Chuck Bessant

#Election Day, 2024. Every presidential election reminds me of just how far technology has come since the last one. Here is a brief recap of my adult lifetime of presidential elections cycles. In 1992 and 1996, election night meant watching results on TV or reading about them in newspapers. By 2000, with Bush v. Gore, computers started to change things—we'd log into CNN and refresh Netscape Navigator over and over, waiting for a result that never quite came (#danglingchads). The Obama elections in 2008 and 2012 showed what data could do, with his campaign embracing analytics. We were starting to get election updates on our Blackberries in 2008, and by 2012, we were checking results on our iPhones. In 2016 and 2020, it was all about the power and pitfalls of social media—disinformation, echo chambers, and the energy that ultimately led to January 6th, 2021. While election security has always been an area of concern, this came under intense scrutiny in 2020 with what has turned out to be unfounded claims of tampering with voting machines. This has led to more communications from CISA and others leading up to 2024 on election safety and security. Now it's 2024. AI is making predictions and analyses, and election coverage is more accessible than ever, right on our phones. I just saw an Apple widget that offers live updates from the lock screen. It's fascinating to watch how the technology surrounding elections evolves with each cycle—and it makes me wonder where we'll be in four years. #cybersecurity

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Let's get this straight: all major US cellular carriers have ignored CPNI guidelines by selling the location data of potentially every American with a cell phone. The aggregators they sold the data to then resold it downstream to 86 other companies. This created a cascade of misuse, risking the safety and privacy of all Americans. One example explicitly highlighted was a Missouri Sheriff who abused this data for unauthorized purposes, underscoring the severity of this issue. Despite this, the fines issued to these carriers are woefully insufficient, failing to make a dent in their bottom lines. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon generated $44.1 billion, $27.1 billion, and $39.6 billion in EBITDA respectively in 2023, making the fines just 12 to 34 basis points of EBITDA. This is a mere drop in the bucket. We must ask ourselves: is this really an appropriate punishment for putting profits over the privacy and safety of their users? While the FCC deserves praise for its thorough investigation, it's clear that a stronger response is needed. The severity of the punishment must match the crime to protect our privacy and safety. #PrivacyMatters #DataProtection #AccountabilityNow

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Among organizations responding to the Verizon 2024 Mobile Security Index (https://lnkd.in/ewi6tNCZ), 85% say risks from mobile device threats have increased in the past year. That same number, 85%, agree that a breach in their organization could endanger human lives. Don’t simply wait for a data breach. Know your options and have a plan. Reach out to Verizon (https://lnkd.in/e_BUqmZV) to schedule time to assess your risks and better protect your mobile devices.

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Are you an IT leader in search of powerful video analytics solutions for your enterprise? How are you improving safety and security protocols while anticipating your customers' needs? I have important news for you. Comcast Smart Solutions has expanded its strategic relationships with Eagle Eye Networks and C2RO to provide our customers with a new, broader set of AI video analytics solutions. Comcast Business and Xfinity Communities customers can also leverage AI video analytics tools and cloud-based platforms from this technology collaboration. Learn more in the Security World article about the importance of reassessing your enterprise's video and analytics systems. We'll help you power up your enterprise with smart solutions. #AI #videosolutions #cloud #VMS #comcastbusiness #iworkforcomcast

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https://lnkd.in/gnB_p75h Another day, another cybersecurity attack. This time, the Kansas City Scout was impacted by a DDoS attack. Unfortunately, these types of attacks are becoming all too common in our connected world. As the head of IT infrastructure and security for your organization, it's important to have the conversation about DDoS protection. Let us handle the bad guys so you can focus on supporting your team. #Cybersecurity #DDoSProtection #ITSecurity #KansasCityScout #ConnectedWorld

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What do agencies need to know about dept-issued cell phones, #smartphones and BYOD policies? We dive into the pros and cons of allowing people to use their own devices. And how first responders and public safety agencies get be more secure. #frontline

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Comcast is creating a new publicly traded company, "SpinCo," comprising major cable networks including CNBC, MSNBC, USA, E!, Syfy, and Golf Channel, along with digital assets like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes. Led by Mark Lazarus, the $7 billion revenue entity will operate independently, offering strategic flexibility in the dynamic media landscape. The tax-free spin-off is expected to complete within a year, positioning both the new company and remaining NBCUniversal for future growth and innovation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Learn why and how data leaks that target manufacturers were successful, and who might be testing your business’ security. Read the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report. https://vzbiz.biz/4ex3cwN #Verizon #Cybersecurity #2024DBIR #Government #Manufacturing

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O-RAN might not be exactly around the corner (well, it depends on who you're talking to and which part of the world you're in), but #security of it must be our industry's top priority. So if you want to understand more about what it really means to systematically and holistically secure O-RAN deployments from any kind of threat, then this #IEEE session by one of the most knowledgeable mobile networks security expert, Scott Poretsky, is certainly an excellent start! #OpenRAN #ORAN #ORANsecurity #cybersecurity #5Gnetworksecurity #5G #criticalinfrastructuresecurity

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This is a win for residential internet users. Incumbent cable companies are scratching and clawing to retain their subscribers, yet they continue to raise rates without delivering any added value. These rate hikes are a desperate attempt to stop the loss of customers who are moving to more affordable alternatives. I'm interested to see how long these providers will drag their feet before complying with these directives, assuming the #FCC takes action. #InternetFreedom #CableCutting #FCCAction

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🔐 IoT Security Alert: Avoid Sending Unencrypted Data! 🔐 One of the most overlooked yet critical mistakes IoT developers make is sending sensitive data over the internet in clear text, often using outdated protocols like FTP, http ext. This not only exposes the data to malicious actors but also puts user privacy and business operations at risk. Let’s break it down: What’s the risk? Using protocols like FTP, which send credentials and data in clear text, leaves the information vulnerable to interception during transmission. In today’s environment, this is simply not acceptable. 💡 How to fix this? Here are two effective strategies: 1️⃣ Encrypt Your Data: Use secure protocols like SFTP or SSH to encrypt credentials and data during transmission. Encryption adds a critical layer of protection. 2️⃣ Leverage Cellular Networks with Secure Connectivity: Partner with a cellular provider that supports secure VPN connections, such as IPSec, between the cellular network and your cloud. This approach bypasses the public internet and ensures that sensitive data is securely transmitted. 📌 Why it matters: Data security is no longer optional. IoT devices often deal with critical or personal information, and ensuring its protection is fundamental to building trust with your users and staying compliant with regulations. 👉 IoT developers, are you still relying on legacy protocols, or have you implemented these fixes? Write your thoughts in the comments. #IoT #CyberSecurity #DataEncryption #VPN #SFTP #DeviceSecurity #IoTDevelopment #monogoto

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We are excited to announce that Verizon Business has secured a new 5-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This partnership underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions to government entities and enhancing their operational efficiency. The agreement will enable the USDA to leverage our advanced technology and services to meet their evolving needs. Explore the full details of this significant collaboration in our latest blog post: [Verizon Business Partners with USDA](https://ift.tt/qkeKLxG).

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Some choices we make define who we are. I remember turning down a lucrative offer because it didn’t align with my core values. While difficult, it led me to opportunities that truly resonated with my beliefs. Staying true to my values has guided me to a path where my work and values are in sync.  Our choices reflect our character, and aligning them with what matters most can bring immense fulfillment. It may be challenging to turn down short-term gains, but staying true to your principles attracts the right opportunities in the long run. #ValueDriven #IntegrityInAction #AuthenticChoices #LongTermSuccess #CareerAlignment

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