As I’m writing this edition of Bacon Bytes it is snowing. in April. Again. Go home Winter, you’re drunk.
This past weekend I was having a discussion with friends about how Facebook tracks you even if you aren’t a member of Facebook. And while not an unusual practice, most people have no idea this is happening. Or allowed. So, if you want Facebook to stop tracking you, all you need to do is join Facebook. This is why Zuckerberg is a billionaire and I’m writing weekly recap posts.
In a sure sign that hell has frozen over, Microsoft released it’s first application for Linux this week. Microsoft built their own custom Linux kernel for their new IoT security service, Azure Sphere. Although it is not available yet (and I haven’t even heard about a private preview), this announcement is most interesting for two reasons. First, Microsoft built their own Linux distribution, which means Linus has won. No word yet on what his winnings are, but I’m guessing it’s a bunch of Bing rewards points. The second reason is that Amazon announced a similar service at re:Invent last year. So, the two major cloud providers are looking to corner the market on IoT security.
Here’s a good example of the current state of IoT security. Hackers stole data from a casino via a thermometer in a lobby fish tank. Just let that sink in for a moment. That’s why Azure Sphere is so important. Microsoft and Amazon need to protect people from themselves.
Microsoft along with 33 other companies signed an anti-cyberattack pledge this week. This announcement was timed with the start of the RSA conference because that’s the place to let the world know you are committed to securing customers data and devices. Unless you are Apple, Google, or (surprisingly) Amazon. Those companies chose not to sign the pledge. I’ve no idea why Amazon would have not signed, perhaps nobody could get a hold of Jeff Bezos in time.
SolarWinds released their annual IT Trends report. The report is the result of a survey of over 800 companies worldwide. The biggest takeaway this year is the report shows the gap that exists between management and labor. If you have ever sat at your desk and thought your management was a bit crazy, this is the report for you. It breaks down that a gap exists, and has data to show why. Essentially, people are too busy keeping the lights on in order to keep pace with emerging technology. This isn’t a new problem, I’m sure, but it is nice to have data to help understand the gap, and to figure out what actions to take next.
If you’ve ever thought about getting up and walking out of YAUM 9Yet Another Useless Meeting), Elon Musk has your back. Musk shared some productivity tips such as leaving meetings or hanging up the phone when needed. Most of the rules Musk lays out for employees all follow along with the lines of common sense. If your time is better spent elsewhere, don’t stay in a meeting where you no longer add value. Unfortunately, common sense isn’t so common.
