. There are various parameters used for maintaining the internet security such as the use of an anti virus software, any best security software, and a firewall.

There are various internet security softwares available in the market, which gives complete assurance to the computer users for offering complete privacy and security on internet. The antivirus companies are offering their softwares for the trial purpose for their users to decide which one is the best internet security suite to buy. Grisoft offers free AVG security software for the trial purpose. McAfee has also introduced a trial version for a limited period of its latest software for free. These softwares will keep your computer safe and protected from various prying eyes over the internet.

Hank Payton | A recent Eurobarometer poll revealed some relatively alarming statistics. Firstly, that around 10% of all European internet users had experienced online fraud and/or identity theft in some form, and that 74% of those quizzed believed cyber-crime to be an ‘increasing risk’. Secondly, that only just over 50% had some form of anti-virus software installed on their computers, and that 57% would open emails from addresses they did not recognize.

McAffe, in a separate study, has recently published a list of what it considers to be the foremost online threats in the coming year. Amongst the risks, it mentions employees of companies being targeted as ‘doorways’ past security and more advanced viruses designed to steal banking information. This, coupled with the findings of the Eurbarometer poll, presents a worrying risk to European citizens. If those quizzed were aware of the inherent risks posed by the internet, and yet did not take moves to protect themselves, then there are only a small number of possible reasons why. Firstly, that they did not feel threatened by cyber-crime, however, given the 10% that had been victims of said crimes, it is unlikely that this is a universal principle. The second possibility is that there is a widespread lack of awareness when it comes to protection. The study found that even the most basic of security protocols were being ignored, so we shall therefore examine some security tips for the beginner.

Antivirus software – While your operating system of choice may have built-in software for dealing with certain threats, without a full, dedicated antivirus program installed, it can be hard to get frequently-updated protection against the ever-changing world of viruses. Many such programs can be bought cheaply, and charge an annual fee, but if you cannot afford them, then there are plenty of reliable providers with a free version of their product. Any protection is better than no protection.

Common sense – As a general rule-of-thumb, do not open emails that you either were not expecting, or that are from addresses that you do not recognise. However, be cautious using email, regardless of source. Some viruses are able to access your friends’ email accounts, and use them to forward virus-riddled spam messages to everyone in that address’ directory. If you receive a message out-of-the-blue from a friend, perhaps just quickly check that it is a genuine one.

Caution in security – Many websites and online services require users to register an account and provide a password, which is a good thing: they are being protective of your details (and whatever else you keep there). However be cautious about having one ‘universal’ password. If a hacker were to get hold of it, then they would have access to everything, and could even use it to change your details, and lock you out of your accounts. Repairing such damage would be very time-consuming.

Hank Payton – Cases like credit card numbers being stolen and virus infection are quite common these days. You may have heard about them, or maybe you’ve even been a victim yourself. How to avoid these problems and save yourself from falling prey? Well, that is what we will discuss in this article.

These days, it seems that everything depends on computers and the internet. Be it communication, entertainment, transportation or shopping, medicine, and in other sphere of life, technology plays an imperative role. And this also brings huge opportunity to the hackers. They use various tools and techniques to sneak into the computer of the user and steal personal and sensitive information and damage hardware component. Here comes the importance of cyber security. It involves protecting your important information by preventing, detecting as well as responding to attacks.

There is no dearth of risks, and some of them are truly serious. Malicious objects like viruses erase your entire system, and there are also spyware that steal your credit card information and make unauthorized purchases. There are steps by which you can minimize the chances of falling prey. You can consult a computer repair company for PC security support.

You should understand the risks, and this will help you to protect yourself against them. Let’s take a look at how to block hacker, attacker, or intruders. Those, who seek to exploit weaknesses in software and computer systems of the users’ computer for their own gain, are called as hackers. The number of these cyber criminals is increasing these days and they are applying more and more new tools and techniques to invade the user’s computer.

There are also malicious codes, called malware, are used to attack your computer. Malware could be of diverse types. Sometimes, when you open an email attachment or go to a particular web page, your computer gets infected. There are also some malicious objects that can spread without user intervention and typically start by taking advantage of software vulnerability. Once the victim computer gets infected, the malicious code tries to infect other computers on the network. These codes could be spread via email, websites, or network-based software.

Henry Payton – Keeping business data safe is the number one concern of business nowadays. Due to the rising security breaches on several companies, data security against unwanted intrusion is on everyone’s mind. No matter big or small, IT security is the biggest challenges organizations face. When it comes to small or medium enterprise the impact of security threat is even more severe. Cyber criminals love to target small business largely due to the fact that SMBs cannot afford to implement strong security protocols. Nothing can be hundred percentage safe, but at the same time SMEs can advance the protection environment by acquiring a strong understanding of their external web presence and ensuring it is secure by undertaking penetration testing and minimizing exposure by taking action such as regularly updating security patches.

Henry Payton | What is Data breach and how it happens?

Data breach is an incident in which sensitive, protected or confidential data has potentially been viewed, stolen or used by an individual unauthorized to do so. The most common concept of a data breach is an attacker hacking into a network to steal sensitive data. A number of industry guidelines and government compliance regulations mandate strict governance of sensitive or personal data to avoid data breaches. It is a scenario where your company or organizations’ data is stolen. When we check into the company folder and find all information is gone, client files, logs, billing information have all been compromised. Then it is clear that your business is becoming a victim of a data breach cyber-attack.

Most common causes of data breaches

Protecting sensitive data is critical to the lifeline of an enterprise. What can be the most common causes of data breaches?

• Physical loss or theft of devices is one of the most common causes of data breaches: This is arguably the most straightforward of the common causes of data breaches. However, there are many different ways that this can occur. It could be that anyone of your laptop, external hard drive, or flash drive has been damaged, stolen, or misplaced.

• Internal threats like accidental breach (employee error) or intentional breach (employee misuse): This can occur when employees handling delicate data not clearly understanding security protocols and procedures. Data breach can also occur from a mental error, when an employee sends documents to a wrong recipient.

• Weak security controls are often top concerns for protecting an organization’s data: Incorrectly managing access to applications and different types of data can result in employees being able to view and transport information they don’t need to do their jobs. Weak or stolen password has been yet another main concern. When devices such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, computers and email systems are protected with weak passwords, hackers can easily break into the system. This exposes subscription information, personal and financial information, as well as sensitive business data.

• Operating system and application vulnerabilities: Having outdated software or web browsers is a serious security concern.

Tips to prevent Cyber threat | Henry Payton

Amid the chaos and the hype, it can be difficult to get clear, accurate information about what’s really going on when a data breach occurs. While data breaches are certainly a complex issue, equipping yourself with basic knowledge of them can help you to navigate the news, to handle the aftermath, and to secure your data as best as you can. The increasing frequency and magnitude of data breaches is a clear sign that organizations need to prioritize the security of personal data.

Latest developments like embracing cloud, deploying BYOD etc. enhances the risk of cyber threat. Employee ignorance is also one of the major concerns. Hackers are well aware of these vulnerabilities and are organizing themselves to exploit. There is no need to panic, especially if you are a small business, but it is imperative to take a decision. Make yourself difficult to target and keep your business secure with these top 5 tips.

Here are the top 5 tips to prevent the cyber threat.

1. Encrypt your data: Data encryption is a great preventive control mechanism. If you encrypt a database or a file, you can’t decrypt it unless you have or guess the right keys, and guessing the right keys can take a long time. Managing encryption keys requires the same effort as managing other preventive controls in the digital world, like access control lists, for example. Someone needs to regularly review who has access to what data, and revoke access for those who no longer require it.

2. Choose a security that fits your business: Cracking even the most secure companies with elaborate schemes is now far greater than ever. So adopt a managed security service provider that can deliver a flexible solution cost effectively and provide a seamless upgrade path.

3. Educate employees: Educate employees about appropriate handling and protection of sensitive data. Keep employees informed about threats through brief e-mails or at periodic meetings led by IT expert.

4. Deploy security management strategy: Nowadays cyber-attacks are highly organized so organizations need to establish a strategic approach so that your entire environment works as an integrated defense, detecting, preventing and responding to attacks seamlessly and instantly.

5. Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software can secure your systems from attacks. Anti-virus protection scans your computer and your incoming email for viruses, and then deletes them. You must keep your anti-virus software updated to cope with the latest “bugs” circulating the Internet. Most anti-virus software includes a feature to download updates automatically when you are online. In addition, make sure that the software is continually running and checking your system for viruses, especially if you are downloading files from the Web or checking your email.

Actions or measures that can be taken if any, malicious attack suspected in your network

• If when an unknown file is downloaded, the first step is to delete the file. Disconnect the computer from the network and have IT run a complete system sweep to ensure no traces are left.

• Whenever a key logger is detected on a computer, IT should immediately reset password on all related accounts.

• Businesses should have central administration capabilities on their local and cloud server. Controlling which users have access to what files/folders on the server ensures that essential business data is only accessible by authorized individuals.

• Have all business files backed up in a remote cloud server. If disaster recovery is necessary, all files backed up in the cloud can be imported back to the local server to prevent complete data loss.

Perfect Cyber Security involves:

• Determining what assets need to be secured • Identifying the threats and risks that could affect those assets or the whole business • Identifying what safeguards need to be in place to deal with threats and secure assets • Monitoring safeguards and assets to prevent or manage security breaches • Responding to cyber security issues as they occur • Updating and adjusting to safeguards as needed

Henry Payton | It seems that almost everything now relies in internet and computers — entertainment, communication, transportation medicine, shopping, etc. How much of your life is dependent on internet? How much of your information is stored on your or someone else’s computer? With such a high dependency on computers, neglecting the increase in Cyber crime is extremely harmful.

Cyber security actually protects your personal information by responding, detecting and preventing the attacks. Cyber security is actually introduced to decrease cyber crimes. All banking institutions and businesses today run their business online. Hackers can hack your computer system and misuse your personal information and pictures. Various other dangers associated with cyber crimes are entry of virus into your system, altering your files, change of passwords, stealing credit card information and make unauthorized purchases.

Today, there are several universities and colleges that are offering Cyber degrees. In associated degree program you can learn about cyber forensics, data encryption, network security, etc. In the associate degree program a student is taught to use the recent technology and ensure that digital information communication is carried in an appropriate manner that is secured from surveillance or attack by expert hackers and malevolent computer users. Organizations and businesses will have ascending requirement for cyber professionals in future to protect their company’s records and private information.

A degree in this field will provide you with an opportunity to work as a computer support technician, systems administrator, network administrator or similar position. People with associate security degrees may enjoy following career opportunities and annual incomes:

Network Administrator: $58,190

Support Specialist: $40,430

Systems Administrator: $58,190

The career opportunities for cyber security profession is expected to increase in the coming few years. The demand for systems administrators and network administrators will grow at a rapid rate.

Hank Payton | Cyberthreats, then, are one of the biggest issues facing business and individuals alike. And cyber security is concerned with defending networks, systems, and applications against these threats. But it’s important to note that cyber security is not the same thing as data protection.

Data is now the world’s most valuable resource. It’s at the core of business operations, and data volumes in need of protection are growing at explosive rates. Cyber security helps protect the systems that make it possible to generate, manage, store, and transfer data. It doesn’t address data itself — backups, authentication, masking, or erasure. If data is encrypted, altered, or deleted, a standalone cyber security solution can’t do much to help you restore it in a timely fashion.

An integrated approach that combines cyber security with data protection — as the driving force:

Cyber Cloud — a platform that enables service providers to deliver cyber protection in an easy, efficient and secure way. With one solution, users gain access to backup, disaster recovery, ransomware protection, file sync and share, and blockchain-based file notarization and e-signature services, all managed from a single console.

Cyber Protect — a single solution integrating backup with next-generation, AI-based antimalware and protection management. The integration of multiple protection technologies not only increases reliability — it also decreases the time required to learn, deploy, and maintain new capabilities. With Cyber Protect, users enjoy complete cyber protection against modern threats.

True Image — the only personal solution that delivers easy, efficient, and secure cyber protection through with a unique integration of reliable backup and cutting-edge antimalware technologies — safeguarding data against all modern threats. Reduce the complexity and cost of safeguarding data, so you’ll never have to worry about disruptions to your digital life.

Hank Payton | How to Boost Your Digital Security for Peace of Mind

From the recent Facebook data breach to compromised customer data at huge companies like FedEx and Delta, personal security is more relevant than ever.

In fact, it might even seem that our data is under attack!

Hank Payton – While you can’t always prevent data security issues, here are 12 ways to help you protect yourself in this fast-moving digital age:

Stop sending sensitive information digitally.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people email tax documents to their accountant, or text a password to a family member in a pinch.

Beware of public Wi-Fi.

Anything you send in a coffee shop or airport can be intercepted by someone on the same network. Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when you’re out and about.

Secure your texts.

Whether you use a free app like WhatsApp or a paid Android or iOS solution, there are lots of end-to-end encryption options, ensuring only you and the recipient see messages.

Stay up to date.

If you don’t, you could be at risk for malware, viruses and cybercrime attacks. Make sure your operating system and software are updated – many devices do this automatically.

Worry less about wireless.

Secure your wireless network with a password so nobody can jump onto your Wi-Fi network and steal info.

Be cautious of clever email scammers.

Today’s phishing emails can have links that lead to realistic-looking websites. Never give out passwords or other sensitive info by email, text or phone unless you’re sure that you’re talking to the actual organization.

Lock down your laptop.

Make sure your laptop requires a password when it boots up. That way, if it gets stolen or prying eyes try to access your device, they’ll be stopped before they start.

Wipe out data.

If it’s time for a new laptop or smartphone, make sure your data isn’t hanging around. Once you’ve backed up any data you need, use a software program to permanently erase your hard drive.

Choose security questions wisely.

Avoid using common words in your passwords. Period. Google estimated someone would have a 19.7% success rate answering “pizza” to “What’s your favourite food? Customize questions or pick harder ones to guess.

Avoid sites that aren’t https.

Https stands for “hypertext transfer protocol with secure socket layer” (otherwise known as having a SSL certificate.) Sites without an “s” on the end are not secure if you are being asked to make a purchase or submit private/sensitive data that could get intercepted.

Pay attention to privacy settings.

Choose who can see the content you post on sites like Facebook and Instagram, and who can view your profile.

Opt for the highest level of privacy possible but be aware that some settings will prevent potential clients from seeing your posts, so find a happy balance that won’t sacrifice your social media marketing efforts!

Back up your data.

If your device gets stolen or compromised, what happens to that work report or your niece’s baby photos? Schedule automatic backups through your operating system or a cloud service.

Cyberbullying | Henry Payton

Our culture and probably most others have historically felt that bullies are bad news, but that being bullied is also a rite of passage. We often think that bullying tends to end with grammar school. Nothing is further from the truth.

As a culture, we tolerate and often reward adult bullies – especially bully managers in the workplace. We celebrate bullies in entertainment as warriors and winners (even as we also celebrate a bully getting his or her comeuppance), and although hazing in schools, the military, and fraternities are getting pushback from the culture, we otherwise do little to eradicate bullying. Our politicians are often famously bullying in nature. Unless there are dead bodies, it seems that we expect people to just put up with it (or fight back).

As harmful and heinous as bullying can be, cyberbullying takes things a step further. Cyberbullying uses the Internet and other electronic forms of technology to post mean or embarrassing photos, messages, emails, or to make threats. However, the attacker is often anonymous – unknown – and there is no one to fight back against. As a result, the potential cyberbully is often emboldened to create as much havoc with their victim’s life as possible. The potentially viral nature of such posts – that is, the ability for these posts to be replicated widely, quickly, and endlessly – doesn’t happen in a face-to-face encounter.

A typical (non-cyber) bullying event happens at a moment in time and then is over (although another such event may occur). The bullying happens at a location in space – a street corner or the office, perhaps. A bullying is often witnessed, with the victimizer known to everyone present. A cyberbullying incident, on the other hand, can be spread to hundreds of people in seconds and millions of people in fairly short order, can persist for a lengthy period, can be distributed worldwide, and has no one to answer for their action.

As a result, damage from such an incident can recur and echo over and over. Sadistic sorts can take pleasure in repeating and reposting, and even create web sites to encourage their persistence. These sites cause a pile-on effect, with fellow nasty travelers putting in their own often excruciatingly foul insults, reposting the private images, and multiplying the harm. Some may not realize or care about the damage they cause; others delight in it.

One unfortunate creation of cyberbullying is “revenge porn.” There are sites on the Internet that are in place solely to embarrass and hurt people (mostly women) by electronically publishing and reposting sexual images of a former lover or interest. Some such postings are designed to embarrass associates of the person whose pornographic image is being posted. The target may be the former boyfriend or husband with the victim being “collateral damage.” Even well-known individuals may participate in the ugly behavior, such as the recent case of a hip-hop star and his site featuring pornographic video of a girlfriend of hip-hop in his beef with a rap.

Many victims of seemingly endless cyberbullying, including clients who have come to us for help, have had their self-esteem devastated. Others have been driven to substance abuse, dropping out of school or society, and such bullying behavior has even been implicated in suicides. While not usually considered a crime, it is far from victimless.

Cyberstalking | Henry Payton

Cyberstalking is a more specific form of cyberbullying, and like cyberbullying, is much enabled by the anonymity possible via the Internet. It is the use of the Internet and other technology to harrass someone, although some cyberstalking can be secret for a time. While a “traditional” stalker may shadow a victim’s movements, spying on them from hidden areas, or with binoculars or telescopes, the cyberstalker keeps an eye on their target(s) electronically.

Much of our social life is semi-public these days, on social media such as Twitter & Facebook. The Internet makes it easy for a person to hide his or her identity, make a fake identity, or pose as someone else – as a false friend perhaps – making it simple to spy on a person’s activities via social networking. Like cyberbullying, the ease of anonymity on the Internet may embolden the cyberstalker, thinking (often correctly) that they will not be found out.

We regularly encounter cases where the stalker has managed to research and guess credentials for their victim’s email or other online accounts making it easy to discover the victim’s whereabouts, conversations and correspondence. In some of these cases, the perpetrator will even impersonate the victim, sending faked emails and messages, posting as the victims themselves, or publishing embarrassing images as if the victim herself were the source of the statements, pictures, or videos.

This has come to be understood and adjudged to mean that the government can’t keep you from saying your piece, no matter how much the government, or anyone else might disagree. This applies to all government in the U.S. – Federal, State, local entities and public officials of those public entities. You are free to speak in “the Public Square.” Note that the concept of the Public Square applies only to governmental entities, property and officials. It does not apply to private or commercial property. Property owners or business owners can prohibit you from saying certain things, or from saying anything at all on or within their own property, business, or broadcasts unless it is otherwise allowed.

Stalkers can find a way to infiltrate themselves into the fabric of the victim’s financial, social, and family life, leaving personal lives in tatters. Though it is easy to read about such events and behavior – it’s all over the news – the victims often find themselves not being taken seriously, with friends and loved ones calling her neurotic or paranoid. Because the cyberstalker is often trying to damage the victim’s reputation, the reactions of those close to the victim often further the stalker’s aims.

And while cyberstalking is illegal in many places around the country and around the world, these actions rarely rise to the level law enforcement needs to see in order to take it seriously, or to investigate. Read between the lines in the news and you will find that nearly all arrests that include cyberstalking also include a dire threat, a violation of an existing restraining order, ID theft, theft of physical property, or child abuse.

Trolling | Henry Payton

Hank Payton | File Sharing Cyber Threats

Sharing files between a work and home computer is the most common form of transferring malware infected files. This usually done by USB. Sharing forwarded email messages(from friends) or pictures or slide shows ( as attachments) is also a source for malware (viruses) spreading into business computers. Business owners need to install internet security (anti-virus) which scan USBs as soon as they are plug in into a USB port and also scan emails for malicious links and attachments…

Apple Device Myth

“Apple devices don’t get viruses,” is a myth that many apple loving people (entrepreneurs) hold. This myth keep people away from investing in anti virus for mac(apple devices). Macs, iPhones and iPads are all at risk of being infected by viruses and spreading them to other devices that use other os (operating systems) such as Windows, Android, Ubuntu, Linux… The devices with other os can then be infected by malware hosted by apple devices even if that malware does not cause problems on apple devices, it will cause problems on the other os based devices. There are anti-virus for mac to protect apple devices. And there are internet security (anti-virus) protection licenses which can be use on multiple os (operating systems) i.e. Used on windows PC, iOS based apple notebook (iMac) and android smart phone… Internet marketing entrepreneurs are required to use apple devices to submit their products to apple i.e. iBooks, magazines on iTunes. App developers are also required to use apple computers to submit their apps to apple. Therefore these entrepreneurs need to protect their apple devices in order to protect their intellectual property from cyber threats (malware and hacking).

Autoresponder Hacked

Business owners (entrepreneurs) who do internet marketing or online marketing use autoresponders to send a series of emails to prospect with the aim to turn them to clients. Cyber criminals use cyber threats tactics like phishing to infect computers with spyware or key loggers in order to steal usernames and passwords of autoresponders. Then email spam mail to everyone on the email list. This is why internet marketers need to start by securing their devices with internet security or endpoint security in a network and server environment.

Anti Theft Technology

Anti theft technology can be used to protect, track and recover both your devices and information on the lost or stolen device. Anti theft technology can be used on notebooks (or PC) and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets devices. Anti theft technology comes as software you can install on computer devices. It also comes as a combination of hardware and software pre-installed on some notebook devices. For mobile devices anti theft tech comes as apps. Business owners are either not aware of this technology or are aware but don’t invest in it even when they have had devices stolen on their business premises. Business owners should consider the value of the business information they loose when a device is stolen or the business information that will get to the wrong hands with a lost device. Anti theft technology comes with a tool that can remotely wipeout business information on the lost or stolen device…

Social Engineering Warning

Hank Payton | We have all lived in the hype around cybersecurity and how if we don’t pay attention, it can become our nightmare, one where even the best corporate securities and government will not be able to intervene. There is no requirement of any proof or statistics to prove the threat: Cyberattacks is our reality. Why has this transformation from a threat to reality happened?

The capability of several organizations to deal with cracking and hacking has reduced significantly People working on cyberattacks are more knowledgeable as compared to an average IT professional. Gone are the days where amateur hackers were attacking our systems. Today, these cyberattacks are created by terrorists and crime syndicates.

People defending against the cyberattack are using the wrong defence mechanism. The threats are more complicated in nature. It is just like a war, with several attackers, millions of targets, and no end goal.

So what can we do to protect our organization? Yes, our nations and presidents are passing out laws to help combat this, but is it really going to stop? No, we need to revaluate our IT strategy on our own and put in a place a system and process that will boost our security.

Hank Payton — Here are the top 5 reasons as to why you need a Cybersecurity plan:

There are high chances that you have identified the wrong threat, which inevitably makes your approach wrong. You may have a lot of security strategies in place, but how many of them are still valid as per the current market scenario? You will never know the answer if you don’t take the conscious effort to find out. Therefore, you need to stay up-to-date and create a plan that combats latest threats.

Creating a dedicated strategy for cybersecurity and updating it regularly is an effort in itself, which is usually not otherwise present. Keeping that strategy fresh and making it specific will give you the power to influence security decisions to the most.

One word to defeat-reactive defence. We don’t need to implement anything fancy when we know it will fail. But how does an organization become proactive? It begins with creating a cybersecurity strategy, which considers the uniqueness of your organization and designs a foundation based on that.

Strategy is the core for any organization. It helps in making a centralized decision, and a sure way to understand and resolve a problem. However, this is not just random principles, but specific goals, decisions, and objectives to face the challenges.

Hank Payton | Creative Ideas For Beautiful Garden Art

Hank Payton | Why not take some basic household items or even “trash” and turn them into one-of-a-kind, beautiful garden art? Garden art, like all art, is often in the eyes of the beholder.

Perhaps, up until this point, you have focused mainly on the art inside your home. Perhaps, you have never even considered garden art — after all, is that not what the flowers are there for? Do you really need additional art?

Hank Payton – On September 28, 2013, the Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) hosted “Mind Your Business,” a free legal / financial planning workshop for performing, visual and literary artists across Southern Maryland.

The popular three-hour seminar took place at the beautiful Waldorf West Library surrounded by artworks from our gallery show, “Horticulture.” To our delight, it was attended by 94 artists – not just our neighbors in Southern Maryland, but from all four regions of the state, and West Virginia! The workshop was sponsored by PNC Bank, produced by Maryland Citizens for the Arts (CCAA is a proud member), and presented by members of Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Topics included: Insuring Your Work, Legal Start-Up Issues, Business Banking, Merchant Services, and Copyright.

The presentations were lively, relevant, and very well received by those in attendance. There were many questions and comments from the audience. The feedback from workshop participants was extremely positive, and interest was expressed in having a follow-on workshop in the future to continue to learn more about these important subjects.

Our special thanks go to the workshop sponsor, Franklin McNeil, Jr., (PNC Bank); the producer, John Schratwieser (Maryland Citizens for the Arts); the presenters, Bob Middleton (Maury, Donnelly, Parr), Cynthia Sanders (Ober/Kaler), Michelle Pope (PNC Bank), Basile Aziagbe (PNC Bank); and our venue partners, Emily Ferren (Charles County Public Library), Janet Salazar (Waldorf West Library), and the Waldorf West staff for their strong support of this outstanding event. And of course, thanks to all CCAA Board members, staff and friends that assisted in our hosting duties. You are the best!

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Hank Payton – Very few people care about technical enterprise financial business systems the Army uses until their paycheck deposits stop.

However, in the case of General Fund Enterprise Business Systems – Sensitive Activities, not only does the money have to continue to flow, but the data must be restricted by a user’s need to know.

“GFEBS-SA replaces multiple legacy financial management systems following decades of use and integrates them across the functional business process areas of the Army,” Hank Payton, Deployment Division chief for the materiel developer of GFEBS-SA, said.

The Army is responsible for validating that GFEBS-SA can meet all requirements as defined by the Mission Command Center of Excellence.

Fort Hood’s U.S. Army Operational Test Command fulfills this responsibility by planning and executing an operational test to evaluate the system’s performance in a real-world environment, while the Army Evaluation Center conducts the actual evaluation.

Original test plans included Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as the test team headquarters location with testers located with each unit under test.

“However, due to the COVID-19 environment, test planners had to rethink how to conduct testing in a new normal. The test team decided that the best way to proceed would be to conduct a distributed test with the test team headquarters and testers located at Fort Hood, with numerous test units distributed across the country,” Doug Pattillo, OTC’s operations officer for GFEBS-SA, said.

OTC used data from six different geographically dispersed units, including Intelligence and Security Command, Alexandria, Virginia; National Ground Intelligence Center, Charlottesville, Virginia; the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade, San Antonio; the 513th MI Bde., Fort Gordon, Georgia; Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Indianapolis; and DFAS, Rome, New York.

The testers and units ensured connectivity over both secure and non-secure computer systems to ensure communication flow was smooth as possible.

This alternative testing method added some complexities to the test, but eliminated COVID-19 travel and individual health risks that would have otherwise possibly compromised the health of testers and player unit participants.

“Our goal was to ensure the test was conducted in accordance with U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command’s standards while also abiding by and continuously reinforcing the COVID-19 safety guidance established by OTC,” Maj. Mitchell Monette, OTC’s operations officer for GFEBS-SA, said.

The Initial Operational Test and Evaluation began July 20, according to Larry Wollenberg, OTC’s GFEBS-SA test officer.

Wollenberg said test operations during the coronavirus pandemic were uniquely different from any test previously conducted by OTC.

“Specifically, the GFEBS-SA IOT&E was executed remotely through the distributed testing of a classified system — a truly unprecedented event for the OTC because of adjustments made due to the coronavirus,” he said.

“The team relied heavily on the player units to successfully execute this unusual test event. It is standard practice for the test team’s data collectors to physically observe all financial transactions while recording incidents in a traditional test setting,” Valerie Meverden, an operations research systems analyst on the OTC GFEBS-SA test team, said.

“Conversely, the distributed testing method used throughout the GFEBS-SA test required the player units to record incidents and email this information back to the testers,” Meverden added.

In addition to manual data collection, the test team used screen capture technology and server management software to create an accurate picture of software performance.

This novel approach, in addition to the COVID-19 risk reduction, resulted in $400,000 of saving by eliminating most of the test team travel, according to Wollenberg.

Wollenberg summarized the test event and said, “By using the distributed testing method, this test created a new standard for OTC and generated a blueprint for future enterprise tests to follow.”

He said the test was challenging to execute, requiring a large degree of adaptation and adjustments, but everyone working together met the goal of test completion in the trying COVID-19 environment.