Welcome to Carlo on the Go! In this blog you will find helpful cyber defense information for mobile devices like smart phones, notebook computers, and bluetooth headsets. As with any technology, the more you know about it, the safer you can be and the more fun you can have!
Carlo
Cyber Defender &
CyberPort Technician
Carlo is always on the go, whether it's to watch a match with his favorite team, the Antezelles, to play a spontaneous pick-up game of soccer, or to join in the latest LAN party in Cyberspace. His mobility know-how and endless energy keep him ready and able for the unique cyber defense challenges that mobility brings.
A recent graduate (class of '09), Carlo has completed his post-graduation field training in the field of cyber forensics, and returns to the Academy to take up the post of CyberPort Technician.
To be prepared is half the victory
- Miguel Cervantes
Energy bars
Interests:Sports, dogs, smart phones
September 8, 2009
Welcome to the new Blog!
Hi Everyone! My name's Carlo and I graduated last Spring from the Carnegie Cyber Academy. I spent the summer training in the field, but I really love the Academy so Commander Omni invited me back this Fall as faculty. It’s pretty weird being a faculty member now, but it’s a lot of fun, too!
You may be wondering what happened to my old blog. Well now that I'm faculty I've upgraded to a new one where I can share my new cyber defense knowledge with the cadets. This blog will focus on cyber defense issues related to mobility, since I'm always on the go! But when I'm not blogging about mobility, I'll still be busy at the Academy being the best "CyberPort Technician" I can be. It's a lot of work, but I'm feeling good about it.
Anyway, I should get back to work. This CyberPort's not going to take care of itself! Keep reading my blog for information about the gadgets and gizmos that keep you connected on the go! Oh, and if you're looking for my old blog, everything's still here in the archives, under the topic "My Training Days."
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
September 7, 2009
So Busy!
It's good to be back at the Academy! My apprenticeship in Cyber Forensics with Officer Marshall was challenging but really worth all the hard work. I was able to help with real investigations on computers, not just made-up exercises like in class. Sorry I haven't had a chance to talk much, but Officer Ward's got me working on gearing up the Academy's defenses for the new semester!
Alan asked me to go out to the movies with him this Friday, but I don't think I have the time. I mean, I'd love to hang out with everyone, but I feel like I would be avoiding my new responsibility. That's alright. If it's that good of a movie, I'm sure Alan will want to see it again. Maybe I'll catch him on the second time around. Anyway, I need to run. Officer Ward needed me in the Cyber Forensics Lab like ten minutes ago!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
July 15, 2009
It Hurts To Type!
Gotta keep this post short - I'm only allowed 10 minutes of personal internet use per day while I'm training and I still have to email my family. Gah! Down to nine minutes already!
I knew training would be mentally demanding, but I had no idea it would be so physically demanding, too! I'm not quite sure what all these pushups have to do with fighting cyber crime, but I guess a little more muscle never hurt anyone. Hope everything's going well back at the Academy. Gotta run! 7 minutes left!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
June 16, 2009
Field Training
Next week, I pack up my things and leave the Academy to start my life as a Cyber Defender. I feel like I barely know enough to be leaving the Academy, but Officer Marshall has told me not to worry, I'll soon get the hang of it.
I'm going to be working with him at the Cyber Defense Force's Cyber Forensics Lab, investigating cyber crimes and examining evidence. It's very exciting! I can't wait to start!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
May 27, 2009
Decision Made
Well, I finally know what I'm going to do after graduation. I spent so much time talking to other people about what they thought I should do that I was ignoring my own instincts.
My experiences at the Academy have helped convince me that what I really want to do is investigate cyber crimes and develop new tools to do that. So this summer, I'm going to do an apprenticeship with Officer Marshall out in the field to learn the ropes of Cyber Forensics. Who knows, I might even come back to the Academy in time to teach my little brother!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
May 15, 2009
Phishing Attack
Poor Dana, she must be so upset. Nobody's really teasing her about it, but I can see it's just eating her up inside.
I can sort of relate, it took me a long time to get over my big screw-up last year. Even after I was healed physically, it still hurt and I felt like a failure. I was also so worried about messing up again that I was glad I had to stay away from cyberspace for a while. Maybe I'll see if she wants to talk about it. That always helped me regain perspective.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
April 8, 2009
Cyber Defenders
Erika and I were talking about Cyber Defense the other day. She asked me about my plans for after graduation, and we talked about the different jobs Cyber Defenders can have.
Erika prefers helping out others behind the scenes rather than getting her hands dirty with cyber criminals. I'm not so sure I want to be on the front lines either. The fake attack this month really helped me make up my mind about what I want to do after graduation.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
April 2, 2009
Well played, Dr. Keen
Boy, Dr. Keen really threw us with that April Fool's trick. I was very impressed by how the cadets reacted though. The first-year cadets were a bit panicked, but this was also their first encounter with cyber villainy, even if it was fake.
I was especially impressed with Alexi. She really kept the team together. She and Yoko managed to get all the first-year cadets calmed down and organized in the cafeteria. When the Internet came back up, they barely even noticed because they were so busy answering Alexi's cyber security trivia! She might have some trouble staying focused when she's researching, but when it comes to people, she really shines!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
March 27, 2009
Very impressive
What a masterful take-down of Elvirus and Ms. Information! Cyber Defenders for the win!
With Elvirus and Ms. Information in the Detention Center, it seems like things should feel safer in cyberspace. It's a relief, but I know it's not over, and it will never be over with cyber criminals. Whenever one gets caught, two more spring up in their place. That's why I need more experience doing field work, so I can learn how to bring in cyber criminals too.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
March 18, 2009
Spring Break
I went on vacation to Colorado with my family this year for Spring Break, and I spent most of the week talking with them about what I should do after graduation.
My little brother really wants me to stay at the Academy. He hopes to come here next year and wants me to be here when he does. My parents agree with me that I would benefit from some field work, but they're also worried about my safety out there dealing with cyber criminals, especially after what I went through last year.
I think at this point, I'm about 80% sure of what I'm going to do.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
February 24, 2009
Contacting Cyber Defenders
Officer Ward gave me the email addresses of a few Cyber Defenders out in the field. I'm going to try contacting them to get an idea of what I want to do after graduation.
There's a wide variety of jobs for Cyber Defenders, from working directly with law enforcement to training others. I just need to figure out what's right for me.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
February 12, 2009
Dancin' the Night Away
Alexi asked me to the Valentine's Day dance. I was a little surprised - I didn't know she liked me at all! She's a sweet girl, I want to make sure she has a magical evening but the costume contest is going to be tough. Dana is really putting a lot of effort into hers and Alan's costumes, and I heard that Yoko's going with one of the first-year cadets as John Lennon and Yoko Ono - that's going to be hard to beat!
We came up with lots of great ideas yesterday, but I haven't seen Alexi all day and I'm a little worried she's forgotten about the costumes.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
January 20, 2009
It's good to be back
Winter break was nice and relaxing, but I'm glad to be back at the Academy and back to training.
I've been thinking about what I should do after I graduate this semester, but to be perfectly honest I'm at a loss. I like running the CyberPort, and working at the Academy and helping train cadets would be great, but I think I need more practical training first. After all, you can't be a coach if you've never kicked a ball before. Maybe Commander Omni can help me figure it out.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
June 12, 2008
Summer of Relaxation
No projects. No summer training. I feel free for the first time in years. I've asked my Dad to sign me up for soccer camp. I want to get some physical training done before the next school year starts.
I still feel weak from M.C. Spammer's attack from last fall. I know the therapists tell me I'm at 100 percent but I want to do more. Maybe after playing soccer all summer I'll feel more like myself again.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
June 9, 2008
One Year Left
Graduation is almost here. Saying goodbye to the senior class reminds me that I will graduate myself soon. Next year I will be a senior. I'm pretty excited to be so close to finishing. But I'm getting kind of scared too. What is going to happen when I graduate? Will I be able to lead my own team of Cyber Defenders?
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
June 5, 2008
Still Work to be Done
With the Cyber Villains escape it appears that our work is not yet over. Despite Nils being back behind bars, the Cyber Villains will continue to cause trouble on the Internet.
The way they escaped our traps is troubling. Did Nils anticipate what we would do and give them a way to break free? Or is there another villain out there we haven't encountered yet?
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
May 27, 2008
Congrats to the Team
I want to congratulate everyone for all the hard work they've done to get us this far. All of the Cyber Villains have been immobilized. We couldn't have done it without your help. If we work together and keep our computers secure and safe, we can keep villains like Nils from ruining our Internet.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
May 23, 2008
Our Time
Okay everyone, you heard Omni. It's our time to shine. We have to prevent the Master Hacker from using our own computers against us.
If we all follow safe cyberspace procedures we can lock him out of our machines. He will no longer have the power to fight off Commander Omni. If we share our knowledge we can keep him out of even more machines. We are all honorary Cyber Defenders. Let show these villains what we are made off.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
May 9, 2008
Ineffective
It didn't take long at all to render M.C. Spammer ineffective. Alexi is still working on Ms. Information in her maze. M.C. Spammer is reeling from the backlash of his own attacks and won't be able to do anything to stop us now. I'm going to see what I can do to help Alexi take care of her villain. It looks like things are finally looking up for the good guys.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
May 5, 2008
Payback
I haven't forgotten those months of rehab that M.C. Spammer sent me through. This time he's going down, along with all of his spam emails. This time instead of being victims against his spam attacks, I worked with Dr. Keen and Commander Omni to find a way to turn his spam against him. We've set up a program to watch all of our ports. Once he starts a denial of service attack, we'll reflect all that spam right back at him. We'll see how he likes it.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
April 22, 2008
Rallying Cry
The waiting is hard. I know. Ex-Commander Nils is thinking to wear us down by attacking when we least expect it. He knows he can't win otherwise. Everyone has done so well in our training exercises. Just keep up that enthusiasm and we'll be able to beat Nils and his merry band of Cyber Villains.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
April 17, 2008
Unsought Confidence
Alexi pointed out my new confidence today. I hadn't even realized I'd found it. I've been so busy lately between the meetings and the preparations that I hadn't given much thought to my leadership abilities. I thought she was crazy when she praised me for them. Being a leader isn't about making people follow your orders; it's about guiding people to work together for a common goal. Without realizing it I began guiding people. I can finally see why Omni thought I would be the best to lead our team.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
April 7, 2008
Preparing the Cadets
Between Maya's new database and Alan's and my planning sessions we now have a viable plan for how the cadets can contribute during the attack. I've run our conclusions past Commander Omni and she agrees with them. So, beginning tomorrow I will hold training sessions under Betty for the cadets who wish to participate.
Remember that good teamwork is going to be key to winning this fight with Nils.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
April 2, 2008
Battle Plans
I've been talking with Alan about his experiences with Ex-Commander Nils over the last month. With his new intel I've been able to form a battle plan for the cadets to follow when the attack finally occurs.
I am amazed by the change that has come over Alan. He's still as arrogant as ever but is able to look toward the common goal of the team instead of his own personal ones. He finally has become a valued teammate. Go figure.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
March 28, 2008
Final Battles
Because of Alan we can finally be prepared for the final Cyber Villain attacks. Alan told me that the Cyber Villains plan one last assault on our school. With Alan's intel there is no way we can lose. We might even have time to plan a couple of surprises for them.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
March 25, 2008
Respect for Alan
Alan undertook a dangerous mission all by himself. While the faculty gave him a solid thrashing for breaking many of our cyber defense rules and getting into such trouble, I know Commander Omni was grateful for the information Alan brought back with him. I respect Alan a whole lot more than I did before he did this.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
March 19, 2008
Coordinating Efforts
I'm overwhelmed by all of your efforts to help Alan! It's no wonder why all of you were chosen to train to be Cyber Defenders. I want to remind everyone that Betty, Maya and Officer Ward are the ones leading the rescue effort. Any information you find, no matter how insignificant, should be funneled to them. We are getting close to finding him. I can feel it.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
March 5, 2008
Cadet Lead Group
I know Alan has made few friends among the cadets. I know him, and I can assure you that Alan did not join the Cyber Villains willingly. Despite what you May think, he just isn't that kind of person. So please, everyone, lend a hand in helping Alan come home. If you know anything at all, get in contact with Maya. Otherwise join with me in searching the Internet for clues as to where the Cyber Villains' hideout might be. Together we can find him.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
February 27, 2008
Alan Gone!
Alan's missing! And so soon after I got that mysterious message to meet off campus. Did Alan receive something like that too? Dana's really worried. I gave the messages I received to Commander Omni. I hope it helps. Alan, why did you have to do such a stupid thing!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
February 22, 2008
Mysterious Strangers
I've been able to stay logged into cyberspace for longer and longer periods of time now. Maya is beginning to give me time to myself now. I have a heap of messages from the time of my injury. I haven't been able to get to them before now. It's taking me days to sort through them all.
Several of the messages come from a pair of guys I've never met before. At first I was just going to delete them, but I got curious. They say they are part of a secret group that is working to create a better Internet. Each message is very polite, but they get more and more forceful as time goes on. They wanted me to join their group. Their last message just came in today. They want to arrange a physical meeting. That smells bad. I saved all the messages in a folder and told Maya about it. She thinks it might have something to do with the next attack.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
February 11, 2008
Festival of Lovers
I love Valentine's Day. Not because I have a special someone, but because it gives me an excuse to show my team just how much I appreciate them. I am going to pick up a rose for all the ladies and a box of sweeties for the boys. Everyone likes to know someone is thinking about them for Valentines, even if it's just in friendship.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
February 6, 2008
Return to Cyberspace
Ah, it feels so good to be back! My physical therapist said that I could slowly start logging into cyberspace again. Maya has offered to help me with my rehab on the other side. She has a lot of filing to do in cyberspace. The idea is I help her for as long as I can before I log out. Each file is a small task so I can stop whenever I want and still make progress. But today was all about enjoying it.
I have to admit I didn't think it would be so straining. I could only stay logged in for 9 minutes.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
January 31, 2008
Rehab
The tingly feelings are starting to fade. Commander Omni has been working with my doctors on a rehab program to get me back into cyberspace. So far we've been doing simple exercises to track how well my nervous system is healing. The doctors say I'll be back in the saddle by the end of the month.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
January 17, 2008
Culpability
Because I haven't been able to log into cyberspace since the M.C. Spammer attack, you'd think I'd have nothing to do with the recent Ms. Information attack. You'd be wrong though. While my nervous system is still shot I can't enter cyberspace, but that doesn't mean that I can't browse the Web the old-fashioned way, with a mouse and keyboard.
Since everybody has been so busy, I've been spending my time playing online racing games. Most of what I've been doing is legit, but there was one map I downloaded that had malware installed in it. It's been keeping track of my keystrokes and sending that information out into the Internet. Dr. Keen has been trying to follow the trail, hoping it will lead us to the Cyber Villain's new base.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
January 9, 2008
Not Alone
There was another Cyber Villain attack this week. I thought I was going to be the only one sitting on the sidelines, but this time everyone was benched. Even the faculty. The attack was so subtle and widespread that nobody knew what was happening until it was too late. You know, it made me feel a little better to know that even the great Commander Omni gets sidelined sometimes.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
December 18, 2007
Leading from the Backlines
I've thought real hard about what I would do if another Cyber Villain were to attack while I was still restricted from the Internet. Would the other cadets follow me if I wasn't on the front lines with them? If an attack happened today I'm afraid that they would not.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
December 14, 2007
Disturbing Trends
I've taken to hanging out on the school grounds after classes are over for something to do. But it seems like everyone is hurrying to their room as soon as school finishes. I tried asking them what was so interesting, but they've given me the cold shoulder. Everyone is keeping secrets.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
December 4, 2007
Being Useful
It's so frustrating being grounded like this. The doctors say nothing is wrong with me in the real world, just the receptors I use to log into cyberspace. But there is something wrong with me. I feel a strange tingling in my hands and feet. It makes me clumsy. I can't even play my favorite sports anymore.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
November 28, 2007
Convalescence
Commander Omni is working with me entirely outside of cyberspace. I'm totally frustrated. I know she just wants to encourage me, but what's the point? I can't do anything out here.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
November 26, 2007
Turkey Day
Commander Omni gave me the whole week off to visit my family over the holiday. I think she blames herself for what happened. But I know I should have known better. After all, what was all that extra training for if not to make good decisions under pressure? I failed. Commander Omni should just replace me with somebody else.
My mom spent the entire break treating me like I was broken. She would hardly let me do anything. I couldn't explain to her that nothing was physically wrong with me.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
November 15, 2007
M.C. Failure
I completely blew it during the Cyber Villain attack on Tuesday. I should have had someone support me when it was my turn to repair the filter. But I was too proud. I thought I could handle it alone. Now the doctors say I won't be able to log into cyberspace for several months. The attack did something to my nervous system making it impossible for my brain to process the signals. It should clear up, but they can't guarantee it.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
November 9, 2007
Relationships
I saw Dana and Alan at the Halloween Ball. It upset me. Team members shouldn't get in a relationship like that. It creates unnecessary tension in the team.
I told Commander Omni about it, but she said to let it be. Sometimes the relationship can be helpful. Especially for someone like Alan.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
October 19, 2007
Captain Carlo
Argh, me maties. It is I, Captain Carlo. The Halloween Ball is coming up and I've finally found the perfect costume. I need to remember that a leader guides his crew. If he becomes too overbearing they might mutiny. Leading the cadets is like leading a batch of freewheeling pirates!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
October 12, 2007
Sleep
I slept through class today. I thought Commander Omni was going to be mad, but instead she pulled back on the training program. She wants me to take better care of myself, so that I am able to think clearly should a crisis arise. Everyone is counting on me!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
October 9, 2007
Training
Being team leader comes with responsibility and a lot of extra work. Commander Omni has spent a lot of extra time training me to be a more effective leader. It's hard work, but it's rewarding. Today I was able to get Alan to support Alexi without a lot of lip. Soon we'll be working together as an effective Cyber Defense team!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
September 24, 2007
Getting Easier
I think I'm beginning to figure this leadership thing out. My biggest problem was trusting other people to do their part in things. I've been learning to let it go and just let them work it out.
Fortunately, the team has been great! They've managed to do things with my plans that I never even thought of. I have to trust them to know what they are doing and relax a little.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
September 12, 2007
DigiBoard
I've given Alan all of my notes and code for my summer work on the Digiboard. He is still blaming me for everything that went wrong and won't show me any of his work, but I've managed to bring back a server enough to see some of the code fragments.
It looks like one of my programs and one of his programs interacted badly with what was originally in the Digiboard. I thought about showing it to Alan but I think he needs to figure it out for himself, so I left it so it would be easy for Alan to find what I found.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
September 7, 2007
Team Leader
Commander Omni named me Team Leader for the senior cadets today. It's a big responsibility that I'm not sure I'm ready for. I will do my best though and I look forward to working with everyone to prevent Cyber Crime!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
September 4, 2007
Orientation
I stopped by the girls' orientation today. It was a huge success! Both of them traded off, alternating between information the new students needed to know and entertainment.
It looked like everyone had a good time and was satisfied. Congratulations Dana and Erika!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
August 31, 2007
Thinking
This summer got me thinking. What makes a good leader? I didn't do so good of a job with Alan. Commander Omni said that Alan was probably the biggest challenge I've had to learning leadership. Still we worked well before...
What did I do wrong?
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
August 29, 2007
Server Down
Argh, both the servers are down, and along with them all of our hard work! Alan probably did it intentionally just to spite me. It's not my fault he can't stick to the plan.
I am not looking forward to the review with Dr. Keen.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
August 23, 2007
Speaking of forgetting...
Oh man, Alan is going to give me a tongue lashing for sure. I just realize we forgot to incorporate the buddy list onto the Web site version! And we were so close to finishing it! He is not going to be happy.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
August 14, 2007
Advice
I've been spending a lot of time speaking with Commander Omni about how to handle Alan. She's telling me to be patient and stay organized so that he can't forget what we agreed on. I'll try but I don't think it will help much.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
August 13, 2007
Forgetting
It seems like Alan is intentionally ignoring me. I’ve told him that we have to get the calendar for the DigiBoard working, but all he wants to do is work out the bugs in the message posting system. There are more important things to be focusing on!
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
July 24, 2007
Leading
Every time I go see Alan, he bites my head off. I'm just trying to make things easier for him. Why can't he see that?
Like, yesterday I dropped off the email integration code that Dr. Keen helped me write and he blew up in my face! What does he want me to do?
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
July 16, 2007
Missing Functionality
I dropped by Alan's today to see how he was coming with the Digiboard project. Turns out he'd forgotten to add several key features. He's acting like I hadn't told him about them weeks ago and he's just building what he wants to!
What's the point of making a plan if you don't stick to it?
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
June 18, 2007
Project Plan
I've been going over how we should approach this conversion of the Digiboard into a Web site with Alan and Dr. Keen. Alan put up a lot of barriers about some of what we have planned but I'm sure we can get him to come around.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
June 11, 2007
Project Acceptance
Commander Omni just gave us the thumbs up. We are an official summer project now! We'll have the resources of the school at our disposal, and Omni will help us out with what we build.
I am getting so excited, I can't wait to start!
June 7, 2007
DigiBoard
So our school uses this DigiBoard (short for Digital Bulletin Board) system for teachers and students to tell people what is going on. Everyone loves it.
The main DigiBoard is in the atrium at the Academy and we're supposed to check it regularly, but it's a little far away for when you're working in cyberspace. Alan and I thought how great it would be to have the system available over the Internet, not just on special terminals in the school! So we are going to built an Internet accessible DigiBoard over the summer.
posted by Carlo
topic: My Training Days
June 4, 2007
Introduction
Hello, my name is Carlo. Welcome to my blog! It took forever but I finally figured out how to set this thing up. Summer vacation has just started and Alan and I are looking forward to finally finishing the project we've been working on all year.