February 5, 2021
Security: Google Chrome Zero-Day Afflicts Windows, Mac Users
Threatpost
Google is warning of a zero-day vulnerability in its V8 open-source web engine that’s being actively exploited by attackers.

While Google didn’t provide further details of the attackers exploiting the flaw, researchers with Malwarebytes on Friday made a “general assumption” that the attack “was used against security researchers working on vulnerability research and development at different companies and organizations.” Read More
Healthcare IT: How to Prepare for the Next Health Crisis?
Healthcare IT News
A coalition of more than 100 healthcare stakeholders released a report this week outlining policy and regulatory recommendations to improve the country's response to future health crises.

Its report focused on actions that could be taken to improve data and evidence generation; strengthen innovation and supply chain readiness; and innovate care delivery approaches. Read More
FEMA’s Grant Application Process is Complex and Lengthy, Say State and Local Officials
Homeland Security News Wire
State and local officials have told the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) grant application process is complex and lengthy.

During GAO’s review, state and local officials from selected jurisdictions reported challenges with FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant programs, with 10 of the 12 jurisdictions saying grant application processes were complex and lengthy. To address this, FEMA officials augmented guidance and began monitoring application review time frames for one program and said they intend to assess two other programs to identify opportunities to streamline. However, GAO found they did not have a documented plan for doing so. Read More
Transportation: Google Seeks OK to Test Drones for Firefighting
Transport Topics
Google asked the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for permission to test drones to research how the technology can help monitor and control fires.

The drone, weighing between 55 and 98.8 pounds, is made by Homeland Surveillance & Electronics and is mass-produced for agricultural applications. The drone is designed to spray chemicals on crops, so could theoretically be used to douse a fire. It holds 20 liters of liquid, or about 5 gallons. Loaded up, HSE says the drone can fly for 8 to 15 minutes. Read More
Human Resources: Pilot Training Program Launches in NYC to Level Opportunities in the Tech Field
HR Dive
Amid job loss in New York City as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Per Scholas and Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) seek to enable underrepresented individuals to obtain tech jobs through the launch of Bridge to Technology, the companies announced Jan. 19. In support of the program, Goodwill NYNJ received $1 million from the New York City Council, which includes $150,000 from the New York City Human Resources Administration, and an additional $300,000 from BNY Mellon.

Bridge to Technology seeks to help individuals enrolled in New York City's Human Resources Administration city-wide career services programs to qualify for advanced technology training programs, graduate and then obtain an on-demand tech job, according to the announcement. Read More
Business & Technology: Risk, the Misunderstood Discipline
CIO
As a risk professional, when I look across the various organisations that I have worked with, one thing is clear: Risk is either embraced and used to drive smart decision making, or it is seen as a huge blocker for progress that must be avoided at all costs!

To make effective decisions driven by risk, understanding the difference between risk appetite, tolerance, and threshold is key. Each of these three elements will be set by your board, and when understood by technology can be used to enable effective decision making, maximize resources, and bold strides forward. Read More