Tactical Network Solutions to Present at the 6th CyberWatch Mid-Atlantic CCDC

March 10, 2011 - PRLog -- NeoTech Client Company to talk about steps to secure networks against cyber attacks

Columbia, Maryland (March 10, 2011) - The partners of Tactical Network Solutions (TNS)  will be making two presentations at the 6th CyberWatch Mid-Atlantic CCDC (Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition) held at the Kossiakoff Center at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory this weekend, March 10-12, 2011.

- How Your Computer Got p0wn’d!  Security Updates & Patch Management
  Saturday, March 12, 2011, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Microsoft, Apple and various Linux distributions now incorporate some type of automated update system to keep a user’s computer relatively safe from exploits and malware. However, many people and corporations fail to properly configure these automatic updates leaving them vulnerable to attack and exploitation. Others choose not to apply the security updates out of fear of breaking something or because of a lack of knowledge.

A live demonstration will illustrate the consequences of neglecting security updates on a Windows XP computer. Proper auto update configurations will be explained to avoid becoming a victim.


- Insecurities in Universal Plug & Play
  Saturday, March 12, 2011, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Universal Plug & Play (UPnP) is a convenient technology found in many embedded devices, such as home routers and wireless access points. The purpose of this technology is to allow various heterogeneous, network-enabled devices (e.g., phones, video game consoles, DVRs, etc.) to seamlessly communicate to the outside world without user configuration. To this end, UPnP devices automatically make firewall changes to a user’s network without their knowledge.

A live demonstration will illustrate the insecurities of modern day wireless access points with UPnP. Steps to secure the network against such attacks will be discussed and demonstrated.


About the 6th CyberWatch Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition: The competition pits student teams from two- and four-year colleges and universities against "red team" hackers who are trying to disrupt and compromise their networks. Students are focused on the operational aspects of managing and protecting a network infrastructure. Teams are scored based on their ability to detect and respond to outside threats, maintain availability of existing services (e.g., e-mail servers), respond to business requests (e.g., add user accounts), and balance security needs against business needs.   The winner of the Mid-Atlantic CCDC will advance to represent the region in the National CCDC, April 8-10, in San Antonio.

For more information about the competition including the agenda, please visit http://www.midatlanticccdc.org/CCDC/.

About Tactical Network Solutions:  Tactical Network Solutions, LLC (TNS) provides offensive network warfare support to the warfighter and the intelligence community.  Founded in 2007, TNS employs former intelligence community developers, operators and military intelligence professionals.  The goal of TNS is to provide quick-response solutions to the technical challenges faced by modern day tactical military units and the intelligence community.

Our success is the result of direct customer engagement to understand first hand their mission, requirements and needs. Only then can we develop and deploy the appropriate solutions that can result in mission success.  To contact Tactical, go to http://www.tacnetsol.com.

About NeoTech Incubator:  The NeoTech Incubator, a program of Howard County’s Center for Business and Technology Development, helps entrepreneurs develop thriving technology companies.  NeoTech accelerates the growth and success of emerging technology businesses through access to resources, information, and a community of excellence.  The NeoTech Incubator is a three-time winner of the National Business Incubation Association’s Innovation Award.  To learn more about the NeoTech Incubator and The Center for Business and Technology Development, visit www.thecenter.biz/neotech/.


About The Center for Business and Technology Development: Founded in May 2000, The Center is dedicated to the discovery, stimulation, nurturing, growth, and success of entrepreneurship in Howard County.  It has earned a reputation for providing valuable assistance to its clients and for creating innovative programs that foster entrepreneurship in the region. The Center provides assistance to more than 1,500 entrepreneurs annually through its unique combined services platform.  A “one stop shop” for entrepreneurial services, The Center supports small and medium sized businesses through its Business Resource Center, NeoTech Incubator, and Howard Technology Council. Find more information at www.thecenter.biz.

The Center for Business and Technology Development is part of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small, minority-owned, and agricultural business communities. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at http://www.hceda.org.

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The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership that promotes growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters.