Archive for the 'Security' Category
Icon Labs a leading provider of embedded networking and security technology, today announced the availability of Floodgate-Packet Filter TM, an embedded firewall that allows networked devices to control the packets they process. Floodgate protects against potentially malicious attacks by filtering packets before they are processed by an embedded device. Floodgate provides both threshold-based filtering and rules-based filtering.
Threshold-based filtering protects against denial of service attacks, broadcast storms and other conditions that result in a flood of unwanted packets. Rules-based filtering allows white-listing and black-listing based on criteria such as port number, protocol or source IP address.
“Increasingly, small, dedicated devices such as industrial control devices and medical devices are being connected to the Internet and are now subject to the same threats as PCs in corporate environments. Without firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and other security measures usually utilized in enterprise networks, these devices are very vulnerable to network based attacks,” said Alan Grau, CEO of Icon Labs. “Floodgate protects these devices from the threats that are present on the Internet by controlling which packets are processed.”
Floodgate-Packet Filter is provided as a portable source code library that can easily be integrated into an embedded device. Floodgate can be added at any layer in the IP stack. Floodgate includes sample applications that illustrate the use of Floodgate at Layer 2 to protect against broadcast storms and at Layer 3 to protect against packet floods.
Floodgate-Packet Filter is available now. It is designed for use in embedded systems and can be used with operating systems such as VxWorks, Linux, QNX, or eCos, or in systems without an operating system.
Rocstor, a leading provider of fast, high‐capacity data storage and encryption solutions, announces new addition the BLAZER mobile line of external hard drives. The Blazer B7 ruggedized pocket drives deliver exceptional performance and reliability in a tough aluminum enclosure. Designed and engineered to meet the needs of demanding mobile data storage market, the Blazer B9, 2.5” external hard drives are compatible with both Windows® and Macintosh® Operating Systems.
The BLAZER series ‐ “These drives are made with ruggedized aluminum to fulfill the requirements of demanding consumers who expect their external hard drives to perform under tough working environments. The new Blazer pocket drives contain a fast, high capacity 2.5” SATA drive mechanism, provides with up to 5,000 MB/sec transfer speeds and multiple interfaces in a stylish aluminum case for thermal efficiency and silent operation.
Groundbreaking Design
The first design of its kind, the Blazer mobile series sets a new standard for unprecedented design, quality, versatility and capability that will satisfy the most sophisticated consumers, where the products specifications must satisfy the uncompromising demands of consumers.
The ruggedized tough Aluminum chamber and shock‐absorbent (patent in process) enclosure protect the drive against impact damage, accidental drops and bumps. These outstanding design features prolong product life and protect data integrity under toughest working environments.
Despite its diminutive size and shock‐absorbent chamber, the Blazer B7’s wide array of ports ensures maximum compatibility regardless of the type of computer or operating system in use. A combination of ports, 2x FireWire 800 (1394b, and 1394a ‐ IEEE) and High Speed USB 3.0 (USB 2.0) makes these devices some of the most versatile drives on the market.
Wide Range of Applications
Operating with Mac OS, Linux® and Windows®, this external drive offers storage capacities ranging from 320GB to 750GB (HDD) and 64GB, 128GB, 256GB Solid State (DDS) as well as “plug‐and‐play” capability with hard drive speeds of up to 7,200rpm or 250 MB/sec with SSD. This allows users to quickly back up or archive valuable data, large video files and digital photo collections.
The bootable feature allows the user to boot access and operate all programs and data via any other computer under the same OS environments.
Special Features:
•Ruggedized Pocket size external storage drive
•Robust and tough Aluminum Casing
•Enhanced Shock‐Absorbent casing despite its small size
•Incorporates SSD or SATA Hard Drive
•USB 3.0, and 2x FireWire 800 (1394b) connections
•Bus powered and bootable
•Speeds up to 5,000 Megabytes per second
•Reduces power consumption with hard drive spin‐down support
•Daisy chain multiple FireWire devices as storage needs grow
•Automatic configuration (pre‐formatted for plug and play)
•Compatibility ‐ Mac or Windows® or Linux®
•Includes all necessary cables
Specifications-
Capacities:
Hard Disk Drives = 320GB, 500GB, 640GB and 750GB
Solid State Drives = 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB
Rotational Speeds: available with 5,400 or 7,200 rpm HDD and 250 MB/sec SSD
Interface: FireWire 800 1394b and High Speed USB 3.0 (2.0 compatible)
Transfer Rates: Up to 800MB/s FireWire 800, and up to 5,000MB/s USB 3.
Dimension: ~2.95 x 5x 0.63 (0.75) inch ~75 x 12.7 x 16 (19) mm
Weight: ~0.5 lb (~0.2Kg) or less
System Requirements:
Mac or PC computers with USB 3.0 (2.0) or FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b or 1394a) port(s) Apple: PowerPC® or Intel® Core Duo® processor PC: 266MHz or faster Intel or equivalent processor Recommended Memory: 512MB RAM
Operating System requirements: Apple: PowerPC® or Intel Core Duo® processor running Mac OS 9, X, Leopard, Snow Leopard … PC: Microsoft®, Windows®, 2000, Me, XP, Vista® or Windows 7®
Power Requirements: FireWire or USB Bus Power
Availability: The Blazer B7 will be available end of February 2011, through our distribution and reseller channels domestically and internationally. For more product information, visit http://www.rocstor.com
Swann Security, the global leader in security monitoring solutions, proudly debuts the SportsCam™ Waterproof Mini Video Camera. Making its debut at the 2011 International CES, this mini camera / DVR combo is housed in a rugged waterproof case and comes with a myriad of mounting options so outdoor enthusiasts can live & relive their most extreme moments.
At the core of SportsCam™ is a color camera that can record 640 x 480 high resolution video or crystal clear still images. The device stores recordings on a removable MicroSD card (up to 16GB), so users can easily swap out cards while on the go. A 16GB MicroSD card will capture approximately 5 hours of video. SportsCam™ is powered by a Lithium-ion battery that recharges via USB and gives the user 2.5 hours of life per charge.
Not only is the SportsCam’s™ case shockproof, but it’s also waterproof up to 65’. Included with the device are a number of mounting options that make it an ideal solution for a variety of sports and outdoor applications. With no dials, gauges knobs or any preferences to configure, users simply turn it on, strap it on and hit record.
Included SportsCam accessories:
Velcro™ straps x 3
Double-clipper
Cord, arm & head straps
Pouch
Sport-clip
Multi-clip
Waterproof pin clip & case clip
Multi-bracket
Velcro™ for bracket
Mounting screws x 2
Silicon case
Swann’s SportsCam™ will be unveiled at CES 2011 at Swann’s booth #8660 in Central Hall. SportsCam™ has a MSRP of $99 and will be available for purchase in February through Swann’s network of retailers.
Mavizon Technologies, a mobile technologies startup dedicated to improving and simplifying the on-the-go experience, dominated at this year’s highly anticipated CEA i-Stage competition, taking home Overall Winner and Fan Favorite for its innovative flagship device, Mavia™.
Status & Location
In less than five minutes, this easy-to-install aftermarket automotive intelligence system offers drivers a smarter, user-friendly way to integrate their cars with their busy mobile lifestyles. With this one unit, consumers can find lost or stolen cars, detect automotive maintenance needs and get access to automatic emergency response with the ability to let friends/family know when accidents happen – all without monthly fees.
Social Media Integration
Plus, with the popularity of social media check-ins and online communication, this handy tool can be customized to use its GPS capabilities to offer drivers an automatic way to stay in touch with their friends.
Diagnostics and Automotive Maintenance Needs
Since it plugs conveniently into the on-board diagnostic port (OBD-II) of most cars (1996 and newer), Mavia™ knows when you need an oil change, tires rotated and more. It can remind you of scheduled maintenance and offer special Groupon-like discounts based on these specific automotive maintenance needs and your location.
Stay Connected All the Time
Once connected, drivers can easily create an account at the dedicated Mavia page through the Mavizon Technologies site. After a few simple questions about the car, the device automatically syncs to Mavizon’s cloud-based system to allow users to access all pertinent information via a free Smartphone app or through the company’s web site. This affordable aftermarket system operates on 3G – not Bluetooth or Wi-Fi – so it’s always on and never uses up valuable cell phone minutes.
“We know what consumers want, and what they don’t. That’s why we created the connected car made simple for everyone,” said Mavizon Technologies Partner, Madison Hamman. “Mavia™ provides a smarter, all-in-one solution to keep drivers safe, secure and socially connected on the road.”
Mavia™ will be available mid-2011 for less than $300 – no monthly fees. For more information, visit www.mavizontech.com.
Ford Motor Company is preparing to debut a new version of its breakthrough MyKey® technology that – for the first time – will allow parents to block explicit satellite radio content in the vehicle, much like parents are able to prevent children from viewing certain types of television and Internet content.
The new feature will debut next year as standard equipment on the Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer, and will eventually be available across a variety of Ford and Lincoln vehicles. MyKey – designed to help parents encourage safe teen driving habits – is an easily programmable key that can limit a vehicle’s top speed, limit radio volume and encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up.
The radio-blocking feature works by screening out all programs labeled by Sirius® Satellite Radio as “explicit.” While similar technology is used for blocking inappropriate content on televisions and computers, never before has such an option been available for radio programming in vehicles.
Among the 16 stations MyKey will be able to block: Howard Stern stations, Playboy Radio, Liquid Metal, Hip Hop Nation, Hardcore Sports Radio, Maxim Radio, Blue Collar Radio, Raw Dog Comedy and VIRUS.
Ford’s current MyKey system – standard on most North American vehicles after launching in summer 2009 – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed to 80 mph, with chimes sounding at 45, 55 and 65 mph. The upgraded MyKey technology will now allow parents to limit a vehicle’s top speed at any of four different settings – 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph.
“Ford wants to give parents peace of mind that their kids are following practical household rules in the car,” says Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering. “Parents obviously like this type of feature, and many teens are okay with it when they hear parents may give them the keys more often if the car comes with a technology such as Ford’s MyKey.”
In a poll conducted for Ford by Penn, Schoen & Berland, nearly 60 percent of parents of teen drivers said the new MyKey feature that allows for blocking explicit radio content is an important technology. The survey also indicated that 85 percent of parents with teen drivers find the speed-limiting feature important.
The additional top-speed limits available in the next generation of MyKey will help parents set appropriate limits as their teens transition from driving in town to traveling on the highway. Additional features already available on MyKey limit audio volume, encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up, and provide earlier low-fuel warnings.
In the poll, more than half of parents also said they would allow their teens to use the family vehicle more often if it were equipped with MyKey. Meanwhile, 45 percent of teens surveyed would approve of MyKey restrictions if it meant the possibility of additional driving privileges.
Tuning into teen safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers.
“Like graduated licensing laws, MyKey helps parents set reasonable limits for teens as they’re building driving skills,” Reitz said. “We developed MyKey’s functions in such a way as to quickly spread it across multiple vehicle lines, giving us the ability to go mass market in the spirit of other Ford innovations such as SYNC®.”
Holding the key
MyKey allows the parent to program any key through the intuitive MyFord Touch™ interface. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes, including:
· Persistent Ford Belt-Minder® with audio mute. Ford’s Belt-Minder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes. With MyKey, the Belt-Minder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display, “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio,” also appears on the instrument cluster
· Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty
· If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as park aid and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert cannot be deactivated
Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle’s MyFord Touch menu:
· Parental control of explicit radio programming
· Limited top speed of 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph
· Traction control system, which limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
· Limited audio volume to 44 percent of maximum
· A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
Using MyKey to encourage teens to avoid speeding can provide an added benefit – improved fuel economy. Ford research shows that driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph consumes 15 percent less fuel, and mastering other eco-driving habits, such as avoiding jackrabbit starts and excessive idling, can help improve fuel economy by more than 50 percent.
With over 270 electronic lock cylinder designs, CyberLocks are used all over the world to secure interior and exterior doors and cabinets, audit container and cargo activity, manage access to computer carts and servers, and protect cash in transit fare boxes, ATM, gaming, and vending equipment. CyberLock electronic cylinders, programmable keys, and access management software offer a variety of solutions that can quickly provide the physical security and key control an organization needs.
CyberLock provides tight control of overall access as each person’s key can be programmed with the specific access permissions they need to do their job; what locks they can open, and when. Both the electronic key and lock record openings and exceptions including unauthorized attempts to enter. This detailed audit reporting and email alerts increase accountability and can be valuable when management needs to know who and when someone has accessed an area.
The system’s electronic keys cannot be duplicated or copied at the local hardware store which literally erases the threat of unknown keys in circulation. If someone loses a key it can be quickly blocked from accessing any locks. Once installed, CyberLock completely eliminates the time and considerable expense of re-keying a facility.
By Bob Unruh
(c) 2010 WorldNetDaily
A new report from the Middle East Media Research Institute charges that YouTube has emerged as “the leading website for online jihad,” replacing and surpassing even websites that the jihadists themselves are running.
The in-depth report, with dozens of examples, links and illustrations, documents that MEMRI already has briefed members of the U.S. government and Congress on the issue, and has offered its expertise to YouTube directly to identify videos that “incite violence and terrorist acts for possible removal.’
The report by Steven Stalinsky, the executive director of MEMRI, a donor-supported organization that monitors and reports on media issues from the Middle East, calls the use of the video-sharing service by terrorists worldwide “a grave national security issue.”
The report was published only days ago, but is part of a series of analyses of the issue that MEMRI has been documenting for some time. And in fact the LA Times reported just yesterday that YouTube has created a new option that users now can flag a video for removal because of its promotion of terrorism.
Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Independent senator from Connecticut, called the protocol a “good first step toward scrubbing mainstream Internet sites of terrorist propaganda,” according to the Times.
It was several weeks ago when YouTube banished from its servers videos – numbering in the hundreds – that featured the American-turned-fugitive Anwar al-Awlawki. His videos, however, still can be fouind on the site.
YouTube officials did not comment when WND asked for confirmation that the investigation produced its policy change, but they told the Times that they are committed to making sure the site isn’t used to spread “terrorist propaganda or incite violence.”
MEMRI said it has investigated thoroughly the issues of YouTube, especially relating to al-Awlaki, and in fact, has reported on the videos he posted, those who watched them, the YouTube work of the Taliban as well as the expanding jihadi base committed to using YouTube.
The newest chapter documents the posting of videos of American soldiers being killed by improvised explosive devices and snipers in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“While YouTube should be applauded for adding new staff and a new function to identify and remove jihadi videos, this is only a beginning,” MEMRI reported. “The removal of content is one part of the problem; the other part is keeping these videos from being posted in the first place – as shown by the recent removal of hundreds of Anwar al-Awlaki videos that were quickly reposted to other pages.
“It is no exaggeration to say that hundreds of thousands of assorted jihadi videos can be found on YouTube They include sermons by terrorist leaders, training videos by terrorists, footage of terrorist attacks, songs (nasheeds) to inspire terrorists, and much more. These videos are not only in English, but in dozens of other languages.”
The report said the YouTube action followed the reporting that over the last few months, “numerous followers of Anwar al-Awlkai have been found guilty of involvement in terrorism. They all have one thing in common – they were incited by viewing him on YouTube.”
Cited as an example was a video from “WachdogofAllah1″ who posted a message on Nov. 4, warning of looming violence in Iraq, Egypt and “other countries.”
“You have among us hundreds of thousands of followers, and hundreds of churches,” the video warned, “and they will all be our targets if you do not respond.”
Another video, the report said, praised Nidal Hassan, accused of killing more than a dozen at Fort Hood in Texas, as “a wonderful example.”
MEMRI said among those who have been inspired to jihad by YouTube videos, had have subsequently been arrested, include:
* Zachary Adam Chesser, 02, from Virginia, who was arrested in July 2010 attempting to carry out jihad with al-Qaida in Somalia.
* Abdel Hameed Shehadeh, 21, who was arrested in Hawaii on October 21, 2010, for making false statements in a terrorism case.
* Paul and Nadia Rockwood, Alaska, a converted couple who pleaded guilty in July 2010 after being accused of creating a hit list of local media, religious officials, and military who “desecrated Islam.”
* Mahmood Alessa and Carlos Eduardo Almonte, New Jersey, arrested in June 2010 en route to join al-Qaida forces in Somalia, hoping to kill U.S. troops.
“Al-Qaida and its affiliates use YouTube to spread propaganda online and to train followers for various actions,” the report said. “Most jihadi websites now post links of major terrorist videos directly to YouTube.”
Further, the jihadi-promoting videos include disturbing images of U.S. soldiers being killed in IED attacks as well as U.S. soldiers being shot and images of a decapitated soldier.
One YouTube Channel is marked “mujahidRPG’s Channel” and features video after video after video of coalition vehicles disappearing into a a flash of flame and black smoke.
“In addition to clips of jihad against the West and the Jews, YouTube also has clips by Islamist groups calling for jihad against Christians. In one recent example, dated November 4, 2010, YouTube user ‘WachdogofAllah1′ posted a ‘message from the soldier of the martyr battalion to the Christians in Egypt,’” the report said.
Source to Article: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=239393
For caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients or children with autism, the fear of their loved one wandering away and becoming lost is ever-present. Unable to find their way home or function well independently, impaired individuals are at grave risk of injury—or even death—due to exposure to the elements or hazards they may encounter while wandering.
To provide caregivers and family members with peace of mind and prevent a tragedy, the EmSeeQ emergency locator system by EmFinders makes finding and recovering a lost loved one quick, safe and reliable. The wristwatch-style device uses cellular telephone technology to securely locate the wearer in the event of a wandering emergency. The device is effective and reliable nationwide—anywhere cell service is available—and integrates directly with the E-9-1-1 emergency response system.
The Risk of Wandering
“Studies show that if someone wanders, the first 24 hours are crucial—if they’re not recovered in that time frame, they are far less likely to survive the ordeal, especially during inclement weather,” said Jim Nalley, CEO and founder of EmFinders. “EmSeeQ can prevent that tragedy by enabling police to quickly locate a lost individual, reducing the worry and risk for family members, caregivers and long-term care facilities.”
Around 10 million Americans are considered cognitively impaired due to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, traumatic brain injury or other circumstance. Wandering behavior occurs at some point in about 60 percent of Alzheimer patients and about 92 percent of autistic children tend to wander. Each year, many such individuals do wander off unexpectedly—about 127,000 critical cases involving just Alzheimer’s patients annually—causing overwhelming worry for their loved ones and costing millions of dollars for recovery efforts, both of which could be prevented with the EmSeeQ bracelet.
How it Works
When an EmSeeQ wearer wanders off, the caregiver calls 9-1-1 after a thorough search of all the usual places. The caregiver receives a case number from emergency officials and calls the EmFinder’s toll-free hotline to report the missing person. EmFinders remotely activates the missing individual’s EmSeeQ device and the activated device calls 9-1-1. This automatically triggers the national E-9-1-1 emergency location system, which uses advanced cellular signal triangulation technology to provide an accurate location directly to emergency officials. The 911 dispatcher can update the location at any time to account for movement while the emergency responder is en route.
“EmSeeQ dramatically reduces the time from the initial missing persons report to the rescue, saving precious time and possibly a life,” Nalley said. “It provides the location directly to emergency responders and it is more reliable than GPS-based solutions, which don’t always work inside buildings or in areas where there is interference.”
The EmSeeQ device is activated only after a caregiver has reported the missing person to the police, and the Emfinders Emergency Operations Center can provide emergency responders with valuable health-related information that may aid in the successful rescue of the EmSeeQ wearer.
Affordable, Reliable for Families and Care Facilities
The device is also very affordable, costing less than a typical cell phone, with a service plan that runs about $25 per month—a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your wandering loved ones will be located quickly and safely.
Two bracelet models are available: a watch-style band with a buckle, and a secure clasp-style band that requires two hands for removal to ensure that it cannot be removed by the impaired individual.
“With EmSeeQ, caregivers can finally leave the house to go to work and other places with less worry about their loved one wandering off while they’re away,” Nalley said. “This allows families to keep impaired individuals at home longer, rather than committing them to long-term care before its absolutely necessary, and it’s much less expensive than a nursing home.”
The system can also save on health care costs. Wandering individuals can quickly become dehydrated, get hurt, mugged or otherwise injured, resulting in the need for urgent medical attention. By helping to locate missing individuals quickly, these situations can be avoided, eliminating the need for costly emergency room visits and hospital stays.
For assisted-living and long-term facilities, the EmSeeQ system provides added security and enhanced care that allow families to feel more confident entrusting the facility with the care of their loved ones. From a risk management perspective, it may also help to reduce liability insurance rates and avoid costly legal judgments should a wandering end tragically – a result that not only has grave human costs, but may also cause serious damage to a facility’s reputation.
“Most facilities have some device that alerts them when a patient leaves the facility, but nothing that helps find the missing person,” Nalley said. “With EmSeeQ, they can not only be alerted to the person leaving the premises, but also quickly locate and bring the wanderer back home.”
For more information about the EmSeeQ device, visit www.emfinders.com.
Code 42 Software Inc., developers of CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO, award-winning backup software for home and business, today announced the release of CrashPlan+, Version 3.0. In addition, the company announced new pricing for CrashPlan+ which now includes CrashPlan Central, an online backup destination.
CrashPlan+, Version 3.0 features easy-yet-powerful multiple backup sets, allowing users to specify which files go to which locations and with what settings. Consumers are now able to mix and match destinations with different backup settings to fit even the most complex backup scenarios. Additional enhancements to CrashPlan+ include: flexible scheduling of the dates and times that backups occur, recognition of new computers and devices, automatic subscription renewal and the ability to scan and verify the files in your backup files selection (or in your backup sets) on demand.
“The most common request we hear from CrashPlan users has been the ability to have multiple backup configurations for different destinations. Our new Backup Sets feature delivers that, and more,” said Matthew Dornquast, founder and CEO of Code 42 Software. “Because we protect people’s data, we’ve spent a lot of time testing these new capabilities to ensure that they’re rock solid and easy to use. We believe CrashPlan version 3.0 is the most powerful, yet easy to use, backup system available.”
In addition to the new software features of CrashPlan+ version 3.0, the company also rolled out new affordable pricing plans which include all of the expanded features of CrashPlan+ and online backup to CrashPlan Central, a secure, online backup destination. With the new pricing structure, consumers can chose from one of three packages for CrashPlan+:
· CrashPlan+ 10GB – $24.99/year – All of the expanded features of CrashPlan+ and the option to store up to 10 GB of data from one computer on CrashPlan Central.
· CrashPlan+ Unlimited – $49.99/year – All of the expanded features of CrashPlan+ and the option to store unlimited data from one computer on CrashPlan Central.
· CrashPlan+ Family Unlimited – $119.99/year – All of the expanded features of CrashPlan+ and the option to store unlimited data from every computer within a household on CrashPlan Central.
CrashPlan is comprehensive backup software for Windows, Mac, Linux (and Solaris) users, which allows automatic back up of any computer to hard disks, other computers on a local network, and the optional CrashPlan Central online backup facility. With CrashPlan’s unique social backup feature, users can back up to computers belonging to friends and family (and vice versa). CrashPlan’s wide compatibility, flexibility and security set it apart from other backup providers, delivering unrivaled protection against the unexpected. CrashPlan’s basic software (without online backup) is free for non-business use. Expanded features are available on CrashPlan+ which comes standard with all three new pricing options.
CrashPlan+ version 3.0 and CrashPlan version 3.0 will be delivered as an automatic upgrade to current users. First-time users can download and try CrashPlan+ for free for 30 days at: www.crashplan.com/consumer/download.html. To learn more about CrashPlan, please visit www.crashplan.com.
Most people are familiar with the “black box”, the near indestructible sealed recording device that assists investigators in determining the cause(s) of an aircraft accident. What isn’t as well known is that not only are black boxes not the complete solution, by their very nature they are designed to indicate problems AFTER they have already occurred – much too late to help the pilots and passengers. In cases such as the Air France Flight 447 disaster earlier this year, the airplane’s black boxes sank to the ocean floor and have never been recovered; despite a massive search the cause of that terrible tragedy remains somewhat of a mystery. It’s obvious that a real-time counterpart to traditional black boxes is needed and Star Navigation has answered the call.
Star Navigation’s In Flight Monitoring Service first introduced in 2005, was a quantum leap ahead in aerospace safety and monitoring technology. It performed all the functions of black boxes while providing current information to pilots and ground controllers, giving the ability to note any anomalies and to nip problems in the bud. The improved STAR-ISMS™ In Flight Safety Monitoring System provides both real-time and after-landing reports, intelligent flight data transmission, plus more detailed live flight data alerts through the efficient use of leading edge satellite-based technology.
One of the main features of the new STAR-ISMS™ is its built in GPS tracking software built-in GPS tracking software that enables more accurate tracking of an equipped airplane to the last known latitude, and longitude. It also boasts improved accuracy and the ability to instantly provide an aircraft’s exact altitude, heading and airspeed.
The essential avionics and diagnostic information collected by the STAR-ISMS™ is transmitted at operator defined intervals or triggered events, via satellite, to ground-based installations in real time regardless of weather conditions. As well, Star’s on-board hardware and software will independently analyze all selected incoming sensor & systems data and compare it with normal parameters – any deviation is noted and an alert is sent out if necessary. In the event of multiple failures, the automated “Mayday” feature commences an immediate “data dump”, sending as much information as bandwidth will allow. It can be said that STAR-ISMS™ opens a “virtual window” into the in-flight operation of a commercial aircraft.
The utility of the improved STAR-ISMS™ doesn’t end once a plane has landed. All monitored in-flight data is recorded and stored for later review, and detailed reports are automatically generated, providing operators with useful information that can be used to streamline procedures and institute economies on future flights. These detailed reports are created mere minutes after an aircraft lands. One especially noteworthy feature of the STAR-ISMS™ is that the information it notes and records can be used by airline ground crews to plan maintenance scheduling, monitor aging equipment, even predict the possibility of hardcore failure due to material stress and fatigue. In effect, the STAR-ISMS™ acts as an “early warning system” for a host of potentially catastrophic equipment failures while reducing the frequency of expensive and time-consuming unscheduled maintenance and passenger delays.
Star Navigation has never been content to rest on its laurels and the Company continues to develop future applications for this valuable technology. With that in mind, the STAR-ISMS™ has been designed to be fully upgradable so that operators can improve their safety and monitoring capabilities while boosting operational efficiencies.
While the next-generation safety and monitoring technology featured in the STAR-ISMS™ In Flight Safety Monitoring System is not meant to replace airline black boxes, its use alongside them adds an extra level of safety that can be counted on to save time, money, and most importantly lives.
The STAR-ISMS™ In Flight Safety Monitoring System uses proprietary, patented Canadian technology and Star owns the exclusive world-wide license to this technology. Certified by Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration, STAR-ISMS™ has been extensively tested and fully developed during normal commercial aviation settings and is now ready for deployment on the world’s aviation fleets!