Things I have no choice but to write
There is a cool feature in California, which sends you a notification when you ballot has been mailed, received, and counted. Where’s My Ballot, is a feature from the Secretary of State.
I signed up years ago, and I always forget about it. But I dropped my ballot off at the Willow Glen library on Wednesday, and Thursday night got an email that it had been received AND counted. I love it when democracy works! Check it out: https://WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
Today’s article on Reuters about the breach at UnitedHealth got me thinking. When you look at Valley Water’s website, the words “breach” (related to cyber-security) and “ransomware” do not occur when you search for them. Valley Water needs to do better to improve communication. We need to know how they’re going to alert us to breaches of our data (because we are citizens of the county and it is our data) and what protections they have in place against ransomware attacks. Proactive communication about cybersecurity preparedness and incident response plans can serve as a critical step in safeguarding the community’s data against sophisticated cyber threats. Blackcat is one of many groups out there engaging in this activity.
There are plenty of good solutions on the market, we need to be assured that they’re ready.
As a policy matter, I would like to see a public statement, on a web page which gives the rough outlines of how they are protecting our critical infrastructure. Just enough to give confidence to the rate-payers, but not enough for the hackers to get any ideas.
Agree or disagree? Let me know. Feel free to add your comments or thoughts below.
Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
As I stand for election to the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, I’m reaching out to share my vision and to ask for your support on this journey. My commitment to our community’s well-being, equality, and progress has never been stronger. I’m running because I believe in our collective power to make a difference in the lives of every resident in our community.
To Advocate for You: My primary goal is to represent your needs and concerns, ensuring they are heard and addressed at every level.
Experience and Dedication: With a history of involvement in our community’s growth and well-being, I understand the challenges we face and have the experience to navigate them.
A Future Built Together: My vision is for a more inclusive, just, and sustainable community. I am committed to policies that protect our environment, foster economic growth, and promote social justice.
Your vote is powerful. It’s a testament to our democratic values and our shared aspirations for the future. I’m asking for your vote not just as an endorsement of my candidacy but as a commitment to the values we share and the future we envision together.
I truly believe we’re in a battle. Not between Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives, but between those who believe in our system and those who want to tear it down. A vote in the primary a statement that you believe in our American System.
Spread the Word: Share this post with friends and family. Your voice can amplify our message and bring more supporters to our cause. Share this message with others. Subscribe to my newsletter about the local party.
Get Involved: There are many ways to contribute to our campaign, from volunteering to hosting virtual events. Every action counts. Contact me, or volunteer locally.
Vote: Make your plan to vote. Every vote brings us closer to our goal of a community that works for everyone. Make sure you and your friends and family are registered.
I am here to serve, to listen, and to act. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Join me in this campaign for a brighter, more inclusive Santa Clara County. Let’s make our voices heard and our votes count.
Thank you for your support, your trust, and your vote.
With gratitude,
Bill Roth
#BillRothForSCCDCC #CommunityFirst #VoteForChange #DemocraticValues #SantaClaraCounty
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:
From my research here are the top performing ads to use in 2024, with an emphasis on mobile:
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 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.
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.”
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.
Friends, as you know, I’ve been raising money for Amigos for Christ projects for over 10 years. We have raised money for over 15,000 doses of anti-parasite medication, a generator for a school, and for a urinalysis lab to improve the health of my friends in Nicaragua.
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.
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.
Exciting News! I am excited to announce my candidacy for the SCC Democratic Central Committee in Assembly District 28. This campaign represents a commitment to our community and our shared values.
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.
For more information on the local Democratic Party, Subscribe to my mailing list, TL;DR Local Democratic Party Edition
(I’m also running for Santa Clara Valley Water District as well, which is in November.)
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
Dear Family and Friends:
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 to vote and update your registration in California.
(TL;DR: Cal residents Register Here. Santa Clara county info here.)
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:
You can register to vote in person at the following locations:
To ensure your registration is up to date, you can check your voter registration status online. Visit the California Secretary of State’s website and follow the instructions provided.
For any questions or assistance, reach out to us via the Contact Us form, or you can contact the California Secretary of State’s office here: https://registertovote.ca.gov/
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
This is a list of sites with folks that are hiring these days. If you have questions, DM me on twitter/X at @wgroth2.
http://stillhiring.today/ A google related list
http://sequoiacap.com/jobs (Great job portfolio site)
https://jobs.forgepointcap.com/jobs (VC portfolio, cyber and natsec related)
https://news.crunchbase.com/biggest-us-vc-startup-funding-deals-2023/
In-Q-Tel: https://careers-iqt.icims.com/jobs/search (CIA funded.)
(Update: My full list of collected job sites is here.)
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