With a rash of recent cyberattacks on Iowa hospitals, schools and companies large and small, it's recommended we consider abandoning the use of passwords and instead, switch to using pass phrases. Computer security expert Jesse La Grew says the old way of creating short, cryptic passwords that … [Read more...]
Luther College wins national acclaim for sustainability efforts
Luther College is being recognized as one of the most sustainable campuses in the country, having cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 72% in the past 20 years. Jon Jensen, director of Luther's Center for Sustainable Communities, says they're on target to achieve carbon neutrality by … [Read more...]
New flood prediction research facility opens on UI campus
The University of Iowa is launching a new research center to improve flood prediction. Engineering professor Ibrahim Demir says the country has a lot to learn from Iowa, as he says the UI stands out for its emphasis on projects that help residents better understand their flood risk locally. As … [Read more...]
Six Iowa counties testing out text reminders for court appearances
The Iowa court system is trying a pilot project in six counties where text message reminders are sent out for some court services. Polk County District Court Clerk, Anne Sheeley, says it helps in a couple of ways. "It just reminds people of their upcoming court dates. And then the second part of … [Read more...]
Flights resume in Iowa after computer outage causes groundings nationwide
It's a chaotic day for Iowans who planned to fly home, to fly somewhere else, or to pick up a loved one at the airport. All flights nationwide were grounded this morning for a few hours. Kayla Kovarna, spokeswoman for the Des Moines International Airport, says the Federal Aviation Administration … [Read more...]
You should make passwords strong to ward off scammers
With new online scams emerging almost daily, Iowans are being encouraged to use a little of their extra time during the holiday break to brush up on their computer security precautions. Consumer protection advocate Michael Domke says you should consider using a password manager on your computer … [Read more...]
No, that’s not Microsoft on the phone, trying to debug your laptop
Many Iowans have answered their phones to hear a distant caller claiming to be with Microsoft and offering to "fix" our computers. A new survey finds the extent to which those tech support scams are reaching us -- and ripping some of us off. Mary Jo Schrade, with the Microsoft Digital Crimes … [Read more...]
ISU study finds people tune out Zoom calls about one-third of the time
Video conferences may be a permanent part of our work lives now, and an Iowa State University study delves into what people are actually looking at during Zoom and Webex meetings. Joey George, an ISU professor of information systems and business analytics, says they used eye-tracking technology … [Read more...]
USDA grant will expand broadband access in northeast Iowa
The USDA has awarded a co-op in the southeast corner of Minnesota a $5.6 million grant to extend broadband access to farms and businesses in two counties in northeast Iowa. The project in Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties and a neighboring county in Minnesota will connect nearly a thousand … [Read more...]
DOT taking input on proposed electric vehicle charging network
The Iowa Department of Transportation is taking public input on the plan to develop a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. The DOT's Stuart Anderson says the state will get around 50 million federal dollars over five years for what's called the program called the … [Read more...]