Dr. Keen

Dr. Keen
Cyber Defender & Diagnostics Lab Technician

Dr. Keen is in charge of Diagnostics and has the equipment and knowledge to fix most computer related problems.

Abandoned by her computer hacker parents when she was a child, Dr. Keen focuses on helping others overcome the attacks of cyber criminals just like her parents.

Favorite Quote:

You can't direct the wind but you can adjust the sails
- Anonymous

Favorite Food:

French fries

Interests:

Inventing, watercolor, playing fetch with Scout

Scout

Scout
Cyber Defender & Dr. Keen's robot assistant

Scout is in charge of keeping the Cyber Defense Force's security measures up-to-date. His computer brain carries fixes to most security and computer problems that can be administered at any time.

Scout is always eager to help make Cyberspace a safe and fun place.

Favorite Food:

Memory chips

Interests:

Fixing computers, making antidotes for malware, playing fetch

November 16 2009

How Computers Work: USB Flash Drives

Also known as a thumb drive, the USB flash drive is a great way to transfer information from one computer to another. It’s particularly helpful when the files you’re trying to move are too big to email. Essentially, a USB drive is nothing more than a memory card that works with a USB port. As useful as they are, USB drives also have a hidden danger.

Imagine if you put really important information on a USB drive and lost it while you were out walking around. Anyone who picked it up would have access to all your important information! Luckily, there are several free programs out there that let you encrypt the data on your USB drive so this sort of thing won’t happen. Remember, Cadets, every piece of technology has its ups and downs!

posted by Dr. Keen
topic: How Computers Work

October 26 2009

How Computers Work: What are Software Plug-Ins?

Query: What are software plug-ins?
Response: Software plug-ins are small computer programs that add features to host programs. Some popular plug-ins, like video and music players, work with Web browsing software to add special features. Other plug-ins help to add extra security to your files or to make the host program work using fewer system resources.

I recently downloaded a program onto my hard drive that lets me see in color. I was fine with seeing in black and white before, but my new color plug-in makes life much easier. At least now I can tell when my bananas are ripe! Not that I eat bananas. Or any food, for that matter. Come to think of it, I’m not sure how this color plug-in helps me.

Dana informs me that I must my Halloween costume ready for Saturday. I told her I was going to cover myself in hair and go as a human, but she didn’t like that idea. I wonder if anyone has made a costume idea plug-in...

posted by Scout
topic: How Computers Work

October 15 2009

Cyber Defense Threats: Cell Phone Malware – Special Guest Blogger Carlo

Hey everyone! Dr. Keen and Scout let me help them out this month because I know so much about the topic. And because I begged them. Anyway. Cell phone malware is a pretty new problem, but it’s happening more frequently now that so many people have smartphones. The first recorded attack occurred about 5 years ago, and already there are over 450 different kinds of malware risks to mobile devices (http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/14640). These programs can do anything from stealing the information off your phone to erasing all your important data and/or programs!

So, how can you protect your precious gizmos? Pretty much the same way you’d protect your desktop – with anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Also, don’t download weird applications. I know that free pinball application looks really fun, but is it really free? Probably not. Sure, you’ll get your game…along with a ton of free malware! Great deal, right? No? Exactly. So be smart out there, Cadets! Keep your gizmos healthy, and they’ll keep you happy.

posted by Carlo
topic: Cyber Defense Threat

September 22 2009

How Computers Work: What is a pixel?

Have you ever peered really deeply into a TV or computer screen? If not, try it right now! All those little dots you saw are called pixels. The word “pixel” is actually a combination of two words. “Pix” refers to pictures and “el” refers to element. This makes sense if you think about each individual pixel as a tiny piece making up a larger image. Generally, pixels are made up of four different colors – red, blue, yellow, and black – which are used in different combinations to form the different shades of colors you see.

Sorry if this post seems a little short, but I’ve had my mind on a bigger problem. It looks like someone has been using more than their fair share of the network. It’s almost like they’ve been downloading non-stop for the past week or so! I think I’ll go let Officer Ward know.

posted by Dr. Keen
topic: How Computers Work

September 11 2009

Cyber Defense Threat: Memory Leaks

Has someone ever queried you and, though you know the correct response, you just can’t seem to access that memory file? I know I have! For you flesh-and-blood beings, it’s probably nothing more than an off day. For us machines, however, it could be something much more serious known as a memory leak.

As you may know, all computer processes need a certain amount of memory in order to run. Memory leaks occur when a program never gives back the memory even after it’s been closed. Over time, this memory loss can lead to a slower computer or even a computer that constantly crashes. From what I understand, it is similar to when humans have a lot on their mind and can’t focus on anything else. Since most memory leaks are caused by viruses or bugs, the most efficient way to protect your machines is to run traditional anti-virus programs. As they say, better safe than… what was that last part? I’d better go check myself for leaks.

posted by Scout
topic: Cyber Defense Threat

August 19 2009

How Computers Work: What are System Resources?

Well, basically, system resources are the computer parts used by your operating system and whatever applications you are using. The system resource people usually focus on, however, is the amount of memory the computer is using.

Whenever you start an application, that application requests a certain amount of your computer’s memory. Your operating system will then free up some system resources so that it can run alongside other applications. The speed that your application opens will give you a general idea of how much memory you have available – if it opens fast, you have a lot of your system resources still available. If it opens slowly, there may be a lot of programs drawing off your system resources.

It’s important to realize that when you close certain programs, you don’t always get the system resources they were using. This will eventually lead to your system crashing when it runs out of memory. In order to prevent this, reboot your computer every now and then if you are using it for a long time.

posted by Dr. Keen
topic: How Computers Work

July 20 2009

Cyber Defense Threat: Zombie Computers

My database shows we are almost four months away from your strange human holiday of Halloween, yet I have been programmed to blog about computer zombies today. Query: What is a computer zombie? Response: A computer zombie is a computer that has been hacked into in order for a criminal to use it without the intended user knowing about it.

New query: How do you protect yourself from computer zombies? Response: In order to defend yourself and your information, be aware of the files you open. If you do not know who sent it or what it is, do not open it! It is like in your horror films when the humans are all safe in the living room but one of them feels the illogical desire to open the door and let dangerous things in. Do not open the door (or file, in our case) and you will remain safe.

That’s all I care to say about computer zombies. I am going to go ask Alan why humans buy costumes to beg neighbors for candy on October 31st when it is far more cost effective and logical to buy a bag of sugar from the store.

posted by Scout
topic: Cyber Defense Threat