Home Blog Page 278

Haines City Hosted Annual Christmas Parade

Staff Reporter
-
0
Haines City Hosted Annual Christmas Parade

Haines City Hosted Annual Christmas Parade

by James Coulter

Nearly one week until the big day, Haines City celebrated a holly jolly Christmas with their annual holiday parade last Friday evening.

Several dozen floats and other units made their way through Haines City, starting at Live Oak Avenue on C Street, passing by Lake Eva Park, and ending at 6th Street and Wood Avenue.

The parade was attended by various local businesses, churches, dance troupes, non-profit organizations, and the police and fire departments. The procession started with the Honorable Grady Judd and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, and concluded with Jolly Old St. Nick himself.

A tropical Christmas by the beach appeared to be a common theme with many floats, especially those by Central Church of Christ and Kids Academy Learning Center, with copious amounts of beach balls, palm trees, and grass skirts. Even the mean old Mr. Grinch made several appearances, whether he was appearing along the Whoville themed float or driving along in a custom go kart.

Mayor Morris West and the other city commisioners helped lead the parade. Many drove in cars loaned by Miracle Toyota, the parade’s sponsor for many year. Mayor West himself drove his own car that evening. Either way, he loves participating in the city’s annual holiday event.

“I enjoy meeting and greeting our community, our citizens and taxpayers in our city, and a whole lot of our constituents, just giving them candy and wishing them a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Mayor West said. “I think it will be a very exciting parade. I am very happy we were able to put this event together for our community, and I think they will enjoy this great parade tonight.”

Haines City Fire Chief Thomas Murphy and his department rode in their bright red truck that evening. As with every other participant, he enjoyed being able to attend the parade and see the community come out for a wonderful evening.

“I just hope everyone has a good time it should go off pretty well,” he said. “Mostly because it is a good community the kids and the people enjoy it. I love being in the parade. It brings a sense of Christmas around. I look forward to walking in the parade and saying hello to everybody out there.”

First Steps Preschool Students Read “Ugly Duckling”, Given Free Books, by Humana

Staff Reporter
-
0
First Steps Preschool Students Read “Ugly Duckling”, Given Free Books, by Humana

First Steps Preschool Students Read “Ugly Duckling”, Given Free Books, by Humana

by James Coulter

We all know the story of “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Anderson, the story about a young chick born as an ugly duckling that grew up to be a beautiful swan. That story was read to students at United Methodist Church’s First Steps in Lakeland, who were then given free storybooks donated by Humana through the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County.

Dr. Lauri Kalanges, an associate of Humana, shared the story with preschoolers on Thursday morning. She told the story from a storybook with scenic Lake Morton and its famous swans in the background. She even dressed up in a swan costume for the occasion.

“Bringing the story character in costume brings the story to life and it is so magical for the children to help them really see and visualize these characters all in helping them love to read,” she said. As for her favorite part of the occasion, it was, “seeing the children with their eyes wide open as they see the story come to life and just understand the beauty and the magic of the ugly duckling story.”

Afterwards, she and her associates from Humana and the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County gave each of the young students a donated storybook that they could take home with them to either read for themselves or have their parents read for them.

This is the second year Humana has teamed up with the Early Learning Coalition, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing better resources and access to education to local children and their families. Dr. Kalanges recently participated with her fellow associates in the ELC’s Lip Sync Competition, where their team won first place.

As the mother of three, Nikki Cross, manager of Humana, understands the importance of reading to children and teaching them how to read on their own. For that reason, she appreciates what her organization accomplishes by donating books and offering storytelling sessions like Thursday morning’s event.She loved seeing the children’s faces lighting when the swan-dressed storyteller shared her story.

“We need to target children when they are younger and encourage that love of reading to get them interested,” she said. “I understand the importance of learning and reading and the joy my children had reading to them when they were growing up. It is a wonderful thing to encourage and grow.”

Dr. Marc Hutek serves as the CEO of the Early Learning Coalition. They partner with Humana because the organization addresses the needs of children through a holistic approach. They understand that a child’s health is equally as mental and intellectual as it is physical.

“Humana is a wonderful partner,” he said. “Some of the programs they offer and work with us are greatly appreciated obviously, and even just an event like this where people will take an hour or two to get here is a commitment to them.”

Even something as simple as reading children a story can help with their overall health and development. Not only does it teach them important literacy skills, but also imparts upon them important moral and social lessons like tolerance and self-acceptance in the case of “The Ugly Duckling.”

“Children at this particular age are very developmental in their learning, and those attributes that they learn from a story like this about the difference of individuals and the ability to recognize the beauty in all is something even adults in today’s world can take away from. It is a simple story we have all heard we all grown up to it, but when children had the ability to hear it and learn from it at an age like this, it makes a real impact and I think it is wonderful for our community.”

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating shooting in north Lakeland

Staff Reporter
-
0
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating shooting in north Lakeland

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the shooting of a man who broke into the backdoor of a north Lakeland home. The intruder was shot by a resident of the home. The shooting occurred yesterday, December 15th at approximately 12:50 p.m. at a residence located near Gibsonia-Galloway Road.

According to the homeowner, a man later identified as 42-year-old Steven Stillwell of Lakeland, threw a flower pot through the glass back door and forced his way into the residence. The homeowner shot the man three times with a legally owned firearm. The homeowner does not know Stillwell.

When deputies arrived, the homeowner immediately turned his firearm over and directed them to the suspect, who was lying on the floor of the living room of the home. Deputies began providing first aid, then Polk County Fire Rescue transported him to a local hospital. He is currently receiving care in the hospital and is in critical, stable condition.

Detectives found a shotgun belonging to Stillwell in the backyard and accessed video from the residence that showed Stillwell running from a gate in the backyard to and inside the attached back porch area of the home. Detectives noted a set of French glass doors leading into the living room from the back porch. One of the doors was shattered; the damage indicated that the door was broken from outside (the porch). Evidence at the scene shows that Stillwell was shot inside the home.

“The castle doctrine is very clear in Florida law. A person’s home is his refuge. The evidence in this case at this point indicates that the suspect illegally forced his way into the home. The homeowner did exactly what he had a right to do. I commend him for protecting himself and defending his home.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

The shooting is currently under investigation. Criminal charges are pending against Stillwell.

Stillwell has an extensive criminal arrest history of 14 felonies, 5 misdemeanors, and 11 re-arrest charges (VOP, etc.) including: multiple burglaries and larcenies, DUI, multiple violations of probation, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon/ammunition by a convicted felon, dealing in stolen property, and fraud.  

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating shooting in north Lakeland

Staff Reporter
-
0
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating shooting in north Lakeland

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the shooting of a man who broke into the backdoor of a north Lakeland home. The intruder was shot by a resident of the home. The shooting occurred yesterday, December 15th at approximately 12:50 p.m. at a residence located near Gibsonia-Galloway Road.

According to the homeowner, a man later identified as 42-year-old Steven Stillwell of Lakeland, threw a flower pot through the glass back door and forced his way into the residence. The homeowner shot the man three times with a legally owned firearm. The homeowner does not know Stillwell.

When deputies arrived, the homeowner immediately turned his firearm over and directed them to the suspect, who was lying on the floor of the living room of the home. Deputies began providing first aid, then Polk County Fire Rescue transported him to a local hospital. He is currently receiving care in the hospital and is in critical, stable condition.

Detectives found a shotgun belonging to Stillwell in the backyard and accessed video from the residence that showed Stillwell running from a gate in the backyard to and inside the attached back porch area of the home. Detectives noted a set of French glass doors leading into the living room from the back porch. One of the doors was shattered; the damage indicated that the door was broken from outside (the porch). Evidence at the scene shows that Stillwell was shot inside the home.

“The castle doctrine is very clear in Florida law. A person’s home is his refuge. The evidence in this case at this point indicates that the suspect illegally forced his way into the home. The homeowner did exactly what he had a right to do. I commend him for protecting himself and defending his home.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

The shooting is currently under investigation. Criminal charges are pending against Stillwell.

Stillwell has an extensive criminal arrest history of 14 felonies, 5 misdemeanors, and 11 re-arrest charges (VOP, etc.) including: multiple burglaries and larcenies, DUI, multiple violations of probation, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon/ammunition by a convicted felon, dealing in stolen property, and fraud.  

Central Florida Wheels of Steel Puts Pedal to Medal for 3rd Year

Staff Reporter
-
0
Central Florida Wheels of Steel Puts Pedal to Medal for 3rd Year

Central Florida Wheels of Steel Puts Pedal to Medal for 3rd Year

by James Coulter

High Seas Rally is the one and only motorcycle rally on a cruise ship. Next year, it will be setting sail from Oct. 29 – Nov. 5 with more than 3,000 bikers on board for a full week cruise in the Caribbean.

Until then, its cruise director, JT Waters, recently attended a motorcycle event on dry land in Lakeland, Central Florida Wheels of Steel. He visited to promote the cruise, as well as support many of the custom builders who regularly attend his annual cruise, including the event’s co-chair, Jason Hellman.

“So this is a nice way to support them because they support us and it is the perfect opportunity [to advertise],” he said. “The bikes on display, some of the best builders in the nation, it is awesome to see them all grouped together in one spot.”

Several dozen custom bikes were showcased last weekend during the 3rd Annual Central Florida Wheels of Steel hosted at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Bike builders and enthusiasts gathered there from across the state and even across the country, even from as far away as Fresno, Cali.

The two-day event serves as a fundraiser for the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing access and resources for education and child care to local families. By supporting such a noble cause, Wheels of Steel has drawn support from attendees far and wide, explained Lt. Tony Allure, event co-chair and founder.

“That is why we are still successful,” he said. “A lot of these motorcycle guys and builders have a big heart and they realize it is for a good cause. They want to participate to build the industry and their presence in the industry, but they also want to assist a good cause.”

Lt. Allure started the event with his partner and co-chair, Jason Hellman, who owns and operates Cycle Stop USA. With more than 18 years of motorcycle industry experience, Hellman wanted to create something to draw motorcycle builders and enthusiasts like himself.

Since its start, the event has more than doubled in size and attendance, with plenty of repeat visitors and even new faces. Part of the overall appeal has been allowing motorcycle fans, especially those new to the industry and scene, to connect with one another from far and wide, explained Lt. Allure.

“It is a great opportunity for the people out there who have a bike and want to get it out of the garage to come and talk one-on-one with these builders who are making the most amazing bikes in the world so they can get face time with them and pick their brains,” he said.

“I like that there are so many different kinds of classes,” said Hellman, “So while we do have professional builders, this is an awesome opportunity for someone building a cycle n their garage to measure their skill set against some of the best on the planet. So, if you are someone who has an interest in this, you can pick the rains of some of the best builders in the world.”

Both Hellman and Lt. Allure hope to see the event continue to grow and expand. They have high expectations in the near future, especially with many repeat visitors making this event a scheduled shop on their tours. Hopefully, more cyclists will consider paying them a visit next year.

“I would say, the way the event has grown exponentially, which was unanticipated, was from the motorcycle industry community, [which] has taken a notice of it,” he said. “It has become a must attend show if you are going to have a very high-end motorcycle. We want to keep the stronghold of builders that we have now, get them some show and exposure and network them with the people we have here. Without losing the intimacy of this type of venue, it lends itself to the art side of things, and that is what we want to cast a light on.”

For more information about upcoming Central Florida Wheels of Steel events, visit their website at: https://cfwheelsofsteel.com/

Central Florida Wheels of Steel Puts Pedal to Medal for 3rd Year

Staff Reporter
-
0
Central Florida Wheels of Steel Puts Pedal to Medal for 3rd Year

Central Florida Wheels of Steel Puts Pedal to Medal for 3rd Year

by James Coulter

High Seas Rally is the one and only motorcycle rally on a cruise ship. Next year, it will be setting sail from Oct. 29 – Nov. 5 with more than 3,000 bikers on board for a full week cruise in the Caribbean.

Until then, its cruise director, JT Waters, recently attended a motorcycle event on dry land in Lakeland, Central Florida Wheels of Steel. He visited to promote the cruise, as well as support many of the custom builders who regularly attend his annual cruise, including the event’s co-chair, Jason Hellman.

“So this is a nice way to support them because they support us and it is the perfect opportunity [to advertise],” he said. “The bikes on display, some of the best builders in the nation, it is awesome to see them all grouped together in one spot.”

Several dozen custom bikes were showcased last weekend during the 3rd Annual Central Florida Wheels of Steel hosted at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Bike builders and enthusiasts gathered there from across the state and even across the country, even from as far away as Fresno, Cali.

The two-day event serves as a fundraiser for the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing access and resources for education and child care to local families. By supporting such a noble cause, Wheels of Steel has drawn support from attendees far and wide, explained Lt. Tony Allure, event co-chair and founder.

“That is why we are still successful,” he said. “A lot of these motorcycle guys and builders have a big heart and they realize it is for a good cause. They want to participate to build the industry and their presence in the industry, but they also want to assist a good cause.”

Lt. Allure started the event with his partner and co-chair, Jason Hellman, who owns and operates Cycle Stop USA. With more than 18 years of motorcycle industry experience, Hellman wanted to create something to draw motorcycle builders and enthusiasts like himself.

Since its start, the event has more than doubled in size and attendance, with plenty of repeat visitors and even new faces. Part of the overall appeal has been allowing motorcycle fans, especially those new to the industry and scene, to connect with one another from far and wide, explained Lt. Allure.

“It is a great opportunity for the people out there who have a bike and want to get it out of the garage to come and talk one-on-one with these builders who are making the most amazing bikes in the world so they can get face time with them and pick their brains,” he said.

“I like that there are so many different kinds of classes,” said Hellman, “So while we do have professional builders, this is an awesome opportunity for someone building a cycle n their garage to measure their skill set against some of the best on the planet. So, if you are someone who has an interest in this, you can pick the rains of some of the best builders in the world.”

Both Hellman and Lt. Allure hope to see the event continue to grow and expand. They have high expectations in the near future, especially with many repeat visitors making this event a scheduled shop on their tours. Hopefully, more cyclists will consider paying them a visit next year.

“I would say, the way the event has grown exponentially, which was unanticipated, was from the motorcycle industry community, [which] has taken a notice of it,” he said. “It has become a must attend show if you are going to have a very high-end motorcycle. We want to keep the stronghold of builders that we have now, get them some show and exposure and network them with the people we have here. Without losing the intimacy of this type of venue, it lends itself to the art side of things, and that is what we want to cast a light on.”

For more information about upcoming Central Florida Wheels of Steel events, visit their website at: https://cfwheelsofsteel.com/

UPDATE – Lakeland Woman Arrested for DUI Manslaughter For a Vehicle Crash That Occurred Earlier This Year in Lakeland

Staff Reporter
-
0
UPDATE – Lakeland Woman Arrested for DUI Manslaughter For a Vehicle Crash That Occurred Earlier This Year in Lakeland

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PCSO detectives arrested 54-year-old Lisa Breeding of Lakeland for DUI Manslaughter and other charges stemming from a vehicle crash that occurred on June 20, 2021 in Lakeland that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Teresa Hammond of Lakeland.

During the course of the investigation, detectives reviewed the vehicle’s crash data recorder that showed Breeding was traveling at 83 miles per hour at the time of the crash. The area of the crash was a 25 mile per hour zone.

Additionally, a blood sample from Breeding taken immediately following the crash was analyzed and showed significant measured amounts of Alprazolam, Amphetamines, and Methamphetamines, rendering her impaired at the time of the crash.

“I don’t know how many times I have to say this – there is never a reason to drive impaired. Because of this woman’s reckless actions, a family has lost a loved one. Please, don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are impaired. Call a friend or family member – or take advantage of a ride share program. This is for your safety and the safety of others on the roadway.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Breeding was arrested for DUI Manslaughter (F2), Vehicular Homicide (F2), DUI with Serious Injury (F3), DUI with Property Damage (M1) (5 counts). She is currently in the Polk County Jail and being held with no bond.

The original news release is as follows:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is investigating a multi-vehicle crash that occurred around 2:15 a.m. this morning, June 20, 2021, on Ellis Avenue just east of Park Street in Unincorporated Lakeland which resulted in the death of 22-year-old Teresa Hammond of Lakeland. Hammond was the passenger of a 2003 gray Ford Focus.

According to the preliminary information, the Ford Focus, with its lights turned off, was parked in the north side lane of Ellis Avenue and was facing east. 23-year-old Marquist Westbrooks of Tampa was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle; Hammond was sitting in the front passenger seat.

54-year-old Lisa Breeding of Lakeland was driving a 2001 gray Buick Century. Breeding was traveling westbound on Ellis Avenue at a high rate of speed when her Buick Century hit the front passenger side of the Ford Focus. The impact caused the Ford Focus to spin counter-clockwise in a northwestward direction and hit an unoccupied 2016 black Ford Dart which was parked in a driveway. Hammond was partially ejected from the vehicle.

As Breeding’s car continued to travel in a southwestward direction, it hit an unoccupied 2009 gray Chevrolet Malibu which was parked in a neighboring driveway. The impact caused the Malibu to hit an unoccupied and parked 2007 white Nissan Murano, also in a neighboring driveway.

Hammond died at the scene. Westbrooks sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He is in stable condition. Neither were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Breeding sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The roadway was closed approximately 4 hours during the investigation. This investigation is ongoing.

UPDATE – Lakeland Woman Arrested for DUI Manslaughter For a Vehicle Crash That Occurred Earlier This Year in Lakeland

Staff Reporter
-
0
UPDATE – Lakeland Woman Arrested for DUI Manslaughter For a Vehicle Crash That Occurred Earlier This Year in Lakeland

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, PCSO detectives arrested 54-year-old Lisa Breeding of Lakeland for DUI Manslaughter and other charges stemming from a vehicle crash that occurred on June 20, 2021 in Lakeland that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Teresa Hammond of Lakeland.

During the course of the investigation, detectives reviewed the vehicle’s crash data recorder that showed Breeding was traveling at 83 miles per hour at the time of the crash. The area of the crash was a 25 mile per hour zone.

Additionally, a blood sample from Breeding taken immediately following the crash was analyzed and showed significant measured amounts of Alprazolam, Amphetamines, and Methamphetamines, rendering her impaired at the time of the crash.

“I don’t know how many times I have to say this – there is never a reason to drive impaired. Because of this woman’s reckless actions, a family has lost a loved one. Please, don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are impaired. Call a friend or family member – or take advantage of a ride share program. This is for your safety and the safety of others on the roadway.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Breeding was arrested for DUI Manslaughter (F2), Vehicular Homicide (F2), DUI with Serious Injury (F3), DUI with Property Damage (M1) (5 counts). She is currently in the Polk County Jail and being held with no bond.

The original news release is as follows:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is investigating a multi-vehicle crash that occurred around 2:15 a.m. this morning, June 20, 2021, on Ellis Avenue just east of Park Street in Unincorporated Lakeland which resulted in the death of 22-year-old Teresa Hammond of Lakeland. Hammond was the passenger of a 2003 gray Ford Focus.

According to the preliminary information, the Ford Focus, with its lights turned off, was parked in the north side lane of Ellis Avenue and was facing east. 23-year-old Marquist Westbrooks of Tampa was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle; Hammond was sitting in the front passenger seat.

54-year-old Lisa Breeding of Lakeland was driving a 2001 gray Buick Century. Breeding was traveling westbound on Ellis Avenue at a high rate of speed when her Buick Century hit the front passenger side of the Ford Focus. The impact caused the Ford Focus to spin counter-clockwise in a northwestward direction and hit an unoccupied 2016 black Ford Dart which was parked in a driveway. Hammond was partially ejected from the vehicle.

As Breeding’s car continued to travel in a southwestward direction, it hit an unoccupied 2009 gray Chevrolet Malibu which was parked in a neighboring driveway. The impact caused the Malibu to hit an unoccupied and parked 2007 white Nissan Murano, also in a neighboring driveway.

Hammond died at the scene. Westbrooks sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He is in stable condition. Neither were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Breeding sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The roadway was closed approximately 4 hours during the investigation. This investigation is ongoing.

Tech Tuesday: Recent log4j Vulnerability Vulnerabilty Being Actively Exploited in the Wild

Staff Reporter
-
0
Tech Tuesday: Recent log4j Vulnerability Vulnerabilty Being Actively Exploited in the Wild

It seems that 2021 has been full of Cyber Security events or challenges. Well don’t worry 2021 is looking to go out with a Cyber Security finale with the “log4j” vulnerability that affects just about anything on the internet.

“log4j” is an Apache program that is free and open-source logging library that most companies use. The program records how programs run; they allow for code auditing and are a routine mechanism to investigate bugs and other functionality issues. Since “log4j” is free and widely trusted companies have been leveraging its use in all kinds of systems. What’s ironic is the fact the bug-checking tool is now a bug itself that is actively being exploited for malicious activities.

“log4j”’s official name is CVE-2021-44228 and it carries a severity rating of 10 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System scale. 10 is the worst it can get. The “log4j” bug is a zero-day remote code that attackers can exploit to download and run scripts on targeted servers without any input from its victims.

“log4j” first made national headlines when its vulnerability took down Kronos payroll and HR services. Soon after it was discovered that “log4j” affected other vendors like VMWare, Schneider-Electric, Siemens, and many more.

One area that appears to be the most vulnerable are OT “operational technology” environments or critical infrastructures like power distribution and water facilities. Typically manufacturing environments are defenseless and typically hard or impossible to patch. However there are some basic things you can do to protect your environment and defend against Cyber Attackers.

First, patch any edge devices such as Next Generation Firewalls and public facing servers. Your firewalls will be your first line of defense to protect your environment from being exploited.

Second, install physical controls or isolate all industrial control and safety systems, components, peripheral equipment, and networks behind Next Generation Firewalls. Again many industrial devices do not have Cyber Security controls built in or can not be patched. The best way to defend industrial control devices is to physically segment them from the business environment and force any communications between the zones to flow through a firewall.

Third, minimize network exposure for all control system devices and systems and ensure that they are not accessible from the Internet. When remote access is required, use secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Recognize that VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also, understand that VPNs are only as secure as the connected devices.

Most of all if you don’t have an inventory system in place today now would be a great time to evaluate your inventory and cyber security posture, develop a path forward to identify Cyber Security risks, and ultimately develop a strategy to mitigate risks that could affect your environment.

If you or your organization need assistance with your Cyber Security strategy please feel free to reach out for a free consultation. You can reach us at [email protected] or call 727.220.2216 to setup an appointment to talk to a Cyber Security Specialists.

Tech Tuesday: Recent log4j Vulnerability Vulnerabilty Being Actively Exploited in the Wild

Staff Reporter
-
0
Tech Tuesday: Recent log4j Vulnerability Vulnerabilty Being Actively Exploited in the Wild

It seems that 2021 has been full of Cyber Security events or challenges. Well don’t worry 2021 is looking to go out with a Cyber Security finale with the “log4j” vulnerability that affects just about anything on the internet.

“log4j” is an Apache program that is free and open-source logging library that most companies use. The program records how programs run; they allow for code auditing and are a routine mechanism to investigate bugs and other functionality issues. Since “log4j” is free and widely trusted companies have been leveraging its use in all kinds of systems. What’s ironic is the fact the bug-checking tool is now a bug itself that is actively being exploited for malicious activities.

“log4j”’s official name is CVE-2021-44228 and it carries a severity rating of 10 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System scale. 10 is the worst it can get. The “log4j” bug is a zero-day remote code that attackers can exploit to download and run scripts on targeted servers without any input from its victims.

“log4j” first made national headlines when its vulnerability took down Kronos payroll and HR services. Soon after it was discovered that “log4j” affected other vendors like VMWare, Schneider-Electric, Siemens, and many more.

One area that appears to be the most vulnerable are OT “operational technology” environments or critical infrastructures like power distribution and water facilities. Typically manufacturing environments are defenseless and typically hard or impossible to patch. However there are some basic things you can do to protect your environment and defend against Cyber Attackers.

First, patch any edge devices such as Next Generation Firewalls and public facing servers. Your firewalls will be your first line of defense to protect your environment from being exploited.

Second, install physical controls or isolate all industrial control and safety systems, components, peripheral equipment, and networks behind Next Generation Firewalls. Again many industrial devices do not have Cyber Security controls built in or can not be patched. The best way to defend industrial control devices is to physically segment them from the business environment and force any communications between the zones to flow through a firewall.

Third, minimize network exposure for all control system devices and systems and ensure that they are not accessible from the Internet. When remote access is required, use secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Recognize that VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also, understand that VPNs are only as secure as the connected devices.

Most of all if you don’t have an inventory system in place today now would be a great time to evaluate your inventory and cyber security posture, develop a path forward to identify Cyber Security risks, and ultimately develop a strategy to mitigate risks that could affect your environment.

If you or your organization need assistance with your Cyber Security strategy please feel free to reach out for a free consultation. You can reach us at [email protected] or call 727.220.2216 to setup an appointment to talk to a Cyber Security Specialists.

1...277278279...837Page 278 of 837