A contest challenging people to look for ways to prevent the use of smart-device cameras in sensitive areas is being organised by Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic.
Winners of the Smart Devices Security and Privacy Contest will be announced in December. The contest was inspired by Emirates Skills, where Khalifa University had previously organised a cyber-security competition.
In its first year, the contest will focus on ways to prevent the use of smart-device cameras in sensitive areas such as military bases. Submissions are invited from students and professionals as the contest also hopes to identify young people who excel at cyber security.
Contestants must develop a hardware or software solution that would prevent people from using cameras in certain areas or during events. The solutions must control cameras in smart devices independent from their platforms, and must prove secure so event managers do not have to confiscate devices. Wireless jamming is not allowed as a solution. The main target is to control the camera without disabling other services such as phone calls and text messages.
The deadline for submissions is September 30.
“Smart devices have become an integral part of our daily lives and studies indicate that these devices are one of the fastest spreading technologies in history,” said Dr Mohammed Al Mualla, senior vice president of research and development at Khalifa University. “The UAE’s efforts towards smart government reinforces the importance of these devices, but at the same time calls for the need to ensure the safe use of such technologies.
“We hope that this contest stimulates thinking and innovation in this direction. We look forward to seeing the participation of students and professionals in the field.”
Dr Ahmed Al Awar, director of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, said: “This contest was designed to introduce the growing importance of information security to high school students. The competition is considered a special event that allows students and professionals to develop knowledge and experience on the means and tools to protect the security of widespread smart devices.”
newsdesk@thenational.ae
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) | US$95,000 | (Dirt) 2,000m
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7.40pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 3 (TB) ) | $300,000) | (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Curlin Handicap Listed (TB)) | $160,000) | (D) 2,000m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB)) | $175,000) | (T) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (T) 2,000m
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
