What Google Display Ad Sizes should I use? Creating on-line ads can be confusing, and the amount of assets you have to provide is getting more and more confusing. I have written about this before for mobile traffic.
Based on extensive research, it seems that the following asset sizes are key to building out a wide ranging campaign:
A Washington Post article pointed out that there is more nation-state interference in critical infrastructure in the United States. I have written on this topic before. Another Water District has been hacked in Hawaii by the group labeled Volt Typhoon. Although reports suggest that no damage occurred, this does not eliminate the threat.
The Threat is Real
The Post estimates that several facilities have been infiltrated over the last 2 years. Many of the entities attacked fall into the category of critical infrastructure, like water systems, power grids, and power generation facilities. Many of the systems are targets of opportunity. That is, critical infrastructure facilities whose cybersecurity is lax, or where they have vulnerabilities they are not aware of. For example, the breach an Aliquippa Power happened because of an unknown vulnerability in both billing systems as well as the computerized control of their facilities known as SCADA systems.
While the Aliquippa and Hawaii hacks appear to be related to foreign actors, many serious hacks are perpetrated by current or former insiders, like the hack of the water treatment facilities in Discovery Bay California, in 2021. Water Districts need to have rigorous security protocols for both external and internal threats.
Advanced Persistent Threats
Many of the attacks from foreign actors as what’s know as advanced persistent threats.
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a sophisticated and targeted cyber attack in which an unauthorized user or group gains unauthorized access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. The “advanced” aspect refers to the use of sophisticated techniques, tools, and strategies to breach security defenses, while the “persistent” aspect indicates the intruder’s ability to maintain a long-term presence within the compromised system.
APTs are typically conducted by well-funded and highly skilled threat actors, often with specific objectives such as stealing sensitive information, conducting espionage, or disrupting critical operations. These attacks often involve a combination of social engineering, zero-day exploits, malware, and other advanced tactics to compromise and maintain access to a target network.
Unlike more opportunistic and short-term cyber attacks, APTs are characterized by their stealth, patience, and determination. The attackers often adapt their strategies to evade detection, regularly updating their tools and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and avoid security measures. Defending against APTs requires a multi-layered and proactive approach, including robust cybersecurity measures, continuous monitoring, and incident response capabilities.
What does this really mean? Foreign actors who infiltrate a water system are content to sit and wait or do reconnaissance. That is, until the time comes when they receive the signal to move from reconnaissance to attack.
This is reminiscent of the old saying in Cybersecurity, “There are two types of people: Those who have been hacked, and those who do not know they have been hacked.”
CyberSecurity Knowledge is Desperately Needed
As I have mentioned in previous articles, the threat to life and property in Santa Clara County is significant and should not be underestimated. The Santa Clara Valley Water District needs a Director who understands the threat to our watersheds and water systems and can give it the oversight it deserves. Bill Roth is the candidate to do that.
In addition, As many of you know, Amigos for Christ does great work in delivering clean water, health, sanitation, and business opportunities to the people of Northwestern Nicaragua. One of their most ambitious projects to date, is the Water For Chinandega which hopes to bring water to over 100,000 people in rural Northwestern Nicaragua, a place very near and dear to my heart.
Amigos’ Latest Need: A Water Lab
Morgan and Brian of Amigos have reached out to me to help raise awareness for the need for a new water lab for the Water for Chinandega. See their slide presentation here. It’s pretty convincing.
So now The Ask: If you can give to help out the lab, please donate here. It all helps. If you have questions, reach out to me.
Ballots Drop: February 5th Election Day: March 5th
My key priorities include Immigration Reform, Poverty Alleviation, and Housing Affordability. I’m looking forward to bringing positive change together with your support.
I have previously posted that I’m running for Santa Clara Valley Water District. This election will be in November of 2024. For more information, see the Elect Bill Roth site. Now it is time to talk about the Democratic Central Committee. This election is part of the partisan primary election in California on March 5th.
I am also running for Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee SCCDCC for Assembly District 28. I am running to be your advocate on the SCCDCC. Let me know your thoughts using this contact form.
What the Heck Is Democratic Central Committee?
In California, the Democratic Central Committee (DCC) plays a pivotal role in shaping and directing the activities of the Democratic Party at the county level. The DCC is essentially the local governing body of the Democratic Party within each county, responsible for coordinating party activities, endorsing candidates, and mobilizing Democratic voters. Comprising elected representatives from each assembly district within the county, the DCC serves as a grassroots organization that reflects the diverse interests and perspectives of local Democrats. Its members are typically elected during the Democratic primary elections, and they work collectively to advance the party’s goals and principles within the county.
The Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee
The main meeting place for members of the Santa Clara County Democratic Party is the Democratic Central Committee meeting, which is the first Thursday of every month.
The Santa Clara Democratic Party stands as a dynamic and influential force within the political landscape of California’s Santa Clara County. As the local arm of the Democratic Party, the Santa Clara Democratic Party plays a pivotal role in shaping the political narrative, supporting candidates, and engaging the community in the pursuit of progressive values and inclusivity. From candidate endorsements to grassroots organizing, the party’s multifaceted efforts contribute significantly to the advancement of Democratic principles in the region.
Candidate Endorsements
One of the Santa Clara Democratic Party’s primary responsibilities is to endorse and support Democratic candidates across various levels of government. Through a thorough evaluation process, the party identifies candidates who align with its values and vision for the community. Endorsements from the Santa Clara Democratic Party provide candidates with a powerful stamp of approval, signaling to voters that these individuals have earned the trust and backing of the local Democratic community. This support is instrumental in helping candidates navigate the complex landscape of local politics, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the Democratic ranks.
Community Engagement and Grassroots Organizing
Beyond the endorsement process, the Santa Clara Democratic Party actively engages with the community through grassroots organizing and outreach efforts. By establishing a presence at the local level, the party aims to connect with residents, understand their concerns, and address the unique challenges facing Santa Clara County. Through town halls, community events, and volunteer initiatives, the party fosters a sense of inclusivity and ensures that the diverse voices within the community are heard and represented in the political process. This commitment to grassroots organizing strengthens the party’s ties to the community, creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Advocacy for Progressive Policies
The Santa Clara Democratic Party serves as a platform for advocating progressive policies that align with the values of equality, social justice, and environmental sustainability. By leveraging its collective influence, the party works to shape local policies that reflect the principles of the Democratic Party, addressing issues such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Through collaboration with elected officials and community leaders, the Santa Clara Democratic Party strives to bring about positive change and contribute to the overall well-being of Santa Clara County residents.
In Santa Clara County, the Democratic Party is not just a political entity; it is a catalyst for positive change and community engagement. The Santa Clara Democratic Party’s activities, ranging from candidate endorsements to grassroots organizing, demonstrate its commitment to fostering a more inclusive, progressive, and responsive local government. As a driving force for democratic ideals, the party continues to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Santa Clara County, contributing to a vibrant and participatory democracy.
There is an old saying in the cybersecurity field: There are two types of people. Those who have been hacked, and those who do not know they have been hacked. While someone hacking into your home network may not worry you, if a water district’s operational systems are hacked, a whole lot of chaos could ensue.
Some may say that I am overreacting, but consider this news item about a water system in Pennsylvania. The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania confirmed that foreign hackers had taken control of a booster station over the weekend. The hack was perpetrated by an Iran-influenced group called Cyber Av3ngers.
From looking at the Aliquippa Water Authority’s website, it also appears that they have been the target of a spoofing campaign, which sought to direct the Water Authority’s customers to a fake billing site, that was not associated with it.
This illustrates the two types of attacks that water districts need to be aware of. The first type of attack is on the systems that control SCADA systems. These systems control the “physical” plant for water districts. This means all of the dams, reservoirs, water treatment plans, and water purification centers. Hostile control of these systems could lead to a physically disastrous event. The second type of attack is on the financial systems a water district controls, like its accounting systems, or its payments systems. Hostile control of these systems could lead to a financially disastrous event.
Why does this matter to Sant Clara Valley Water District? Lets make this real. The district has SCADA systems for its collection of dams, reservoirs, water treatment plans, and water purification centers. Imagine if a hostile foreign actor got into the Valley Water network and was able to open the floodgates of Almaden Dam, located in New Almaden, south of San Jose. This map shows a model of what the worst flooding would look like. Thousands of homes and millions of dollars would be lost.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District need board-level leaders who are aware of the breadth and complexity of cybersecurity issues, and can have the foresight to deploy resources to stop the threats. Bill Roth is the leader who will do this.
For more information, please subscribe to our Newsletter, here:
I am finally running for something! Many of you have known this day would come, and it is now here. I have filed papers with the county to run for the Santa Clara Valley Water District board of directors seat in my area.
This agency is responsible for ensuring clean water for all of Santa Clara County’s 2 Million residents, as well as for industry and agriculture. It has a budget of $860M(FY24: source) per year and is responsible for water management, flood control, and environmental stewardship in the county. Water is a serious business in California, and this is a big job.
The election isn’t until November 5th, 2024, but there at 138,989 (give or take) registered voters in this district, and I’m looking forward to talking to as many of them as I can. To see what I am up to, please subscribe to the newsletter at https://electbillroth.com/, or drop me a line at bill.roth.2024@gmail.com or consider donating.
A while back, I posted about raising money for a generator for the school in La Chuscada. We did it! They sent this video so we could see what they did! Thanks to all who helped out!
I’ve written a lot about voting, so here is a reminder on how to register and update your registration in California.
Before you register to vote in California, it’s essential to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. In California, you are eligible to register to vote if you are:
A U.S. citizen.
A California resident.
At least 18 years old by Election Day.
Not currently in state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration.
Provide your personal information, including your California driver’s license or California identification card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to participate in the upcoming elections in California. Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard and help shape the future of the state.
(This article has been moved to: https://digiroth.com/seo-checklist/) Here’s my list of things to do when you optimize your site for search, AKA Search Engine Optimization
Setup The Google Search Console
Setup Google Analytics
Run Keyword Analysis on relevant web pages in SEMRush
Discover Long Tail Keywords With “Google Suggest”
Find Solid Keywords In The Google Keyword Planner
Identify Low Competition Keywords With KWFinder
Use Yoast if on WordPress
Maximize blogs. Keywords (1 per blog) should appear;
in your URL (but keep URLs as short as possible)
In the title, front loaded
In the first 150 words
In at least 1 H1/H2/H3 tag
5-7 times in in the text
in the description
In the ALT text of at least 1 IMG tag
Other tips for pages
Write to be found not read
Should have 5-6 inlinks from other domains
Should have 2-3 outlinks to other pages
Be consistent on your site: If one link points to page for a keyword, they ALL should
Do NOT Dilute by have multiple pages with the same keyword, unless one is Anchor context
(Post Summary: I’m raising $1000 for a generator for a school in Nicaragua. Donate here)
Friends, as you know, I have been working with a great NGO in Nicaragua, Amigos for Christ, for over 10 years. I have written about various trips over the last few years. Since I have started working with them, we’ve build clear water systems, run labs in the communities to help families get free from parasitic infection, and we have also built a school, the Amigos Academy.
You Really Should See The School
Its amazing. I remember the school when it was a rice field. Then the next year we built a wall around the property, as is customary in Nicaragua. The next year we build the pre-school area. The year after that we participated in the building of the primary class buildings. Since then the feeding center/cafeteria has been completed. They are now running a K-6 school with around 200 kids. See some pictures of the school here.
They Have Computers!
They even have a computer room where they teach the kids the basics of using computers for writing. They are also considering robotics projects as well, which is super exciting.
They Need a Generator
The school is roughly here. As you can imagine, the power infrastructure in rural Nicaragua is not always stable. And when the school has a power outage, its is really disruptive to the students’ education. So the principals of the school have told me they could use generator to help them through the power outages for the computer room and related infrastructure. They are looking for a generator roughly like this
I’m raising $1000 for a Generator For the School
To do this, I would like to raise $1000 so the Amigos Academy can purchase a generator for the school. If you are interested, please go here, and give whatever you can. No amount is too small. Or you can use the obvious giant button below. Their EIN is 58-2484257 if you are giving via a system like BrightFunds. You can give by other means, described here, but please mention in the notes that this is for “Amigos Academy Generator”.
The result of Covid and Work From Home has been….we stay home a lot. There are upsides, like not commuting every day. There are downsides, as we have more idle time. Since my memoir might be titled “A Mind Forever Wandering,” I was thinking one day about how much we really know about background radiation. This led to a couple of searches around Geiger Tubes, and real-time databases, etc.
After a few random purchases around the internet and a bit if python code and a left over Raspberry PI 4 1G box, I have put together a DIY Geiger Counter. Here is how I did it, and here is the code, etc, you’ll need.
First, get a Raspberry PI 3 or 4. You’ll need some kind of Raspbian OS/Raspberry PI OS on it. I always use the Raspberry PI OS installation instructions here. In short, get the OS and the imager, and create an image on the SD card. Then boot up the Raspberry PI.
You’ll also need to add Python3 and pip to get the code working. You’ll need to do something like:
$ sudo apt install python3 pip
I am using Python 3. I have not tested Python 2. Once done with that, you should use pip to install the following additional packages:
$ pip install influxdb_client RPi.GPIO
Set Up Geiger Tube
Next, Set up the Geiger-Miller tube, and the board. My pinout for a Raspberry Pi 4 1G device is pretty simple. GND pin on the board goes to pin 6. The 5V pin is wired to pin 2 for 5V of power, and the VIN input line is wired to pin 7, GPIO4. (No reason not to do pin 3 or 5. It’s just what I picked). I also pulled the J1 jumper, since the clicks get annoying. Back background radiation is about 15-35 CPM, BTW. Which is normal. About 0.11-0.15 microsieverts for those of you doing math in your heads.
Next, set up the code. My Raspberry Pi Geiger Counter code is here. You will have to set up your Influx DB v2 database, but I’ll write that up in the next blog entry.
Once you do connect to to InfluxDB you’ll be able to get cool graphs like this, in the InfluxDB v2 UI:
“CPM” here means clicks per minute. The full build is pictured below:
