91��ɫ cyber security expert is available to discuss the risks of smart devices

TORONTO, December 17, 2019 – ’Tis the season to buy a new washing machine so smart that you can run a load of dirty clothes while vacationing on a beach, but beware, that shiny new smart device could become your worst nightmare, says Gaurav Kumar, a cyber security expert in 91��ɫ’s School of Continuing Studies.

Kumar, who is an instructor in 91��ɫ’s certificate program, says any device that consumers are purchasing which connects to the Internet, and is poorly secured, is vulnerable to a cyber attack. This includes smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, security cameras, baby monitors, doorbell cameras, and smart appliances that can be controlled remotely.

These high-tech devices are appealing to people because they offer convenience. Kumar cites the example of a new refrigerator, which is reportedly being developed by Amazon, that would automatically sense spoiled milk inside the fridge and ask the fridge’s owner if they’d like to order a new carton of milk when it’s expired. The milk would then be magically delivered to the consumer’s doorstep.

“They are making these high-tech devices so desirable that people want to buy them to make their homes and lives smart,” says Kumar. “For organizations, there’s a rush to bring these devices to market to start making money, but security and privacy measures are often an afterthought and not baked into these devices.”

But what’s the worst that can happen? Security breaches that could compromise your bank account, collect personal data without your consent, and monitor you while in the privacy of your home, are just a few on the list, he says.

For Kumar, among the most troubling examples are the smart health devices that help keep people alive. Hackers could compromise devices meant to monitor and steady vital organs, like pacemakers and medical infusion pumps, by exploiting sensitive patient health information or stopping them from working all together.

Kumar has spent the past 15 years working in cyber security in the technology, banking and retail sectors, and has a Master’s degree in information security and assurance with a focus on threat and vulnerability management. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control, he also volunteers as a skills trainer with , helping new immigrants navigate through their job search.

He can share tips for consumers to protect themselves, including:

• Change the default password and create complex usernames and passwords for wi-fi connections
• Learn how to turn off the “smart” features when not in use
• Place black tape, or a covering, over the device’s camera
• Consider turning off any data collection features
• Research the model, along with the device’s safety and security features, to see if there are any known exploits
• Check the router to see which devices are connected and remove any unauthorized ones

91��ɫ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Vanessa Thompson, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-654-9452,��vthomps@yorku.ca

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TORONTO, Tuesday, May 16, 2017 – A recent global “ransomware” cyber attack resulted in computer infections, which crippled companies and governments worldwide. The attack has also paralyzed computers in health and other sectors around the world, with many in Canada also bearing the brunt of its impact. There is anticipation that the perpetrators will release another version shortly and there will be a need for organizations to start to think like hackers if they are going to be able to protect their data.

The following 91��ɫ U experts from Cyber Security Program at 91��ɫ’s School of Continuing Studies are able to discuss this issue and its impact here in Canada:
Ali Khan, instructor within 91��ɫ’s , is a senior information technology, cyber security, and risk management professional. With experience in information and cyber security, privacy, risk and related technology, He has worked across many different industries including high-tech, financial services, energy and utility, health care, retail, educational institutions, and crown corporations.

He has NATO Secret Clearance and Level II (Secret) clearance from the Government of Canada and holds an Honours BA in information technology management from 91��ɫ, an advanced diploma in computer engineering technology from Humber College, is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and has completed numerous professional training sessions on industry leading IT solution sets. Khan is also a member of a number of local and global cyber security groups.

Khan can speak to:
·���� ��How can consumers and companies adapt their mindset to stay ahead of such threats?
·���� ��How can we get ahead of this strain and protect our people, processes, and technology?
·���� ��How can we use predictive modelling and analytics and monitor the darker areas of the web to monitor and raise alerts of such threats in advance?

Ed Dubrovsky, instructor in 91��ɫ’s Cyber Security program, is a member of the Cyber Security Advisory Council. He is an information security expert with over 25 years’ experience in the technology field. Dubrovsky has acted in capacities such as CISO, CSO and Information security executive providing advice around strategy, architecture and best-practices for organization in the health, critical infrastructure, retail, manufacturing and government. His primary interests include infrastructure and application security, with expertise in vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.

Dubrovsky can speak to:
·���� ��Ransomware strains, including WannaCry. Point of origin, internal operation and primary attack vectors
·���� ��Effectiveness of system patching processes as a primary means to mitigate WannaCry and similar exploits
·���� ��What are the next potential versions of ransomware that could pave the way for another mass scale attack?
·���� ��Why shutting down organizations is an ineffective response strategy

��is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. 91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.��

Media Contact:
Anjum Nayyar, Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 44543, anayyar@yorku.ca

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