Internet

Explainer: what is a virtual private network (VPN)?

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Have you ever wanted to exist in more than one place at the same time?

The laws of physics suggest wormholes through space and time are hypothetical; but wormholes do exist in cyberspace and wonders can be found on the other side.

NBN Co goes back to the drawing board on pricing plan

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Yesterday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommended that NBN Co revise its wholesale agreement — including proposals on pricing and access — as outlined in its special access undertaking (SAU).

Computer thinks you're dumb: automated essay grading in the world of MOOCs

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Let us consider the following scenario.

You have enrolled in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offered by a world renowned university.

After four weeks of solid work you have completed your first assignment and you sit down to upload the essay. Within a second of the essay being sent for grading your result appears declaring your essay to be a less than stellar effort.

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Free public Wi-Fi in Melbourne: what's in it for the providers?

By Ian McShane, RMIT University and Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Controlling the Internet

Internet governance is one of the most important yet difficult goals facing the world today. The Internet is now an integral part of the daily lives of people around the globe, but little is known about how to guide the Internet's future.

Will the Coalition introduce data breach laws?

The constant and ongoing attacks against Australians have hit the news again this week so attention will be focused on the Coalition's actions to stop hackers. In an article on Technology Spectator titled The Coalition needs to act on data breach laws recent events in Queensland and Indonesia highlight the ease at which hackers send shivers down the spines of politicians and break into Australian business websites.

Read the article here

Corporate Cyber Security Summit 13 November Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Tomorrow I will be chairing the Corprate Cyber Security Summit at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. The speakers will be covering topics including cloud security and mobile apps and BYOD. The topics are all of vital interest to business, so take the opportunity to register and come along.

What's next for NBN Co

Only two weeks to go until the NBN Co review report. The big money is betting on Australia aiming to buck the trend against FTTP and aim low by proceeding down the UK BT FTTN approach. Can we do it? Can we really achieve the world's first brass medal for the worst new broadband network? What should NBN Co be really doing? Here are five things that could be done immediately.

Read the article here

Turnbulls game of NBN reviews and audits is almost over

The news today that NBN Co has been given new instructions by the Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull came only hours after I wrote in Technology Spectator about the Game of Reviews and Audits coming to a rapid end. Is it surprising that Turnbull has acted before the business case has been completed? No.

NBN Co: Where to next?

NBN Co has found reverse gear and has now put the foot down. How fast can it go backwards? We will have to wait and see how good the new management team are. It should come as no shock to anyone that the article on Technology Spectator discusses what the key players are doing in this lull before the rush to yesterday begins in earnest.

Read the article here