We are thrilled to announce that the CompTIA UK&I Cybersecurity Committee is organising an exclusive in-person event, The Untold Story of a Cyberattack.

Join us at Millennium Point in Birmingham, UK on the 18th of January from 12 – 7 p.m. for an enlightening afternoon and evening.

If you are an MSP, this event is tailored just for you. The session will provide a comprehensive view of a cyberattack, featuring insights from a variety of perspectives, including:

A hacker/pen tester who will delve into the motives and mechanics behind hacking

An MSP that was compelled to pay £500k to hackers

A cyber insurance representative discussing essential safeguards

A media professional advising on preparedness in case of an attack

And more...

This event is free to attend, but the seats are limited. We encourage you to register now to secure your place. Come prepared to learn and have all your questions about cyberattacks answered.

The event will kick off with a networking lunch at noon, followed by the session. We will conclude the day with networking canapes and drinks, wrapping up at 7pm. A detailed agenda will be shared soon.

I hope that you can join us in Birmingham.

Hi folks,

My name is Ben Fenigsohn, I am a Client Solutions Engineer at Censys Technologies, a BVLOS drone manufacturer out of Daytona Beach, Florida. My responsibilities primarily are working with the public sector, so I get to look at both sides of the drone market, but also with an ear to the different types of ConOps. I'd like to explain a little bit why BVLOS is such an important skill to have.

Currently, "UAS Pilot" is not listed in the IRS' SOC code, so instead jobs like these fall under more generic "pilot" or "engineer" classifications. In my encounters with schools, this omission is a big hinderance to adoption since it's so difficult to measure the job expectations upon graduation. Instead, schools must rely on their own empirical data, or figure out another way to measure success.

Nevertheless, Part 107 curriculum adoption is booming. Time and again, I'm finding enterprising department heads who see drones as a gateway to job security: not "the same accounting job for 40 years," security, but instead as a skillset that empowers pilots to choose where they work, and how, for as long as they're active.

BVLOS represents an even more exaggerated version of this power shift. Indeed, one must first be a Part 107 pilot before receiving BVLOS training, but the waiver system in USA is dependent on the pilot. Coupled with the fact that BVLOS trained pilots are already hard to come by, companies large and small are incentivizing BVLOS pilot retention not just to maintain their competitive edge, but to also keep their waivers in place.

This is the scenario we give schools to encourage BVLOS adoption. Censys' Sentaero 5 has been described as "the Cessna 172 of BVLOS," which is a nerdy way of saying it's great platform on which to both learn and work. We try to position it so students are matriculating from their private or public training academy into a large corporate job using the same equipment. To us, that means longitudinal success career-wise.

My point here is not just a hardware discussion. Curriculum initiatives that are forward looking in support of BVLOS are paying off for institutions, employers, and most importantly, students, in a way that is rare to foresee. We all know the regulations are opening up in the direction of greater access, so it's only a natural that getting a head start puts these parties at an advantage.

A Futurama scenario will be here soon enough. Not tomorrow, but when it does come, we'll rest comfortably in the truth that the pilots are trained appropriately by mutually invested administrators. At that point hindsight will indeed be 20/20.

As an individual member, how does one go about joining and serving on one of the CompTIA Councils? Thank you.

Good day to all members.. just a quick concern I have for being a CompTia certification holder for over 20 years -- In 2022 I decided to enroll my company into the CompTia Corporate membership and give my employees a try at the benefits and also attend the 2023 CompTia conference in Vegas.

All in all, we are neutral for the company subscription so for now we are wanting to take a temporary pause on the membership.

On Dec 1st, 2023 we received our notification that our corporate membership would renew so we contacted the membership team (via the email address they provided) to have it cancelled. We waited until the 19th of December and have not heard back from Comptia.
I have now called CompTia 4 times since then and every time I call they either say to call back or submit another ticket. (2 tickets have already been submitted and one person said duplicates usually will get ignored so they decided to escalate the oldest).
That being said, the membership site on Compita basically says the only way to cancel is to contact the membership team.
So my question to the community here is:
What is a reasonable and measurable expectation to get CompTia to respond and complete this request? In my professional opinion, almost a month is unrealistic and unprofessional, but I have been very patient when considering everyone has compressed work schedules for the holidays and vacations.
My main goal is to be proactive and get it cancelled before CompTia attempts to renew the membership fees, which only will create a second ticket in an attempt to get a refund.
In all seriousness, if this is the "normal" process CompTia uses to complete something so simple, I am considering the cancellation of all 4 of my certifiations and CE fees entirely.

Thank you.

-- Robert Vorce

As we navigate through our professional journeys, it's essential to remember that supporting and empowering women isn't just about gender equality - it's about creating a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative workspace for everyone. Thank you to @Lieve Van de Voorde @Sibyl Jacob @Yasemin Usanmaz @Nele Lariviere

When we uplift women, we uplift entire communities. Women bring unique perspectives, ideas, and leadership styles that enrich our organizations and drive innovation. They challenge the status quo, break barriers, and inspire future generations to do the same. Join the Advancing Women in Technology group here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/Resp...Q9Cn2LwVUN1lIOFo2VU1JTVRDWlY4VTZFM09HTFlHVS4u


Being part of a community that values and supports women has been a game-changer for me. It has broadened my perspective, challenged my biases, and taught me the importance of empathy and understanding in leadership. It has made me a better listener, a better collaborator, and ultimately, a better professional.

Let's remember that supporting women is not just a women's issue - it's a human issue. It's about creating a world where everyone, regardless of their gender, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

So, here's to the women who lead, innovate, and inspire every day. And here's to the communities that support them. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future.

I look forward to meeting up with the CompTIA Community - Benelux on the 8th of February to build a community supporting women in technology. Join us in Antwerp https://connect.comptia.org/events/registration?eventid=BENFEB24

#WomenEmpowerment #Inclusion #Diversity #Leadership #Community

Leave a comment if you would like to get more involved.

Polygon, a powerful Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, has garnered attention for its ability to address scalability issues and facilitate faster, cost-effective transactions. At the heart of Polygon's success lies its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, and for those looking to actively participate in securing and maintaining the network, deploying a Polygon PoS node is a strategic move. In this blog, we'll explore the step-by-step process of deploying a Polygon PoS node, empowering users to contribute to the network's consensus and scalability.

Understanding the Significance of PoS Nodes on Polygon​

Polygon's PoS nodes play a crucial role in validating transactions, proposing new blocks, and maintaining the overall security of the network. By participating in the PoS consensus mechanism, nodes contribute to the decentralized and efficient operation of Polygon, making it an attractive platform for decentralized applications (DApps) and developers.

Challenges and Considerations​

While deploying a Polygon PoS node brings numerous advantages, participants should be aware of potential challenges. These may include technical complexities associated with node setup, ensuring continuous uptime, and addressing potential security vulnerabilities. Staying informed and actively participating in the Polygon community can help navigate these challenges effectively.

Hello everyone,

if you would like to know what was discussed at the Benelux Community Meeting in Eindhoven - take a look at the slide deck!

Best wishes,
Katrin

The quest for scalability and efficiency in the blockchain space has led to the emergence of Optimistic Rollups, a layer 2 scaling solution that promises to address the limitations of existing blockchain networks. In this blog, we delve into the foundational elements of Optimistic Rollups infrastructure, exploring how it works and the transformative impact it brings to the world of decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.

Understanding Optimistic Rollups:

Optimistic Rollups are a category of layer 2 scaling solutions designed to enhance the scalability of existing blockchain networks, particularly Ethereum. The term "optimistic" reflects the optimistic approach taken to transaction execution, assuming that most transactions are valid and only resorting to on-chain validation in the event of disputes.

Challenges and Future Developments:

While Optimistic Rollups offer promising solutions to scalability challenges, there are considerations such as data availability and potential vulnerabilities. Ongoing research and development aim to address these challenges and enhance the overall security and efficiency of Optimistic Rollups.

Conclusion:

Optimistic Rollups infrastructure stands as a beacon of innovation in the blockchain space, offering a pragmatic approach to scalability without compromising on security. As developers and users increasingly embrace these solutions, the landscape of decentralized applications and blockchain interactions is poised for a transformation, unlocking new possibilities for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and widespread blockchain adoption.

Hi everyone,

Attached in this post is the content from our ANZ Community meeting at the W Sydney on Oct 25th.

Please post any questions in this thread.

Thanks
Rose

Substrate chain deployment is a transformative process that turns a conceptualized blockchain into a functional, live network. It marks the transition from theoretical ideas to tangible solutions, allowing developers to showcase the practical applications of their innovations. Substrate chain deployment is the culmination of meticulous planning, coding, and testing, and it opens the doors to a decentralized world of possibilities.

Key Steps in Substrate Chain Deployment:

1. Define Use Case and Requirements: The deployment journey begins with a clear understanding of the use case and specific requirements of the Substrate chain. Developers must define the purpose, functionality, and goals to lay a solid foundation for subsequent steps in the deployment process.
2. Select and Customize Substrate Modules: Substrate offers a modular design with various pre-built modules that developers can choose from. These modules serve as the building blocks for custom blockchains. Developers select and customize these modules based on the features required for the targeted use case, optimizing the chain's functionality.
3. Define Consensus Mechanism: Substrate supports multiple consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-stake (PoS) or proof-of-authority (PoA). The choice of consensus mechanism is a critical decision, impacting security, scalability, and the nature of the Substrate chain. Defining the consensus mechanism aligns the network with its intended characteristics.
4. Node Setup and Configuration: Nodes are the backbone of any blockchain network. Strategic node setup and configuration involve deploying nodes that validate transactions, participate in the consensus mechanism, and contribute to the overall security and reliability of the Substrate chain.
5. Genesis Block Creation: The genesis block is the foundational block of the Substrate chain, containing the initial state of the blockchain. Developers create the genesis block by specifying the initial distribution of tokens, validators, and other essential parameters. This block sets the stage for the Substrate chain's entire history.
6. Implement Governance Structures: Governance mechanisms are crucial for the functionality and evolution of a blockchain. Developers implement governance structures within the Substrate chain, determining how decisions are made, proposals are voted on, and upgrades are implemented. This step ensures adaptability and ongoing governance.
7. Testing and Optimization: Rigorous testing and optimization are essential before deploying a Substrate chain into production. Developers thoroughly test the functionality of the chain, identify and address potential issues, and optimize its performance for efficiency. Iterative testing ensures the Substrate chain meets desired standards.

Firms will soon be able to decode the unsaid when interacting with consumers – in fact, some already do.
Firms have so far used a mix of human intuition and traditional analytics to engage with their customers. But the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and more sophisticated data interpretation is heralding a new era of business-customer interaction.

Instead of merely responding to expressed needs and wants, firms will proactively anticipate them, reaching a level of foresight never experienced before. This will revolutionize the nature of customer interactions and reshape industries.

Here are ten predictions as to how the multifaceted applications of AI – including generative AI – will transform marketing, and examples of how such changes are already underway.

1. Predictive analytics will anticipate clients’ desires

Forget mere lead scoring. AI-powered predictive analytics will anticipate desires before they are articulated. AI might craft multifaceted client profiles, predicting not just purchasing behavior's but also emergent needs. It will capture biometric signals, such as eye movement on a webpage or scroll speed, to decode a user's unsaid preferences and emotional reactions.

Consider the titan of streaming, Netflix. It already employs sophisticated machine-learning algorithms to anticipate viewers’ preferences. Beyond the shows a user has watched, it looks at subtler cues like when they paused a show, which episodes they skipped and how long they pondered over a particular title.
Such intricate data points allow Netflix to predict not just what a viewer might watch next, but also emerging content preferences. It can then tailor its original programming accordingly.

2. AI-driven content will birth next-generation storytelling

AI’s growing role in content generation will focus on resonance. AI might tailor content narratives in real-time, adapting to live user interactions. Such content will be based not just on overt actions but also on underlying subconscious preferences and unspoken sentiments of users.
In this regard, OpenAI stands out as a trailblazer. Its advanced language models have begun to lay the groundwork for content that dynamically adapts to user input by detecting underlying user sentiments and responding accordingly.
For example, these models can dynamically create short stories, adapt characters or even propose plot twists, while ensuring the narrative resonates with the user's unspoken preferences. Such innovations promise a future in which content, be it in literature, gaming or virtual experiences, can foster a high level of emotional connection between producers and end consumers.

Continue reading: https://knowledge.insead.edu/marketing/ten-ways-ai-transforming-marketing

From the moment hand prints emerged on cave paintings, language emerged as the advent of change. With the resulting unity of disparate cultures came the unison of different minds, creating an urge to change the world and birthing curiosity to develop an understanding of what’s around us. This linguistic evolution evolved into math, the first universal language that united the world through the desire to make change. With time came technological evolution, bringing about a digital era. As digital transformation started to knock, blockchain emerged, bringing more universal language and harmoniously weaving this new digital age.

In this article, we step into what will become a new historic moment for future generations to explore three of those transformative languages.

Solidity​

EthereumETH 0.0% brought about the advent of smart contracts that have transformed blockchain for the better. Smart contracts, which automate the mundane and facilitate the creation of a truly "trustless" ecosystem, can be implemented by the first universal language we will discuss - Solidity.

An object-oriented language, Solidity is a statistically typed language using an ECMA Script-like syntax with which web developers are already familiar. Solidity enabled the creation of complex smart contracts, which allowed blockchain technology to come out of its isolation and offer real-world benefits, complementing this ease of use.

Solidity’s Origins And Evolution​

A decade ago, the blockchain ecosystem was synonymous with BitcoinBTC 0.0%. People only came out of this gross misrepresentation after Vitalik Buterin pushed the envelope and brought Ethereum to the fold. However, while his dream of “one computer of the entire planet” was admirable, it was not plausible, not until Gavin Wood came to the fold and proposed a language that could help with the creation of smart contracts.

The goal was to create a language that was complex but expressive, easy to use but facilitated the creation of complex codes, and most importantly, compatible with the EVM (Ethereum Virtual machine).

Continue reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/digita...ages-shaping-the-digital-age/?sh=6b7c5523b082

IT Nation Connect is a wrap! If you missed us there, ConnectWise offered a special discount code for MSP attendees, new to CompTIA, for annual CompTIA membership. Reply back for more details on this limited, attendee offer (expires November 30, 2023).

Hi everyone,

The attached Zip file contains PDFs of all the content presented at the May 2023 Community meetings hosted by Moheb Moses.

The files in the Zip include:
BlueRock - The Pros and Cons of Cyber Insurance
Cognition360 - Key trends for MSPs and IT service providers
CompTIA - ANZ Community Meeting (May 2023)
Microsoft - How AI is impacting the channel
Nortec - Insurance Implications of a Mass Scale Ransomware Attack
SherpaTech - Cyber insurance Tips & Tricks for Success

Hey all,

One for the diary https://connect.comptia.org/events/view/uk-i-community-msp-committee-meeting

The MSP Committee for UK&I is getting together next week, Wednesday, October 25 at 3 pm (BST).

See you there! Register at the link above.

Even if you are not a member of CompTIA you can still attend. LinkedIn event is here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/comptiauk-imspcommitteemeeting-7120367597732155392/comments/

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Hello there,

It's short notice but if you are in the area you are more than welcome to attend the North America community meeting!

More info and registration here: https://connect.comptia.org/events/view/comptia-north-america-community-meeting

If you have any questions please let me know

Hey there!

We're running an in-person community meetup for the Benelux region on 23rd November!

Register at the link below. If you have any questions, please ask away.

The CompTIA DACH community are meeting up in Seeheim!

Registration is below, but if you have any questions just let us know.

Hey everyone,

A reminder that we're running a webinar on November the 1st related to M&A and maximising your business value.

More info here:

Will you be at the ScanSource Channel Connect Conference next week? If so, we'd love to see you. Stop by our CompTIA booth 207!

From networking to business growth and educational sessions to getting up-close look at the latest tech products and solutions, the EMEA Member and Partner Conference 2023 had something for everyone. More than 600 attendees connected with peers and visited more than 60 exhibitor booths over two full days in London.

“The IT industry is changing faster than ever, and we have to help our customers solve new business challenges every day. CompTIA’s EMEA Member and Partner Conference brings fresh perspectives from a lot of smart people in the room—peers, vendors and subject matter experts. It’s more valuable now than ever before,” said Chris Ward, technical director of Vermont Systems Ltd., a Hampshire, UK-based MSP.

If you could not attend this year, or even if you did but missed a session, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten things you should know from the EMEA Member and Partner Conference 2023.

I’m considering planning a regular meetup for people across various industries/interests and experiences to discuss the exciting/terrifying advancements and implications of AI and Automation whether you’re deeply involved or just curious.

This is NOT only for techies as I beleive AI and Automation is about to have such a profound impact in all areas of life, the more diverse the attendees the better.

Key details:

• Probably a pub and maybe some grub
• Discussions from diverse sectors
• Central London location - as it’s erm, central

If this interests you:

• Please comment below or
• Direct message me with thoughts/ideas

The wave IS coming, let’s enjoy it!



#AI #Automation #LondonMeetup

As we approach the close of 2023, it's surprising to see that some Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are still operating as if it's 2013. They are hesitant to embrace advancements like Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), cybersecurity measures, and automation processes that could significantly benefit their operations and their clients.

This reluctance could potentially lead to MSPs lagging behind, warns @Kevin O'Loughlin, CEO of Nostra, an MSP based in Ireland and a member of the CompTIA board of directors. The time is ripe for MSPs to dive into the latest technological solutions, business models, and customer expectations to ensure their businesses are primed for sustained success.

It was officially on the 1st of September but still very applicable and necessary to share any day of the week.

Working to advance & retain women in cybersecurity, International Women in Cyber Day highlights the impact of diversity within a male-dominated industry

As IT environments get more virtual and more complicated—and customers expect more—MSPs need to ensure they’re agile and evolving to meet changing market dynamics.

Continue reading...