Salient Features - Password Policy

Passing Bletchley, I thought how password techniques have progressed over the years.   I recently had opportunity to review salient features applicable to a password policy - This blog post will review some of the features : 1) Enforce the use of unique accounts: A unique user ID should be mandatory to gain access to a network resource. Shared or generic user accounts should not be used. 2) Enforce the use of complex passwords: Password should be alphanumeric, include upper and lower case letter and some special characters. 3) Enforce Minimum Password Lengths:  A minimum of at least 8 characters should be used. 4) Enforce Password Changes: Password changes should occur every 90 days. 5) Disallow Reusing Passwords: One time use will ensure a lower chance of compromise. Password history policy…

2018-19 Toronto LN Committee

Committee Members and Executives for the 2018/19 Chair: Jenny Yu Treasurer: Anni Feng (left Toronto in May 2019) Secretary: Timothy So Committee Members: Richard Inglis Lolo Adigwe Rong Yang George Chelvanayagam (IPRA) Jim McConnach (Advisor) Preetam Singh (Advisor) As the Chair of the LN, I am to create networking opportunity for like-minded or similar people to share and promote common interests in technology; and to encourage younger members to get involved.

Message from 2018 Stan Thurger Award Recipient at Sheridan College

“I am honoured to have been awarded the Stan Thurger award for the 2017 -2018 academic year at Sheridan College. Thanks to your generous support, I feel that I am one step closer to achieve my goal to become a top notch Mechanical Designer and to someday inspire students the way your award has inspired me. This award is meaningful not only financially, but emotionally as well, as it has strengthened my belief in myself. Thank you for helping Sheridan College students like me achieve their dreams.” - Gabriel Gomes Dettogni, Mechanical Engineering Technology – Design and Drafting

Attention For Those Under The Age Of 30 On 1st October 2018

Volunteering Opportunity For Communities Committee Americas (CC-A) Finance Lead.  Email  iet.toronto@theiet.org to show your interest and details will be provided. Respond fast before the position is filled.  CC-A supports all IET activities throughout North, Central, and South America, the Caribbean, and Greenland.

Program For The 12th UKACC International Conference On Control And IET Industry Special Session On Autonomous Transport

The provisional program for the 12th UKACC International Conference on Control, 5-7th September, Sheffield, is now out. The C&A network is hosting an industry special session on Friday 7th with a planned theme of Control Challenges in an Increasingly Autonomous Transport Sector. For more information... Program: https://controls.papercept.net/conferences/conferences/UKACC18/program/ Registration and other information: https://control2018.group.shef.ac.uk/

IET Tasmania Network - Is Hobart's Future Transport On Track?

160 people packed into Town Hall on 2 August evening for IET Tasmania Networks Q&A debate on Hobart’s future and its transport systems. Professor Peter Newman said, “New technology such as Trackless-Trams would be ideal for working with Hobart's rail line. You need to make a start and capitalise on elections which this time looks like a wonderful opportunity as you have the unprecedented support for Hobart Light Rail from the Prime Minister. Given the existence of the Northern Suburbs rail line it’s a very logical place to start a long overdue upgrading of Hobart’s public transport and to build much needed housing at the same time”. Tasmanian Minister for State Growth and Treasurer Peter Gutwein suggested the City Deal is the launch pad for capital for such rail projects and we need three levels…

Mechanical Engineering Behind RF Cavities Workshop Speaker Update

As promised, here is another speaker update for our event in September   Philip Wise from ISIS – STFC will present on Design and manufacture of a 20MeV accelerating cavity for ISIS  Abstract : This presentation will show the design stages along with manufacturing processes and techniques employed to reproduce a Tank IV for the ISIS linac. Several aspects will be covered, including, the sectional resonant vessel, its physical shape with inclusion of removable access ports, material choices, drift tubes, attachment and alignment of peripheral components, vacuum and electrical seals. Some test results will be given - these highlight the wider infrastructure necessary to enable full power proving along with several jigs and fixtures designed and built to facilitate such testing. Bio : Philip is…

IUOC MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 2018 - 11TH AUGUST 2018

Saturday, 11th August 2018, Bandar Seri Begawan. IET-UTB On Campus (IUOC) Membership Drive is an event to introduce IET to the students of UTB.The talk was given by Lieutenant Colonel (U) Schufin bin Haji Brahim - chairperson of IET Brunei’s Main Committee, and Dalvina Chin - IUOC Chairperson. The purpose of this talk is to encourage more students from UTB to join as a student member of IET. Some of the topics talked about were how and why IET will benefit them in the present as well as in their future in their chosen professional fields.

IET-PBOC MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 2018 - 26TH JULY 2018

Thursday, 26th July 2018, Lumut. A membership drive organized by the IET Politeknik Brunei On Campus (IET-PBOC) at School of Science and Engineering (SSE), Politeknik Brunei. The event is organised for the new batch of students who recently enrolled into Politeknik Brunei. The talk was given by the Vice-Chairman of IET-PBOC, Mohammad Hazim Bin Haji Zamri, and the advisor, Nadzuan Bin Narawi. The Lecture Theater was packed with more than 120 students listening attentively to how the IET can help students in their future Engineering path. Other than that, the speakers also encouraged the new generation of students to contribute to the Nation as well as working together to engineer a better world. This event aimed to give aspiring young engineers the opportunity to broadly develop their knowledge…

Jersey Committee 2018

Darren Sowney - Chairman David Powell - Secretary Richard Sutton - Treasurer Leigh Turpin - Committee member Joe Seabrook - Committee member Sam Boléat - Committee member Andrew Morvan - Committee member Dave malpas - Committee member Darreth Morison - Committee member Mafalda Santos - Committee member Angela Brant - Committee member Angela Benavent - Committee member Bridget Glasson - Committee member Dani McIntosh - Committee member Agnieszka Cichy - Committee member Jose Miguel Perestrelo Martins - Committee member Robin Amy - Committee member

My Experiences Outside Of Work Make Me A Better Engineer

From climbing Everest to advising engineers on Chartership, IET Fellow Dr Lok Kee Siu has taken on challenges which use and develop his professional skills. On weekdays, Lok Kee is a senior executive of an independent rail consulting firm based in Hong Kong. He and his team provide consultations on different types of railways from light rail transits to mainline railways and freights in the Asia Pacific Region.  Out of the office Lok Kee’s weekends are quite different. As an “avid alpinist” he has explored various regions, amongst them the Himalayas, the European Alps, and most recently the summit of Everest from the Nepal south-east side.  He admits his strengths have come to the fore during his mountaineering trips.  “Climbing a big mountain like Everest demands a whole host of activities…

IET Cambridge Network 2018 To 2019 Events

The IET Cambridge events for the 2018 to 2019 season are now posted on this website.  We have tried to organise a wide range of talks so there is something to interest most people.  Many of the talks are technology based but to start the season there is an introduction to electromagnetics by the IET's network on electromagnetics.  The subject is relevant to many aspects of engineering but often not explained well in the academic world.  If you want a refresher or learn about electromagnetics, then book a place to attend the talk on 25 October 2018. David Blake The IET Cambridge events for the 2018 to 2019 season are now posted on this website.  We have tried to organise a wide range of talks so there is something to interest most people.  Many of the talks are technology based but to start…

It’s Prize-Giving Time

The last few weeks has seen university graduation ceremonies across the country, often accompanied by departmental prize-giving. The Sussex Network has presented IET awards at the University of Chichester, the University of Sussex and, most recently, the University of Brighton. I was privileged to present awards at the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics at Brighton. There were two IET awards to graduates and two Sussex Network awards, one to a first-year student and one to a second-year student. It was wonderful to speak with the graduates and their families and to recognise their hard work and achievements. At the end of my presenting stint I had the opportunity to say a few words to the assembled students and their supporters and I think that the message I tried to give is one…

Bitcoin, Blockchain and the Crypto Revolution

The recent IET Berkshire event, Bitcoin, Blockchain and the Crypto Revolution, is now available to view on IET.tv . So if you were unable to make it on the night, please watch it now!

Smart Meters – A Washout?

A recent report has indicated that the rollout of smart meters in the UK has proved to be a big disappointment with limited impact and rising costs.In the UK the energy companies themselves are in charge of installing the so-called smart meters, leading to meters being installed needlessly and at cost to the consumer. The energy minister who put the scheme in place has even admitted to getting rid of his , because like many other families in the UK, he just didn’t use it. Compounding issues, is the fact that some struggle to get a decent mobile signal and therefore can only display the energy in the kwh, not a monetary number which would be more useful to most consumers; a so- called dumb-mode   So what can be done to save the scheme, which is far behind its target of getting smart meters in…

Norwich Engineering Society Events

We are a forum where we exchange ideas and experiences for anyone,  be they engineers or not , having an interest in engineering. We aim to promote widespread discussion and debate through a programme of talks and visits related to advances and achievements in engineering in the world today.  If you are at all interested in Engineering, then the Norwich Engineering Society is for you!  5 August 2018 Visit "Flying day" From 10.00am at the Little Snoring Airfield   by McAulley Personnell, McAulley Flying Club  Summary: Another opportunity to Fly in a Light Aircraft over North Norfolk Coast Sunday 5th August 2018 The McAully Flying Group have again agreed to us to having a Flying Day at Little Snoring this year. Arrangements will be as last year with flights normally lasting half an hour. Depending…

IET-PBOC MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 2018 - 26TH JULY 2018

Thursday, 26th July 2018, Lumut. A membership drive organized by the IET Politeknik Brunei On Campus (IET-PBOC) at School of Science and Engineering (SSE), Politeknik Brunei.The event is organised for the new batch of students who recently enrolled into Politeknik Brunei. The talk was given by the Vice-Chairman of IET-PBOC, Mohammad Hazim Bin Haji Zamri, and the advisor, Nadzuan Bin Narawi. The Lecture Theater was packed with more than 120 students listening attentively to how the IET can help students in their future Engineering path. Other than that, the speakers also encouraged the new generation of students to contribute to the Nation as well as working together to engineer a better world. This event aimed to give aspiring young engineers the opportunity to broadly develop their knowledge…

IET Strategy Statement

New Event Alert!

Registration and the Call for Contributions for the next Colloquium on Millimetre-wave and Terahertz Engineering & Technology event has launched!   http://www.theiet.org/events/2019/248017.cfm Next year the event will be held in Savoy Place, London on 15 March. The Call for Contributions is now open and we are looking for your research so if you are working in any of the below areas, please get in touch with your research:   applications in science engineering and technology that exploit the microwave millimetre-wave terahertz and optical regions of the electromagnetic spectrum electronics photonic To be considered, please send a summary of 500 words along with your proposed title to ietconferences@theiet.org The deadline in 7 December 2018 Register and find out more

A 'View' Of Sussex Technology

Throughout the ages people have valued a good view. Whether it is to obtain some strategic advantage over enemies or just to enjoy the scenery, people have stood on hilltops, built watch towers or added viewing areas to high-rise buildings so as to provide a good view. Sussex, like many other parts of the country, has hills that provide good scenic views. The South Downs, once denuded of forest, provided uninterrupted views of the coastal plain and out to see in one direction and across the Weald to the North Downs in the other. As well as a ‘safe’ route for travelling along the top of the Downs, early settlers also found the top of the steep chalk escarpment a good place to build fortifications. In more recent times, entrepreneurs have used technology to offer the public an enhanced viewing…

Bradford Science Festival - 'Engineering' Weekend - 21st And 22nd July 2018

The 'Bradford Science Festival' which started in 2017 at the National Science & Media Musem, attracts up to 34,000 visitors over a 4 day period. The weekend this year (21st & 22nd July) focussed on Engineering and the opportunity for IET to exhibit was suggested and agreed during our April visit to the NS&MM to discuss the possibilities of holding a West Yorkshire LN "Engineering Extravaganza" event there during November this year. Robin Dark their 'Partnerships and Learning Projects Manager' was our contact and it was agreed that the IET WYLN have a stand alongside the ICE & IOM3 stands in a marquee dedlcated to engineering PEI's and some of the Manufacturers also exhibiting at this widespread event. The event is all about engaging families and young people. Its prime objective is to promote…

New Event Alert! Mmwave And Thz 2019

Registration and the Call for Contributions for the next Colloquium on Millimetre-wave and Terahertz Engineering & Technology event has launched! http://www.theiet.org/events/2019/248017.cfm   Next year the event will be held in Savoy Place, London on 15 March 2019. The Call for Contributions is now OPEN and we are looking for your research so if you are working in any of the below areas, please get in touch with your research :   applications in science engineering and technology that exploit the microwave millimetre-wave terahertz and optical regions of the electromagnetic spectrum electronics photonic To be considered, please send a summary of 500 words along with your proposed title to ietconferences@theiet.org The deadline is 7 December 2018 Register and find out more

Just What Has CCAP Been Doing Lately?

Some of you may be wondering what CCAP has been up to recently - or what do we do at all?  Well, let me tell you, we have not been sitting around doing nothing!  Earlier this month we held a 2-day meeting in Hong Kong - and while we were at it, we attended Hong Kong's 30th anniversary celebratory dinner.  I must say, Hong Kong LN know how to put an event on!  They had a large number of sponsors, which allowed them to do an event in  style, while still meeting the IET's requirements in regards to spending of charitable funds.  I was especially impressed with the Young Professionals band - who knew the IET had its own band?  Or do other LNs also have them, and we're behind the times here in NZ?  It was also great to meet some of the Hong Kong volunteers - as with most LNs, there are some very…

Dream Big : Innovating In Our World - Conference Summary

I spoke at the Society of Concurrent Product Development Annual Conference : Dream Big, Innovating in Our World.   The conference was 1.5 days of presentations and talks, followed by an afternoon spent at the 3M Innovation Centre.   About 100 people attended the main conference, there was a diverse audience from large companies, 3M, Kuhne and Nagel, Microsoft, Target (US Department Store) through to small start-up companies and academics.   My talk was on concept Concurrent Product Development and what we have done to improve in Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce plc.   There were Interesting presentations, ranging from the CEO of Harry’s razors explaining he start-up company story (5 years old with 5 million customers) to a talk by marketing company Brandgarten – We all make irrational decisions…