中國時報 2013-02-09 李宗祐、胡清暉／台北報導
原始新聞連結
國科會昨日公布歷年涉及研究論文抄襲、或未適當引註等違反學術倫理案件統計，從民國八十八年到去年為止，共有一百件被裁定違反學術倫理，不但出現逐漸攀升趨勢，去年更以廿三件創下歷年新高，凸顯國內學術界「文抄公」越來越多，抄襲歪風日益猖獗！
面對學術抄襲歪風日盛，國科會昨日修訂《學術倫理案件處理及審議要點》，也頒布《研究人員學術倫理規範》，以負面表列把造假、變造、抄襲、與研究成果發表及作者定義相關之不當行為、自我抄襲和一稿多投等，列為學術研究「不該有的行為」，讓學者明確瞭解什麼事情可以做、什麼事情不能做。
國科會副主委孫以瀚解釋，指導教授把學生做的研究據為已有、發表論文，沒有讓學生掛名「共同作者」，就是與研究成果發表及作者定義相關之不當行為。
至於性騷擾、師生關係和經費使用（不實發票報銷）等則被列為一般生活或工作倫理，因另有主管機關或相關規範處理，被列為學術倫理無關。孫以瀚舉例，不實發票核銷研究經費，國科會另設有《專題研究計畫經費浮報虛報處理作業要點》處理，不在學術倫理規範內。
教育部長蔣偉寧表示，若違反學術規範，應有適當處置，教育部支持國科會訂定學術倫理規範的做法，也會加強宣導，杜絕抄襲、造假等爭議。
孫以瀚直言，去年被裁定違反學術倫理的案件，有幾件真的抄得很嚴重，「不但滿大篇幅的抄襲，連錯字都沒改」；還有人在個人著作目錄列了一堆根本不是他的論文，卻把自己的名字加到別人的論文裡面，甚至連論文引註頁數都寫錯；有的則是把別人的研究背景說明整段抄過來。
相較於民國九十八年以前，每年違反學術倫理案件僅個位數，去年增加到廿三件，大幅成長二．八三倍。國科會綜合業務處長陳宗權指出，案件明顯增加，最主要是因為過去都是被動靠人家檢舉，近幾年多數由審查委員在審查研究計畫時主動發現。
不過國科會昨日以《個人資料保護法》為由，拒絕公布「文抄公」名單，僅透露廿三件被裁定案件，有一名學者被裁定停權五年、不得申請國科會研究計畫經費補助；被罰停權三年和二年者各有一名和三名，其餘十八人均被停權一年。
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Saturday, February 09, 2013
News: 抓研究造假 學術倫理規範出爐
【聯合報╱記者劉盈慧／台北報導 原始新聞連結】
2013.02.09 02:46 am
國科會昨天首度公布「研究人員學術倫理規範」，國科會副主委孫以瀚表示，這是國內第一次對學術研究領域的學術倫理下規範，造假、變造、抄襲等行為都違反學術倫理。他期盼透過這項明文規定，讓學研單位都有所遵循，避免做出違反倫理的事。
國科會訂定的學術倫理規範中，將造假、變造、抄襲、重複發表、作者定義不清、一稿多投、自我抄襲列為學術研究倫理的不良態樣。像是引述他人著述卻又沒註明出處，視為抄襲，或是明明有五名學者共同做研究，出處上卻只寫出其中三名，沒標出其他兩名的貢獻，就屬於作者定義不清。
孫以瀚表示，這次的學術倫理規範將最常見的狀況逐一列出，也有部分說明與定義。只要是有向國科會申請研究計畫的教授、研究助理、博士後研究員都屬於規範對象。
學者若觸犯，學術倫理審議會將依情節輕重，輕者被告誡，重者要停止在國科會申請的研究計畫一至十年，並追回部分或全部的研究補助費與獎勵。最嚴重的還會被處以終身停權。
孫以瀚指出，國科會近年處理違反學術倫理的案子，件數逐年增加；民國九十七年有七件，九十九年有十四件，去年有廿三件。他說，以去年的為例，八成的案件都涉及抄襲。去年最嚴重的一件是某學者在著作目錄裡，「把別人的文章也加到自己的名下」，因此處以停權五年。另有一件被停權三年、三件被停權一年。
而先前的教授浮報、虛報發票案件，並沒有列入學術倫理規範中；他回答，學術倫理針對的是研究內容，浮報及假發票不屬於這個層面。這項學術倫理規範，昨天公布後立即生效。
2013.02.09 02:46 am
國科會昨天首度公布「研究人員學術倫理規範」，國科會副主委孫以瀚表示，這是國內第一次對學術研究領域的學術倫理下規範，造假、變造、抄襲等行為都違反學術倫理。他期盼透過這項明文規定，讓學研單位都有所遵循，避免做出違反倫理的事。
國科會訂定的學術倫理規範中，將造假、變造、抄襲、重複發表、作者定義不清、一稿多投、自我抄襲列為學術研究倫理的不良態樣。像是引述他人著述卻又沒註明出處，視為抄襲，或是明明有五名學者共同做研究，出處上卻只寫出其中三名，沒標出其他兩名的貢獻，就屬於作者定義不清。
孫以瀚表示，這次的學術倫理規範將最常見的狀況逐一列出，也有部分說明與定義。只要是有向國科會申請研究計畫的教授、研究助理、博士後研究員都屬於規範對象。
學者若觸犯，學術倫理審議會將依情節輕重，輕者被告誡，重者要停止在國科會申請的研究計畫一至十年，並追回部分或全部的研究補助費與獎勵。最嚴重的還會被處以終身停權。
孫以瀚指出，國科會近年處理違反學術倫理的案子，件數逐年增加；民國九十七年有七件，九十九年有十四件，去年有廿三件。他說，以去年的為例，八成的案件都涉及抄襲。去年最嚴重的一件是某學者在著作目錄裡，「把別人的文章也加到自己的名下」，因此處以停權五年。另有一件被停權三年、三件被停權一年。
而先前的教授浮報、虛報發票案件，並沒有列入學術倫理規範中；他回答，學術倫理針對的是研究內容，浮報及假發票不屬於這個層面。這項學術倫理規範，昨天公布後立即生效。
Friday, May 04, 2012
News: Documents reveal al Qaeda's plans for seizing cruise ships, carnage in Europe
By Nic Robertson, Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, CNN
May 1, 2012 -- Updated 0930 GMT (1730 HKT)
CNN's Original Link
Editor's note: This story is based on internal al Qaeda documents, details of which were obtained by CNN. Hundreds of documents were discovered by German cryptologists embedded inside a pornographic movie on a memory disk belonging to a suspected al Qaeda operative arrested in Berlin last year. The German newspaper Die Zeit was the first to report on the documents.
(CNN) -- On May 16 last year, a 22-year-old Austrian named Maqsood Lodin was being questioned by police in Berlin. He had recently returned from Pakistan via Budapest, Hungary, and then traveled overland to Germany. His interrogators were surprised to find that hidden in his underpants were a digital storage device and memory cards.
Buried inside them was a pornographic video called "Kick Ass" -- and a file marked "Sexy Tanja."
Several weeks later, after laborious efforts to crack a password and software to make the file almost invisible, German investigators discovered encoded inside the actual video a treasure trove of intelligence -- more than 100 al Qaeda documents that included an inside track on some of the terror group's most audacious plots and a road map for future operations.
Future plots include the idea of seizing cruise ships and carrying out attacks in Europe similar to the gun attacks by Pakistani militants that paralyzed the Indian city of Mumbai in November 2008. Ten gunmen killed 164 people in that three-day rampage.
Terrorist training manuals in PDF format in German, English and Arabic were among the documents, too, according to intelligence sources.
U.S. intelligence sources tell CNN that the documents uncovered are "pure gold;" one source says that they are the most important haul of al Qaeda materials in the last year, besides those found when U.S. Navy SEALs raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, a year ago and killed the al Qaeda leader.
One document was called "Future Works." Its authorship is unclear, but intelligence officials believe it came from al Qaeda's inner core. It may have been the work of Younis al Mauretani, a senior al Qaeda operative until his capture by Pakistani police in 2011.
The document appears to have been the product of discussions to find new targets and methods of attack. German investigators believe it was written in 2009 -- and that it remains the template for al Qaeda's plans.
Investigative journalist Yassin Musharbash, a reporter with the German newspaper Die Zeit, was the first to report on the documents. One plan: to seize passenger ships. According to Musharbash, the writer "says that we could hijack a passenger ship and use it to pressurize the public."
Musharbash takes that to mean that the terrorists "would then start executing passengers on those ships and demand the release of particular prisoners."
The plan would include dressing passengers in orange jump suits, as if they were al Qaeda prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and then videotaping their execution.
Lodin and a man called Yusuf Ocak, who allegedly traveled back to Europe with him, are now on trial in Berlin where they are pleading not guilty. Ocak was detained in Vienna two weeks after Lodin's arrest.
According to a senior Western counterterrorism official, their names were on a watch list, and when they handed over documents at a European border crossing, their names registered with counterterrorism agencies.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges. Ocak is also charged with helping to form a group called the German Taliban Mujahedeen, and is alleged to have made a video for the group threatening attacks in Germany.
Prosecutors believe the pair met at a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's tribal territories and were sent back to Europe to recruit a network of suicide bombers.
"We do not know what those men were up to but there are certain files of information that would make it plausible that they were probably thinking of a Mumbai-style attack," says Musharbash.
In the fall of 2010, a year after the document was written, European intelligence agencies were scrambling to investigate a Mumbai-style plot involving German and other European militants -- which sparked an unprecedented U.S. State Department travel warning for Americans in Europe.
"I think it is plausible to think that the 'Future Works' document is part of that particular project," says Musharbash.
"Future Works" suggests al Qaeda was an organization under great pressure, without a major attack to its name in several years, harried by Western intelligence. If anything, its predicament is even more dire today.
"The document delivers very clearly the notion that al Qaeda knows it is being followed very closely," Musharbash tells CNN. "It specifically says that Western intelligence agencies have become very good at spoiling attacks, that they have to come up with new ways and better plotting."
Part of the response, according to the document, should be to train European jihadists quickly and send them home -- rather than use them as fighters in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- with instructions on how to keep in secret contact with their handlers.
What emerges from the document is a twin-track strategy -- with the author apparently convinced that al Qaeda needs low-cost, low-tech attacks (perhaps such as the recent gun attacks in France carried out by Mohammed Merah) to keep security services preoccupied while it plans large-scale attacks on a scale similar to 9/11.
Those already under suspicion in Europe and elsewhere would be used as decoys, while others would prepare major attacks.
That is yet to materialize, but Musharbash believes a complex gun attack in Europe is still on al Qaeda's radar.
"I believe that the general idea is still alive and I believe that as soon as al Qaeda has the capacities to go after that scenario, they will immediately do it," he says.
While "Future Works" does not include dates or places, nor specific plans, it appears to be a brainstorming exercise to seize the initiative -- and reinstate al Qaeda on front pages around the world.
May 1, 2012 -- Updated 0930 GMT (1730 HKT)
CNN's Original Link
Editor's note: This story is based on internal al Qaeda documents, details of which were obtained by CNN. Hundreds of documents were discovered by German cryptologists embedded inside a pornographic movie on a memory disk belonging to a suspected al Qaeda operative arrested in Berlin last year. The German newspaper Die Zeit was the first to report on the documents.
(CNN) -- On May 16 last year, a 22-year-old Austrian named Maqsood Lodin was being questioned by police in Berlin. He had recently returned from Pakistan via Budapest, Hungary, and then traveled overland to Germany. His interrogators were surprised to find that hidden in his underpants were a digital storage device and memory cards.
Buried inside them was a pornographic video called "Kick Ass" -- and a file marked "Sexy Tanja."
Several weeks later, after laborious efforts to crack a password and software to make the file almost invisible, German investigators discovered encoded inside the actual video a treasure trove of intelligence -- more than 100 al Qaeda documents that included an inside track on some of the terror group's most audacious plots and a road map for future operations.
Future plots include the idea of seizing cruise ships and carrying out attacks in Europe similar to the gun attacks by Pakistani militants that paralyzed the Indian city of Mumbai in November 2008. Ten gunmen killed 164 people in that three-day rampage.
Terrorist training manuals in PDF format in German, English and Arabic were among the documents, too, according to intelligence sources.
U.S. intelligence sources tell CNN that the documents uncovered are "pure gold;" one source says that they are the most important haul of al Qaeda materials in the last year, besides those found when U.S. Navy SEALs raided Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, a year ago and killed the al Qaeda leader.
One document was called "Future Works." Its authorship is unclear, but intelligence officials believe it came from al Qaeda's inner core. It may have been the work of Younis al Mauretani, a senior al Qaeda operative until his capture by Pakistani police in 2011.
The document appears to have been the product of discussions to find new targets and methods of attack. German investigators believe it was written in 2009 -- and that it remains the template for al Qaeda's plans.
Investigative journalist Yassin Musharbash, a reporter with the German newspaper Die Zeit, was the first to report on the documents. One plan: to seize passenger ships. According to Musharbash, the writer "says that we could hijack a passenger ship and use it to pressurize the public."
Musharbash takes that to mean that the terrorists "would then start executing passengers on those ships and demand the release of particular prisoners."
The plan would include dressing passengers in orange jump suits, as if they were al Qaeda prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and then videotaping their execution.
Lodin and a man called Yusuf Ocak, who allegedly traveled back to Europe with him, are now on trial in Berlin where they are pleading not guilty. Ocak was detained in Vienna two weeks after Lodin's arrest.
According to a senior Western counterterrorism official, their names were on a watch list, and when they handed over documents at a European border crossing, their names registered with counterterrorism agencies.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges. Ocak is also charged with helping to form a group called the German Taliban Mujahedeen, and is alleged to have made a video for the group threatening attacks in Germany.
Prosecutors believe the pair met at a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's tribal territories and were sent back to Europe to recruit a network of suicide bombers.
"We do not know what those men were up to but there are certain files of information that would make it plausible that they were probably thinking of a Mumbai-style attack," says Musharbash.
In the fall of 2010, a year after the document was written, European intelligence agencies were scrambling to investigate a Mumbai-style plot involving German and other European militants -- which sparked an unprecedented U.S. State Department travel warning for Americans in Europe.
"I think it is plausible to think that the 'Future Works' document is part of that particular project," says Musharbash.
"Future Works" suggests al Qaeda was an organization under great pressure, without a major attack to its name in several years, harried by Western intelligence. If anything, its predicament is even more dire today.
"The document delivers very clearly the notion that al Qaeda knows it is being followed very closely," Musharbash tells CNN. "It specifically says that Western intelligence agencies have become very good at spoiling attacks, that they have to come up with new ways and better plotting."
Part of the response, according to the document, should be to train European jihadists quickly and send them home -- rather than use them as fighters in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- with instructions on how to keep in secret contact with their handlers.
What emerges from the document is a twin-track strategy -- with the author apparently convinced that al Qaeda needs low-cost, low-tech attacks (perhaps such as the recent gun attacks in France carried out by Mohammed Merah) to keep security services preoccupied while it plans large-scale attacks on a scale similar to 9/11.
Those already under suspicion in Europe and elsewhere would be used as decoys, while others would prepare major attacks.
That is yet to materialize, but Musharbash believes a complex gun attack in Europe is still on al Qaeda's radar.
"I believe that the general idea is still alive and I believe that as soon as al Qaeda has the capacities to go after that scenario, they will immediately do it," he says.
While "Future Works" does not include dates or places, nor specific plans, it appears to be a brainstorming exercise to seize the initiative -- and reinstate al Qaeda on front pages around the world.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
News: Al Qaeda ship secret plans encrypted in porn movie
Written by Nick Farrell
Wednesday, 02 May 2012 09:59
Original Link
Spooks didn’t see that one coming
Al Qaeda has been distributing its top secret plans across the internet embedded and encrypted within a file of a porn movie.
According to the German newspaper Die Zeit the file was discovered on a 22-year-old Austrian named Maqsood Lodin. When he was questioned his interrogators were surprised to find that hidden in his underpants were a digital storage device and memory cards. Buried inside them was a pornographic video called "Kick Ass" and a file marked "Sexy Tanja."
These are not the usual thing you expect to find on a Muslim fundamentalist, although it was viable for a Christian fundamentalist politician, so the investigators smelt a rat. It took several weeks to crack the a password and software to make the file visible and it turned out that there were more than 100 al Qaeda documents included inside the file. These included some plans for taking over cruise ships and carrying out attacks in Europe similar to the gun attacks by Pakistani militants in Mumbai in November 2008.
There were terrorist training manuals in PDF format in German, English and Arabic were among the documents, too, according to intelligence sources. Investigative journalist Yassin Musharbash, a reporter with the German newspaper Die Zeit said that one plan was to hijack a passenger ship. They would dress passengers in orange jump suits, as if they were al Qaeda prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and then videotape their execution. That was before the idea of travelling on a cruise ship turned out to be such dangerous exercise, particularly if it was piloted by an Italian.
Wednesday, 02 May 2012 09:59
Original Link
Spooks didn’t see that one coming
Al Qaeda has been distributing its top secret plans across the internet embedded and encrypted within a file of a porn movie.
According to the German newspaper Die Zeit the file was discovered on a 22-year-old Austrian named Maqsood Lodin. When he was questioned his interrogators were surprised to find that hidden in his underpants were a digital storage device and memory cards. Buried inside them was a pornographic video called "Kick Ass" and a file marked "Sexy Tanja."
These are not the usual thing you expect to find on a Muslim fundamentalist, although it was viable for a Christian fundamentalist politician, so the investigators smelt a rat. It took several weeks to crack the a password and software to make the file visible and it turned out that there were more than 100 al Qaeda documents included inside the file. These included some plans for taking over cruise ships and carrying out attacks in Europe similar to the gun attacks by Pakistani militants in Mumbai in November 2008.
There were terrorist training manuals in PDF format in German, English and Arabic were among the documents, too, according to intelligence sources. Investigative journalist Yassin Musharbash, a reporter with the German newspaper Die Zeit said that one plan was to hijack a passenger ship. They would dress passengers in orange jump suits, as if they were al Qaeda prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and then videotape their execution. That was before the idea of travelling on a cruise ship turned out to be such dangerous exercise, particularly if it was piloted by an Italian.
News: 'Sexy Tanja' Porn Movie Hid al Qaida's Plot for Mumbai-style Attack on Europe
By EWAN PALMER, May 1, 2012 12:08 PM GMT
Original Link
Hundreds of al-Qaida documents have been discovered embedded inside a pornographic movie, including a plot to carry out an attack in Europe similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The documents were found after 22-year-old Austrian Maqsood Lodin was detained and searched by investigators in Berlin after flying from Pakistan via Budapest.
The investigators discovered a storage device and a memory card hidden in Lodin's underwear which contained a pornographic film called Kick Ass and a file marked Sexy Tanja.
Several weeks later, investigators decoded the device and found more than 100 al-Qaida documents embedded in the video, including terrorist training manuals and plans to seize cruise ships to launch an attack on Europe similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which 10 gunmen killed 164 people.
US intelligence told CNN the materials discovered are the most important since the trove which were discovered during the killing of Osama Bin Laden last year.
One of the documents, entitled Future Works, was reported to appear to show discussions by al-Qaida to find new targets and methods of attacks. German investigators believe the document was written in 2009 and still forms a large part of al-Qaida's plans.
A year after the document was written; European intelligence agencies investigated a Mumbai-style plot involving Germany which sparked a US State Department travel warning for Americans in Europe.
Investigative journalist Yassin Musharbash, a reporter with theGerman newspaper Die Zeit, was the first to report on the documents. He was quoted as saying: "I think it is plausible to think that the 'Future Works' document is part of that particular project."
Musharbash told CNN: "The document delivers very clearly the notion that al Qaeda knows it is being followed very closely.
"It specifically says that Western intelligence agencies have become very good at spoiling attacks, that they have to come up with new ways and better plotting."
Lodin and alleged compatriot Yusuf Ocak, who was detained in Vienna two weeks later, was stopped in Berlin, are currently on trial in the German capital.
They have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges. The men, who reportedly met in a terrorist training camp in Pakistan, were both listed on a watch list. Prosecutors said they believe the men were sent back to Germany to recruit others to take part in the attacks outlined in the documents.
Original Link
Hundreds of al-Qaida documents have been discovered embedded inside a pornographic movie, including a plot to carry out an attack in Europe similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The documents were found after 22-year-old Austrian Maqsood Lodin was detained and searched by investigators in Berlin after flying from Pakistan via Budapest.
The investigators discovered a storage device and a memory card hidden in Lodin's underwear which contained a pornographic film called Kick Ass and a file marked Sexy Tanja.
Several weeks later, investigators decoded the device and found more than 100 al-Qaida documents embedded in the video, including terrorist training manuals and plans to seize cruise ships to launch an attack on Europe similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks in which 10 gunmen killed 164 people.
US intelligence told CNN the materials discovered are the most important since the trove which were discovered during the killing of Osama Bin Laden last year.
One of the documents, entitled Future Works, was reported to appear to show discussions by al-Qaida to find new targets and methods of attacks. German investigators believe the document was written in 2009 and still forms a large part of al-Qaida's plans.
A year after the document was written; European intelligence agencies investigated a Mumbai-style plot involving Germany which sparked a US State Department travel warning for Americans in Europe.
Investigative journalist Yassin Musharbash, a reporter with theGerman newspaper Die Zeit, was the first to report on the documents. He was quoted as saying: "I think it is plausible to think that the 'Future Works' document is part of that particular project."
Musharbash told CNN: "The document delivers very clearly the notion that al Qaeda knows it is being followed very closely.
"It specifically says that Western intelligence agencies have become very good at spoiling attacks, that they have to come up with new ways and better plotting."
Lodin and alleged compatriot Yusuf Ocak, who was detained in Vienna two weeks later, was stopped in Berlin, are currently on trial in the German capital.
They have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges. The men, who reportedly met in a terrorist training camp in Pakistan, were both listed on a watch list. Prosecutors said they believe the men were sent back to Germany to recruit others to take part in the attacks outlined in the documents.
News: 賓拉丹遭斃週年 解碼情色片藏攻擊訊息
賓拉丹遭斃週年 解碼情色片藏攻擊訊息
(自由時報 即時新聞 2012/5/1 17:42 原始新聞連結)
台灣時間5月2日，是911事件主謀賓拉丹（Osama bin Laden）遭美軍擊斃屆滿週年的日子，現在傳出，當時賓拉丹住處擁有大量色情片，經過情報人員解碼後，這批色情片原來藏有恐怖攻擊的訊息。
賓拉丹的住處遭搜出大量色情片，其中一支叫「Kick Ass」的片子，裡面藏有「Sexy Tanja」的資料夾，恰巧與德國警方去年逮捕的一名恐部分子所擁有的內容相同，經交叉比對後，色情片原來暗藏恐怖攻擊計畫，包括炸彈攻擊與劫持郵輪等。
「Sexy Tanja」的資料夾裡共有上百個開打恐怖組織（Al-Qaeda）檔案，檔案顯示開打欲以殺死乘客為籌碼，逼迫美國或德國當局釋放特定囚犯，若不從，將錄製殺害乘客的過程，寄給有關當局。
美國情報人員表示，種種資料顯示，這份資料可能是在2009年完成，雖然未真實發生類似事件，但攻擊的手法，已經成為日後恐怖組織進行攻擊活動時，主要的模仿方式。
暗藏基地情報 A片變恐怖片
(中時電子報 2012/5/2 5:30 am 記者陳文和 綜合報導 原始新聞連結)
德國當局破解恐怖分子嫌犯偽製成色情影片的數位檔案後赫然發現，裡頭竟隱藏「基地」國際恐怖組織上百份內部文件，宛如挖出一座情報寶庫。而基地組織一些膽大包天的攻擊計畫也因而曝光，其中包括劫持遊輪，以及在歐洲地區重演二○○八年印度最大城市孟買傷亡慘重的連環恐怖攻擊。
德國警方去年五月十六日在柏林盤問廿二歲奧地利籍恐怖活動嫌犯洛汀，意外查獲他內衣褲裡藏匿數位儲存裝置和記憶卡，而裡面存有一部名為《Kick Ass》的成人影片，以及一個標示為「性感坦雅」（Sexy Tanja）的檔案。
洛汀與籌組「德國塔里班人民聖戰士」組織的另一名嫌犯歐卡克都到過巴基斯坦，在恐怖分子訓練營相識，並奉派返回歐洲召募人員準備發動自殺式炸彈攻擊。洛汀被捕後兩周，歐卡克也在維也納落網，兩人正接受法庭審判。
洛汀所持有檔案的真實內容經編碼加密，且有保護程式使其隱而不見，德國調查人員經數周努力才成功破解。據美國情報界描述，裡面所暗藏的基地內部文件如同「高純度黃金」，和美軍擊殺基地首腦賓拉登後斬獲的情資等量齊觀。
該批文件內含德文、英文與阿拉伯文版ＰＤＦ格式的恐怖分子訓練手冊，以及基地組織未來的運作計畫，其中包括劫持客輪，讓乘客換穿如同關達那摩灣美軍基地監獄恐怖嫌犯的橙色囚服，以殺害乘客為要脅，甚至將他們處決並公布相關錄影，以迫使有關當局釋放特定囚犯。
此外，基地也計畫在歐洲發動連環恐怖攻擊，手法近似二○○八年的孟買事件。當年十一月廿六日到廿九日，來自巴基斯坦的恐怖分子接連襲擊孟買十多處地點，以槍械和炸彈奪走一百六十四人的生命，並造成逾三百人受傷。
而一份名為「未來工作」的文件明確顯示，基地組織自知受到嚴密監控，西方國家情報機構對偵破其攻擊計畫越來越得心應手，因此亟欲「構想新攻擊方式並進行更完善規畫」，包括訓練歐洲的伊斯蘭聖戰士並派遣他們回國執行任務，以及運用低成本且低科技的攻擊，讓歐洲各國安全單位疲於奔命，再趁機擘劃「九一一事件」規模的攻擊行動。
(自由時報 即時新聞 2012/5/1 17:42 原始新聞連結)
台灣時間5月2日，是911事件主謀賓拉丹（Osama bin Laden）遭美軍擊斃屆滿週年的日子，現在傳出，當時賓拉丹住處擁有大量色情片，經過情報人員解碼後，這批色情片原來藏有恐怖攻擊的訊息。
賓拉丹的住處遭搜出大量色情片，其中一支叫「Kick Ass」的片子，裡面藏有「Sexy Tanja」的資料夾，恰巧與德國警方去年逮捕的一名恐部分子所擁有的內容相同，經交叉比對後，色情片原來暗藏恐怖攻擊計畫，包括炸彈攻擊與劫持郵輪等。
「Sexy Tanja」的資料夾裡共有上百個開打恐怖組織（Al-Qaeda）檔案，檔案顯示開打欲以殺死乘客為籌碼，逼迫美國或德國當局釋放特定囚犯，若不從，將錄製殺害乘客的過程，寄給有關當局。
美國情報人員表示，種種資料顯示，這份資料可能是在2009年完成，雖然未真實發生類似事件，但攻擊的手法，已經成為日後恐怖組織進行攻擊活動時，主要的模仿方式。
暗藏基地情報 A片變恐怖片
(中時電子報 2012/5/2 5:30 am 記者陳文和 綜合報導 原始新聞連結)
德國當局破解恐怖分子嫌犯偽製成色情影片的數位檔案後赫然發現，裡頭竟隱藏「基地」國際恐怖組織上百份內部文件，宛如挖出一座情報寶庫。而基地組織一些膽大包天的攻擊計畫也因而曝光，其中包括劫持遊輪，以及在歐洲地區重演二○○八年印度最大城市孟買傷亡慘重的連環恐怖攻擊。
德國警方去年五月十六日在柏林盤問廿二歲奧地利籍恐怖活動嫌犯洛汀，意外查獲他內衣褲裡藏匿數位儲存裝置和記憶卡，而裡面存有一部名為《Kick Ass》的成人影片，以及一個標示為「性感坦雅」（Sexy Tanja）的檔案。
洛汀與籌組「德國塔里班人民聖戰士」組織的另一名嫌犯歐卡克都到過巴基斯坦，在恐怖分子訓練營相識，並奉派返回歐洲召募人員準備發動自殺式炸彈攻擊。洛汀被捕後兩周，歐卡克也在維也納落網，兩人正接受法庭審判。
洛汀所持有檔案的真實內容經編碼加密，且有保護程式使其隱而不見，德國調查人員經數周努力才成功破解。據美國情報界描述，裡面所暗藏的基地內部文件如同「高純度黃金」，和美軍擊殺基地首腦賓拉登後斬獲的情資等量齊觀。
該批文件內含德文、英文與阿拉伯文版ＰＤＦ格式的恐怖分子訓練手冊，以及基地組織未來的運作計畫，其中包括劫持客輪，讓乘客換穿如同關達那摩灣美軍基地監獄恐怖嫌犯的橙色囚服，以殺害乘客為要脅，甚至將他們處決並公布相關錄影，以迫使有關當局釋放特定囚犯。
此外，基地也計畫在歐洲發動連環恐怖攻擊，手法近似二○○八年的孟買事件。當年十一月廿六日到廿九日，來自巴基斯坦的恐怖分子接連襲擊孟買十多處地點，以槍械和炸彈奪走一百六十四人的生命，並造成逾三百人受傷。
而一份名為「未來工作」的文件明確顯示，基地組織自知受到嚴密監控，西方國家情報機構對偵破其攻擊計畫越來越得心應手，因此亟欲「構想新攻擊方式並進行更完善規畫」，包括訓練歐洲的伊斯蘭聖戰士並派遣他們回國執行任務，以及運用低成本且低科技的攻擊，讓歐洲各國安全單位疲於奔命，再趁機擘劃「九一一事件」規模的攻擊行動。
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
News: 31 篇論文造假 女教授判囚 1.5 年
【 蘋果日報 2012/04/18 許淑惠 台中報導 】
逢甲大學自動控制系前女教授陳OO，被控為了升等，六年來謊稱在國際期刊發表三十一篇論文著作，以致校方誤認而陸續給予升等副教授、教授，檢方認定她因此騙得升等薪資近三十萬元，台中地院昨依詐欺罪判她一年六月徒刑。
稱無不法「將上訴」
至今無業的陳OO（四十一歲）昨透過友人表示：「論文升等這是身分上（指教授、副教授）的取得，她並未因此獲得經濟上的不法利益，不符詐欺罪構成要件，會再上訴。」陳女友人表示，判決結果讓陳女很難過。
陳OO是成功大學航太所博士，曾獲救國團青年獎章、亞洲傑出青年科學家獎，二○○○年進入逢甲擔任助理教授，二○○四年升副教授、二○○八年底升教授，其間還赴美國聖路易市華盛頓大學擔任訪問學者，但隔年即遭檢舉她提出升等送審的論文涉嫌偽造、變造，校方逐一清查屬實，撤銷她的教授及副教授資格，且十年不得再提升等，陳女則主動離職。
未在國際期刊發表
開庭時，陳女主張三十一篇論文都是她的作品，其中有十二篇已確認公開發表過，其餘陸續確認中，而校方曾將她的論文送外審單位審核通過，即代表具升等實力，並未詐騙校方。
但檢察官為查明陳女的論文究竟有無在《Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics》等期刊發表，曾函轉外交部，將陳女申請升等的論文送到美國，經追查、比對認定陳女所寫多篇論文並未在國際期刊發表，因此將她依詐欺罪起訴。
逢甲大學自動控制系前女教授陳OO，被控為了升等，六年來謊稱在國際期刊發表三十一篇論文著作，以致校方誤認而陸續給予升等副教授、教授，檢方認定她因此騙得升等薪資近三十萬元，台中地院昨依詐欺罪判她一年六月徒刑。
稱無不法「將上訴」
至今無業的陳OO（四十一歲）昨透過友人表示：「論文升等這是身分上（指教授、副教授）的取得，她並未因此獲得經濟上的不法利益，不符詐欺罪構成要件，會再上訴。」陳女友人表示，判決結果讓陳女很難過。
陳OO是成功大學航太所博士，曾獲救國團青年獎章、亞洲傑出青年科學家獎，二○○○年進入逢甲擔任助理教授，二○○四年升副教授、二○○八年底升教授，其間還赴美國聖路易市華盛頓大學擔任訪問學者，但隔年即遭檢舉她提出升等送審的論文涉嫌偽造、變造，校方逐一清查屬實，撤銷她的教授及副教授資格，且十年不得再提升等，陳女則主動離職。
未在國際期刊發表
開庭時，陳女主張三十一篇論文都是她的作品，其中有十二篇已確認公開發表過，其餘陸續確認中，而校方曾將她的論文送外審單位審核通過，即代表具升等實力，並未詐騙校方。
但檢察官為查明陳女的論文究竟有無在《Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics》等期刊發表，曾函轉外交部，將陳女申請升等的論文送到美國，經追查、比對認定陳女所寫多篇論文並未在國際期刊發表，因此將她依詐欺罪起訴。
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
News: 中國佈「網」 電子監控商務客
〔自由時報 2011/09/28 編譯陳成良、記者陳炳宏 綜合報導 原始新聞連結〕
華盛頓郵報二十七日報導，中國是美國第二大貿易夥伴，不過許多美國企業商務旅客越來越擔心遭到中國精密且無孔不入的電子監控。儘管俄羅斯、以色列與法國過去也都有竊聽商務客的前例，但都不像中國這般明目張膽。中國為協助發展該國經濟，往往鎖定企業進行網路監控。
中國不擇手段 鎖定企業監控
專家表示，儘管美國企業界也有工業間諜活動，但不像中國那樣誇張，而且美國政府據報導不會替美國產業執行經濟間諜活動。一般經濟間諜是為了取得工商業的競爭優勢，但只有中國的經濟間諜是由政府支持，因為許多中國企業都是國營企業。
報導援引白宮國安會亞洲政策前資深主任、美國智庫布魯金斯研究所學者李侃如（Kenneth Lieberthal）的話稱：「我被告知，如果你使用一支iPhone或黑莓機，手機裡的所有資料，包括通訊錄、行事曆、電郵等，都能在瞬間被下載。這一切只要有人在地鐵內坐在你附近，等著你打開手機就可以了，而且他們得手了。」
開手機、電腦 中國就得手了
在中國的商務旅客經常攜帶拋棄型手機以及已清除敏感資料的替代筆電，一些美國官員則完全不帶電子裝備，有些企業主管則寧願繞道到澳洲，也不願冒著在中國旅館房間遭竊聽的風險；還有些旅客將檔案藏在隨身碟，隨時帶在身上，只在離線的電腦上使用；一位擔心引來中國政府審查而要求匿名的安全專家說，他每次到中國，都使用新買的iPad平板電腦，而且用過就不會再用。二○○七年，當時美國商務部長古提瑞茲訪問北京時，他的筆記型電腦就遭中國官員盜拷檔案，裡頭資訊之後還被用來入侵美國商務部電腦。
專家表示，商務旅客數年前就針對中國採取這種安全措施。二○○八年北京奧運前夕，當時中情局國家反情報辦公室主任伯納，首度對商務旅客發布政府的安全指導方針，其中列入「能不帶的設備就不要帶」等竅門。雖然沒有點名哪個國家，伯納最近受訪時表示，當時就是針對中國及俄羅斯等國家。
伯納當年發出警告的依據，是發生了幾起中國惡意程式從遠端植入手機，進而感染在美國的電腦伺服器的案例。他指出，中國所有大飯店的電腦網路，都受到中國安全機構監控。
安全專家提供幾招防監控的措施，包括：假設所有無線裝置都有危險；定期更換密碼；不接受隨身碟當禮物；別以為自己不重要就不會被監控；不需聯絡時，把電池自手機移除，以防被遠端啟動或追蹤，這也是西方記者在中國與異議人士會面時的必用招數。
資深3C、電腦玩家董福興表示，如果是手機通訊時被中途攔截還有可能，但如果是手機內所有資料一下子被複製，那就不太可能，尤其黑莓機資料傳輸甚嚴謹，之前還有傳聞中東某國家想要請RIM公司提供技術監聽，都被婉拒，這麼嚴密的防護要被破解實在很難。
華盛頓郵報二十七日報導，中國是美國第二大貿易夥伴，不過許多美國企業商務旅客越來越擔心遭到中國精密且無孔不入的電子監控。儘管俄羅斯、以色列與法國過去也都有竊聽商務客的前例，但都不像中國這般明目張膽。中國為協助發展該國經濟，往往鎖定企業進行網路監控。
中國不擇手段 鎖定企業監控
專家表示，儘管美國企業界也有工業間諜活動，但不像中國那樣誇張，而且美國政府據報導不會替美國產業執行經濟間諜活動。一般經濟間諜是為了取得工商業的競爭優勢，但只有中國的經濟間諜是由政府支持，因為許多中國企業都是國營企業。
報導援引白宮國安會亞洲政策前資深主任、美國智庫布魯金斯研究所學者李侃如（Kenneth Lieberthal）的話稱：「我被告知，如果你使用一支iPhone或黑莓機，手機裡的所有資料，包括通訊錄、行事曆、電郵等，都能在瞬間被下載。這一切只要有人在地鐵內坐在你附近，等著你打開手機就可以了，而且他們得手了。」
開手機、電腦 中國就得手了
在中國的商務旅客經常攜帶拋棄型手機以及已清除敏感資料的替代筆電，一些美國官員則完全不帶電子裝備，有些企業主管則寧願繞道到澳洲，也不願冒著在中國旅館房間遭竊聽的風險；還有些旅客將檔案藏在隨身碟，隨時帶在身上，只在離線的電腦上使用；一位擔心引來中國政府審查而要求匿名的安全專家說，他每次到中國，都使用新買的iPad平板電腦，而且用過就不會再用。二○○七年，當時美國商務部長古提瑞茲訪問北京時，他的筆記型電腦就遭中國官員盜拷檔案，裡頭資訊之後還被用來入侵美國商務部電腦。
專家表示，商務旅客數年前就針對中國採取這種安全措施。二○○八年北京奧運前夕，當時中情局國家反情報辦公室主任伯納，首度對商務旅客發布政府的安全指導方針，其中列入「能不帶的設備就不要帶」等竅門。雖然沒有點名哪個國家，伯納最近受訪時表示，當時就是針對中國及俄羅斯等國家。
伯納當年發出警告的依據，是發生了幾起中國惡意程式從遠端植入手機，進而感染在美國的電腦伺服器的案例。他指出，中國所有大飯店的電腦網路，都受到中國安全機構監控。
安全專家提供幾招防監控的措施，包括：假設所有無線裝置都有危險；定期更換密碼；不接受隨身碟當禮物；別以為自己不重要就不會被監控；不需聯絡時，把電池自手機移除，以防被遠端啟動或追蹤，這也是西方記者在中國與異議人士會面時的必用招數。
資深3C、電腦玩家董福興表示，如果是手機通訊時被中途攔截還有可能，但如果是手機內所有資料一下子被複製，那就不太可能，尤其黑莓機資料傳輸甚嚴謹，之前還有傳聞中東某國家想要請RIM公司提供技術監聽，都被婉拒，這麼嚴密的防護要被破解實在很難。
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
News: 論文維國格 禁納入 China
（中央社記者林思宇台北16日電）原始新聞連結
教育部今天表示，只要是代表台灣在國際上發表論文，禁止把國籍寫成「China」，使用「China」作為國籍發表的論文都不會承認，只能用「Taiwan」或「ROC」。
自由時報報導，中國北京大學教授饒毅無理要求共同發表學術論文的台灣清華大學教授江安世，通訊地名必須改為「中國台灣（Taiwan, China）」，還寫信恐嚇行政院國家科學委員會，要求放棄「Taiwan」或「Taiwan, R.O.C.」政策，否則將阻礙兩岸學術合作。清華大學副校長葉銘泉表示，國際論文發表時，都要寫作者的任職機構或是學校，這部分會提到國籍；台灣學者都會寫「Taiwan」，他認為，這是個個案，並不會影響到兩岸學術交流。
教育部次長林聰明表示，台灣學者發表論文時，會提到國籍的部分，都要使用「Taiwan」或是「ROC」，使用「China」教育部一概不會承認，教師在升等、點數等，都不會考量。林聰明說，「我們是中華民國，不是中華人民共和國，國格要非常強調」。林聰明說，學者如果發現「Taiwan」被改成「China」，一定要去函更正。
清大教授江安世：會堅守台灣立場
(自由時報 2011/08/16 記者洪美秀竹市報導) 原始新聞連結
以果蠅為研究標的、建構出「腦內嗅覺神經網路地圖」而蜚聲國際的清華大學腦科學研究中心主任江安世，與中國北京大學教授饒毅聯名發表論文，卻被饒毅要求通訊地名必須改為「中國台灣（Taiwan, China）」。江安世昨受訪表示，「China」不是台灣在國際學術發表上慣用的名稱，他已在兩星期前寫信給饒毅，要求尊重台灣立場，如果不尊重，就不要將他與研究團隊列為共同作者，但他也期許科學歸科學、政治歸政治，仍希望在科學領域彼此善意合作。
江安世以果蠅「腦內嗅覺神經網路地圖」而名揚國際，被喻為諾貝爾獎得主熱門人選。許多國家和生物研究團隊都曾向他取經，饒毅與江安世在美國研究時就認識，四年多前，江安世團隊協助饒毅研究團隊進行果蠅哪些分子與神經網絡影響的研究。
江安世說，饒毅團隊在幾個月前就發表果蠅神經網絡的相關研究，將他與研究團隊列為共同作者，不過，卻以「China」做為地址，他認為極為不妥，曾表達台灣學術期刊在國際都是以「Taiwan, R.O.C」或是「Taipei, Taiwan」發表，從沒用過「China」，要求饒毅尊重台灣立場，否則就不要將他與研究團隊列為共同作者。
江安世說，幾個星期前他在審查 Science 相關稿件時，又發現饒毅仍使用「China」，便立即寫信給饒毅要求撤回，並表達他的立場與堅守的原則，強調饒毅如果無法尊重，就不要將他與研究團隊列為共同作者。
江安世團隊的果蠅「腦內嗅覺神經網路地圖」研究，是全球第一個用分子層次的腦神經網路基因，表現 3D 影像虛擬實境系統，研究成果多次登上國際頂尖學術期刊「細胞」及「自然」和「科學」等雜誌。
江安世的研究超前哈佛大學、史丹佛大學、維也納大學等競爭對手，因此很多大學都曾邀約他共同研究，或提供研究資源與協助，饒毅也是其中之一。江安世說，這種合作研究模式在科學界很常見，透過彼此合作與發表論文，可以打開知名度。
江安世不諱言台灣的研究環境條件不佳且經費不足，與國際知名大學共同合作研究可增加知名度，被列為共同貢獻者或共同作者的情況常有，但他都堅守原則，就是列為共同作者應以「Taiwan」為名。
教育部今天表示，只要是代表台灣在國際上發表論文，禁止把國籍寫成「China」，使用「China」作為國籍發表的論文都不會承認，只能用「Taiwan」或「ROC」。
自由時報報導，中國北京大學教授饒毅無理要求共同發表學術論文的台灣清華大學教授江安世，通訊地名必須改為「中國台灣（Taiwan, China）」，還寫信恐嚇行政院國家科學委員會，要求放棄「Taiwan」或「Taiwan, R.O.C.」政策，否則將阻礙兩岸學術合作。清華大學副校長葉銘泉表示，國際論文發表時，都要寫作者的任職機構或是學校，這部分會提到國籍；台灣學者都會寫「Taiwan」，他認為，這是個個案，並不會影響到兩岸學術交流。
教育部次長林聰明表示，台灣學者發表論文時，會提到國籍的部分，都要使用「Taiwan」或是「ROC」，使用「China」教育部一概不會承認，教師在升等、點數等，都不會考量。林聰明說，「我們是中華民國，不是中華人民共和國，國格要非常強調」。林聰明說，學者如果發現「Taiwan」被改成「China」，一定要去函更正。
清大教授江安世：會堅守台灣立場
(自由時報 2011/08/16 記者洪美秀竹市報導) 原始新聞連結
以果蠅為研究標的、建構出「腦內嗅覺神經網路地圖」而蜚聲國際的清華大學腦科學研究中心主任江安世，與中國北京大學教授饒毅聯名發表論文，卻被饒毅要求通訊地名必須改為「中國台灣（Taiwan, China）」。江安世昨受訪表示，「China」不是台灣在國際學術發表上慣用的名稱，他已在兩星期前寫信給饒毅，要求尊重台灣立場，如果不尊重，就不要將他與研究團隊列為共同作者，但他也期許科學歸科學、政治歸政治，仍希望在科學領域彼此善意合作。
江安世以果蠅「腦內嗅覺神經網路地圖」而名揚國際，被喻為諾貝爾獎得主熱門人選。許多國家和生物研究團隊都曾向他取經，饒毅與江安世在美國研究時就認識，四年多前，江安世團隊協助饒毅研究團隊進行果蠅哪些分子與神經網絡影響的研究。
江安世說，饒毅團隊在幾個月前就發表果蠅神經網絡的相關研究，將他與研究團隊列為共同作者，不過，卻以「China」做為地址，他認為極為不妥，曾表達台灣學術期刊在國際都是以「Taiwan, R.O.C」或是「Taipei, Taiwan」發表，從沒用過「China」，要求饒毅尊重台灣立場，否則就不要將他與研究團隊列為共同作者。
江安世說，幾個星期前他在審查 Science 相關稿件時，又發現饒毅仍使用「China」，便立即寫信給饒毅要求撤回，並表達他的立場與堅守的原則，強調饒毅如果無法尊重，就不要將他與研究團隊列為共同作者。
江安世團隊的果蠅「腦內嗅覺神經網路地圖」研究，是全球第一個用分子層次的腦神經網路基因，表現 3D 影像虛擬實境系統，研究成果多次登上國際頂尖學術期刊「細胞」及「自然」和「科學」等雜誌。
江安世的研究超前哈佛大學、史丹佛大學、維也納大學等競爭對手，因此很多大學都曾邀約他共同研究，或提供研究資源與協助，饒毅也是其中之一。江安世說，這種合作研究模式在科學界很常見，透過彼此合作與發表論文，可以打開知名度。
江安世不諱言台灣的研究環境條件不佳且經費不足，與國際知名大學共同合作研究可增加知名度，被列為共同貢獻者或共同作者的情況常有，但他都堅守原則，就是列為共同作者應以「Taiwan」為名。
Friday, August 05, 2011
News: 最大規模駭客攻擊 指向中國
(自由時報 2011/08/04 編譯陳成良、記者羅添斌 綜合報導 原始新聞連結)
美國資安業者「邁克菲」（McAfee）發現史上最大規模連環網路攻擊，這項代號為「暗鼠行動」的駭侵，包括聯合國、台灣等國政府、國防承包商、多家國際企業等七十二個機構的網路都遭駭客攻擊。專家認為，中國極可能是幕後黑手！
包括台灣 全球 72 機構遇襲
台灣軍方資訊將領則指出，中國網軍每每在研發新式網路攻擊戰法時，對台灣發動實驗式攻擊，藉以驗證新戰法效果，因此台灣常首當其衝。這些攻擊行動能量都很大，背後一定有國家力量支撐。
McAfee 三日公布的十四頁報告中指出，據信這些攻擊背後有「國家角色」主導。雖然 McAfee 不願一語道破，但聽過相關簡報的美國國際戰略研究中心網路專家路易斯指出，所有證據都指向中國，例如一直到北京舉辦奧運前，台灣與一些國家的奧委會都是攻擊重點，顯示中國就是幕後黑手。
路易斯表示，很多受害目標都擁有與中國特殊利益相關的資訊，比如國際奧委會及一些國家奧委會的電腦系統，就是在北京申辦奧運期間被駭侵。
駭侵已五年 證據指向中國
連環駭侵行動歷時五年，目標鎖定美國、台灣、南韓、印度、越南、加拿大等國政府，聯合國、東南亞國協、國際奧委會、世界反禁藥組織等國際組織，還有英美兩國國防承包商、營建、保險、能源、太陽能產業、衛星通訊高科技公司等多家企業。
美聯社香港、紐約辦事處也遭殃。專家說，美聯社記者不疑有他，點擊了電郵中遭感染的連結。紐約辦事處前年九月遭駭侵持續八個月，香港辦事處持續二十一個月。
攻擊行動代號為「暗鼠行動」（Operation Shady RAT），RAT為英文「遠端存取工具」（Remote Access Tool）縮寫，一語雙關。據 McAfee 指出，在聯合國遇襲個案中，駭客二○○八年侵入聯合國日內瓦秘書處的電腦系統，潛伏近兩年，暗中搜括秘密資料。
McAfee 實驗室的威脅研究副總裁阿爾佩洛維奇說，很多企業和政府機構每天都被肆意攻擊和掠奪。他們面對這些不擇手段的競爭者，喪失了經濟優勢、國家機密。這是知識產權史上最大的財富轉移，規模相當駭人。
今年三月被英特爾併購的 McAfee 已通知七十二個受駭機構，但未透露細節。據了解，有四十九個在美國。
三月間，McAfee 研究人員對曾出現安全漏洞的國防企業進行調查，在一部「控管伺服器」中發現一些襲擊痕跡。最早的安全缺口發生於二○○六年中，有些襲擊只持續一個月，但對某一亞洲國家的奧委會襲擊持續二十八個月。
北京尚未對相關報導置評。儘管過去中國一貫強調指控皆「子虛烏有」，但據「維基解密」披露的美國國務院外交機密電文，駐北京的美國外交使節認為，中國 Google（當地稱中國谷歌）去年初首遭駭客入侵，是中共中央政治局策動。
Google 六月初也曾透露，疑似來自中國的駭客又試圖入侵數百名 Gmail 用戶的帳戶，目標包括美國高層政府官員、軍方人員、中國異議人士、記者，以及南韓等數個亞洲國家官員。駭客來源是山東濟南以及該市由解放軍資助成立的藍翔高級技工學校。
網路安全專家揭露迄今為止最大規模網路攻擊，包括聯合國和國際奧委會在內的全球七十二個機構成為駭客攻擊目標，甚至台灣也難逃網路攻擊的魔爪。
圖為美國國土安全部的分析師在「國家網路安全暨通訊整合中心」（NCCIC）坐鎮。
NCCIC 位於華府近郊阿靈頓，是協調美國網安管理的中樞。 （路透檔案照）
中國網攻新戰法 拿台灣試刀
(自由時報 2011/08/04 記者羅添斌 綜合報導 原始新聞連結)
美國資安業者「邁克菲」（McAfee）發現歷來最大規模連環網路攻擊，台灣政府也是受害者，專家並認為中國極可能是幕後黑手。軍方資訊將領昨對此指出，中國網軍每每在研發新式網路攻擊戰法時，會對台灣發動實驗式攻擊，藉以驗證新戰法是否有效，「他們無時無刻都在設法侵入台灣各機關電腦」。
將領指出，中國網軍每年試圖侵入我國官方網站的能量都很大，這些駭客或是網軍，背後一定有國家力量在支撐。
國安局長蔡得勝去年在立法院報告時曾說出驚人數字，指國安局網站從去年一至十月，每分鐘被駭客攻擊達十一點五六次，每個月被攻擊將近五十萬次。網軍的攻擊方式通常會透過第三地迂迴的進攻，中國大陸就是主要攻擊來源。
中國解放軍在去年七月設立直屬於總參謀部的「信息保障基地」，儘管中國官方撇清這個基地並非外界指稱的「網軍司令部」，但國際間仍認為中國網軍不僅實質存在，位階也不斷提升，已成司令部層級。
我建立防駭機制 防不勝防
台灣軍方早在十餘年前，就針對反制來自內部及外部的「駭客」入侵行為，建立資訊安全機制實驗室、構建防火牆及防毒、應變等安全機制，及建立入侵偵測機制，以模擬駭客攻防及電腦病毒危機應變能力，強化資訊安全。
資訊將領表示，中國駭客及網軍侵入台灣網站，意圖癱瘓或是竊取我方機密資料的量實在是太大了，真是防不勝防，例如在二○○四年七月間，軍方軍聞社網站就曾遭到疑似是中國駭客的入侵，將各新聞標題改貼「二○二○統一台灣！」等字眼。
通資將領表示，二○○三年期間，我國有八十八家政府機構與企業同時遭到駭客入侵的事件，經資安單位聯手調查後發現，對方最上層主機位於中國湖北和福建兩地，判斷可能為中國軍方所發動，目的就是在竊取資料及擾亂台灣社會秩序。
通資將領說，中國軍方在二○○一年與美軍發生EP3軍機擦撞事件後，中國網軍就大量對包括美國等國家實施網路攻擊，由於收穫豐碩，讓中國網軍及駭客對資訊攻擊作戰信心大增，中國軍方也將此做為重點發展項目，「台灣更成為各項新戰法的實驗對象」。
美國資安業者「邁克菲」（McAfee）發現史上最大規模連環網路攻擊，這項代號為「暗鼠行動」的駭侵，包括聯合國、台灣等國政府、國防承包商、多家國際企業等七十二個機構的網路都遭駭客攻擊。專家認為，中國極可能是幕後黑手！
包括台灣 全球 72 機構遇襲
台灣軍方資訊將領則指出，中國網軍每每在研發新式網路攻擊戰法時，對台灣發動實驗式攻擊，藉以驗證新戰法效果，因此台灣常首當其衝。這些攻擊行動能量都很大，背後一定有國家力量支撐。
McAfee 三日公布的十四頁報告中指出，據信這些攻擊背後有「國家角色」主導。雖然 McAfee 不願一語道破，但聽過相關簡報的美國國際戰略研究中心網路專家路易斯指出，所有證據都指向中國，例如一直到北京舉辦奧運前，台灣與一些國家的奧委會都是攻擊重點，顯示中國就是幕後黑手。
路易斯表示，很多受害目標都擁有與中國特殊利益相關的資訊，比如國際奧委會及一些國家奧委會的電腦系統，就是在北京申辦奧運期間被駭侵。
駭侵已五年 證據指向中國
連環駭侵行動歷時五年，目標鎖定美國、台灣、南韓、印度、越南、加拿大等國政府，聯合國、東南亞國協、國際奧委會、世界反禁藥組織等國際組織，還有英美兩國國防承包商、營建、保險、能源、太陽能產業、衛星通訊高科技公司等多家企業。
美聯社香港、紐約辦事處也遭殃。專家說，美聯社記者不疑有他，點擊了電郵中遭感染的連結。紐約辦事處前年九月遭駭侵持續八個月，香港辦事處持續二十一個月。
攻擊行動代號為「暗鼠行動」（Operation Shady RAT），RAT為英文「遠端存取工具」（Remote Access Tool）縮寫，一語雙關。據 McAfee 指出，在聯合國遇襲個案中，駭客二○○八年侵入聯合國日內瓦秘書處的電腦系統，潛伏近兩年，暗中搜括秘密資料。
McAfee 實驗室的威脅研究副總裁阿爾佩洛維奇說，很多企業和政府機構每天都被肆意攻擊和掠奪。他們面對這些不擇手段的競爭者，喪失了經濟優勢、國家機密。這是知識產權史上最大的財富轉移，規模相當駭人。
今年三月被英特爾併購的 McAfee 已通知七十二個受駭機構，但未透露細節。據了解，有四十九個在美國。
三月間，McAfee 研究人員對曾出現安全漏洞的國防企業進行調查，在一部「控管伺服器」中發現一些襲擊痕跡。最早的安全缺口發生於二○○六年中，有些襲擊只持續一個月，但對某一亞洲國家的奧委會襲擊持續二十八個月。
北京尚未對相關報導置評。儘管過去中國一貫強調指控皆「子虛烏有」，但據「維基解密」披露的美國國務院外交機密電文，駐北京的美國外交使節認為，中國 Google（當地稱中國谷歌）去年初首遭駭客入侵，是中共中央政治局策動。
Google 六月初也曾透露，疑似來自中國的駭客又試圖入侵數百名 Gmail 用戶的帳戶，目標包括美國高層政府官員、軍方人員、中國異議人士、記者，以及南韓等數個亞洲國家官員。駭客來源是山東濟南以及該市由解放軍資助成立的藍翔高級技工學校。
網路安全專家揭露迄今為止最大規模網路攻擊，包括聯合國和國際奧委會在內的全球七十二個機構成為駭客攻擊目標，甚至台灣也難逃網路攻擊的魔爪。
圖為美國國土安全部的分析師在「國家網路安全暨通訊整合中心」（NCCIC）坐鎮。
NCCIC 位於華府近郊阿靈頓，是協調美國網安管理的中樞。 （路透檔案照）
中國網攻新戰法 拿台灣試刀
(自由時報 2011/08/04 記者羅添斌 綜合報導 原始新聞連結)
美國資安業者「邁克菲」（McAfee）發現歷來最大規模連環網路攻擊，台灣政府也是受害者，專家並認為中國極可能是幕後黑手。軍方資訊將領昨對此指出，中國網軍每每在研發新式網路攻擊戰法時，會對台灣發動實驗式攻擊，藉以驗證新戰法是否有效，「他們無時無刻都在設法侵入台灣各機關電腦」。
將領指出，中國網軍每年試圖侵入我國官方網站的能量都很大，這些駭客或是網軍，背後一定有國家力量在支撐。
國安局長蔡得勝去年在立法院報告時曾說出驚人數字，指國安局網站從去年一至十月，每分鐘被駭客攻擊達十一點五六次，每個月被攻擊將近五十萬次。網軍的攻擊方式通常會透過第三地迂迴的進攻，中國大陸就是主要攻擊來源。
中國解放軍在去年七月設立直屬於總參謀部的「信息保障基地」，儘管中國官方撇清這個基地並非外界指稱的「網軍司令部」，但國際間仍認為中國網軍不僅實質存在，位階也不斷提升，已成司令部層級。
我建立防駭機制 防不勝防
台灣軍方早在十餘年前，就針對反制來自內部及外部的「駭客」入侵行為，建立資訊安全機制實驗室、構建防火牆及防毒、應變等安全機制，及建立入侵偵測機制，以模擬駭客攻防及電腦病毒危機應變能力，強化資訊安全。
資訊將領表示，中國駭客及網軍侵入台灣網站，意圖癱瘓或是竊取我方機密資料的量實在是太大了，真是防不勝防，例如在二○○四年七月間，軍方軍聞社網站就曾遭到疑似是中國駭客的入侵，將各新聞標題改貼「二○二○統一台灣！」等字眼。
通資將領表示，二○○三年期間，我國有八十八家政府機構與企業同時遭到駭客入侵的事件，經資安單位聯手調查後發現，對方最上層主機位於中國湖北和福建兩地，判斷可能為中國軍方所發動，目的就是在竊取資料及擾亂台灣社會秩序。
通資將領說，中國軍方在二○○一年與美軍發生EP3軍機擦撞事件後，中國網軍就大量對包括美國等國家實施網路攻擊，由於收穫豐碩，讓中國網軍及駭客對資訊攻擊作戰信心大增，中國軍方也將此做為重點發展項目，「台灣更成為各項新戰法的實驗對象」。
Monday, May 02, 2011
News: 歐巴馬：賓拉登被美軍槍擊死亡
新頭殼 newtalk 2011.05.02 林禾寧 綜合外電 原始新聞連結
美國總統歐巴馬在美東時間星期日（1日）晚間（台灣時間 2 日早上 11 時 30 分左右）宣佈， 蓋達組織領導人賓拉登（Osama bin Laden）已經在巴基斯坦被美軍擊斃。
歐巴馬在美國白宮的這場電視演說中表示，美軍依據情報單位所提供的消息，在上週和賓拉登藏身地的巴基斯坦當局合作，發動地面攻擊將賓拉登擊斃。歐巴馬也證實，目前賓拉登的遺體在美國的掌握之中。
歐巴馬指出，美國情報單位和軍方在去年 8 月首次向他通報獲得賓拉登下落的消息，發現賓拉登藏身於巴基斯坦境內；他在上星期批准美軍對賓拉登藏身地點所展開的攻擊行動。
歐巴馬強調，美國人民已容忍賓拉登 10 年了，這次賓拉登被狙擊死亡，可說是「正義的制裁」，但美國的反恐行動尚未結束。
新頭殼網站圖片來源：達志影像/路透社。
賓拉登被擊斃的消息傳開後，有不少美國民眾聚集在美國白宮外高喊「美國！美國！」的口號，慶祝恐怖組織蓋達領導人遭美軍擊斃的消息。
據 BBC 報導，前美國總統布希表示，賓拉登被擊斃是一項「重大成就」。前總統柯林頓也認為，賓拉登的死訊，對全世界渴望和平、自由的人士來說，都是重要的時刻。
2001 年美國遭受 911 恐怖攻擊以來，美國一直在追捕賓拉登等基地組織領導人。美國官員始終相信賓拉登藏身在阿富汗和巴基斯坦邊界的崇山峻嶺中。經過近 10 年的追補，終於在上星期擊斃賓拉登。
美國總統歐巴馬在美東時間星期日（1日）晚間（台灣時間 2 日早上 11 時 30 分左右）宣佈， 蓋達組織領導人賓拉登（Osama bin Laden）已經在巴基斯坦被美軍擊斃。
歐巴馬在美國白宮的這場電視演說中表示，美軍依據情報單位所提供的消息，在上週和賓拉登藏身地的巴基斯坦當局合作，發動地面攻擊將賓拉登擊斃。歐巴馬也證實，目前賓拉登的遺體在美國的掌握之中。
歐巴馬指出，美國情報單位和軍方在去年 8 月首次向他通報獲得賓拉登下落的消息，發現賓拉登藏身於巴基斯坦境內；他在上星期批准美軍對賓拉登藏身地點所展開的攻擊行動。
歐巴馬強調，美國人民已容忍賓拉登 10 年了，這次賓拉登被狙擊死亡，可說是「正義的制裁」，但美國的反恐行動尚未結束。
新頭殼網站圖片來源：達志影像/路透社。
賓拉登被擊斃的消息傳開後，有不少美國民眾聚集在美國白宮外高喊「美國！美國！」的口號，慶祝恐怖組織蓋達領導人遭美軍擊斃的消息。
據 BBC 報導，前美國總統布希表示，賓拉登被擊斃是一項「重大成就」。前總統柯林頓也認為，賓拉登的死訊，對全世界渴望和平、自由的人士來說，都是重要的時刻。
2001 年美國遭受 911 恐怖攻擊以來，美國一直在追捕賓拉登等基地組織領導人。美國官員始終相信賓拉登藏身在阿富汗和巴基斯坦邊界的崇山峻嶺中。經過近 10 年的追補，終於在上星期擊斃賓拉登。
Monday, March 07, 2011
News: 中國論文量世界第一 濫竽充數
【中央社 2011-03-07 原始新聞連結】
中國大陸論文數量世界第一，但引用率極低，排在全球 100 名外。大陸國家統計局前局長李德水呼籲，盡快改革大陸科研體制和對科研人員評價考核機制，絕不能以發表多少論文去論英雄。綜合大陸媒體報導，全國政協經濟委員會副主任李德水在大陸全國政協11屆4次會議記者會上，提出上述呼籲。
李德水說，「我想跟大家說兩個第一，中國大陸現在有兩個世界第一。一個是研發人員，到2009 年年底，我們有 318 萬 4000 名研發人員、科技人員，這是世界第一，超過美國；一個是近年來我們科研人員發表的期刊、論文數量已經超過美國，居世界第一。」李德水進一步說，「但是這些論文平均引用率卻排在世界 100 位之後。」
此外，也有人大代表指出，中國目前尤其缺乏高品質的自然科學論文，應當注意到中國「SCI」（科學引文索引）數字光環背後，存在數據造假、剽竊、抄襲等諸多問題。「大躍進」般發表「SCI」論文和「跑獎」，是一種惡劣的學術生態，科研品質和可信度堪憂。他們呼籲提高品質，去除對論文發表的崇拜。「我國現在論文數量世界領先，引用率排名很低。尤其高質量的自然科學方面論文還很少。」中國電子科技集團第五十四研究所副總工程師張學慶說。
「學術造假之所以屢禁不止，和現行的科研評價體制和管理機制有關。」安徽師範大學生命科學學院教研室主任朱國萍說，當前「SCI」論文數量是很多科研機構和大學考核評價學術成果的主要標準，與職稱評定、科研經費等掛鉤。
近年來，論文抄襲、學術造假、剽竊在中國大陸屢禁不止：上海交大被曝「漢芯造假門」；井岡山大學講師鐘華和劉濤發表在國際學術期刊「晶體學報」的 70 篇論文存在造假現象，全部遭到撤銷；「浙江大學學報（英文版）」接到的投稿有31%涉及抄襲；而今年西安交大李連生所獲國家科技進步二等獎也因涉及 30 多處造假剽竊被撤銷。
中國科協書記處書記馮長根曾經發表文章批評，中國學術論文存在 6 個問題：引言籠統、不介紹同行工作、參考文獻太少、缺乏研究過程、缺乏原創、不介紹已有成果。中國學術論文引用率低的4大原因是浮躁風、傳統文化的影響、科學歷史、科學技術上不成熟。
長江日報 2010 年一篇報導引述一項研究顯示，包括非法期刊在內，買賣論文在大陸已形成產業，2009 年規模達人民幣 10 億元。武漢大學資訊管理學院副教授瀋陽和他的團隊展開 3 年多的買賣論文與非法學術期刊專題研究，用反剽竊軟體查詢，2007 年的樣本數據中，72% 的文章是全文抄襲，24% 的論文部分抄襲，只有 4% 的文章不存在抄襲。
在美國國家實驗室的大陸訪問學者孫博士告訴電視台，中國大陸學術界充斥著種種亂象，論文剽竊抄襲只是腐敗的冰山一角。
「北京青年報」今天刊登署名李然的評論，指出寫論文在中國寫成了一個產業，這大概也是世界第一的，可是，這個產業再繁榮，也與學術科研水準關係不大，改變這種現象的呼聲已經存在多年，但一直都沒有看到什麼轉變，
評論說，當賈伯斯（Steve Jobs）的蘋果 (AppleInc)公司依靠科技創新一輪又一輪地收割世界的時候，「我們不能靠堆積成山的論文和山寨手機來證明自己在努力，解放創新能力勢在必行，不能再以科研的名義發展論文產業了。」
中國大陸論文數量世界第一，但引用率極低，排在全球 100 名外。大陸國家統計局前局長李德水呼籲，盡快改革大陸科研體制和對科研人員評價考核機制，絕不能以發表多少論文去論英雄。綜合大陸媒體報導，全國政協經濟委員會副主任李德水在大陸全國政協11屆4次會議記者會上，提出上述呼籲。
李德水說，「我想跟大家說兩個第一，中國大陸現在有兩個世界第一。一個是研發人員，到2009 年年底，我們有 318 萬 4000 名研發人員、科技人員，這是世界第一，超過美國；一個是近年來我們科研人員發表的期刊、論文數量已經超過美國，居世界第一。」李德水進一步說，「但是這些論文平均引用率卻排在世界 100 位之後。」
此外，也有人大代表指出，中國目前尤其缺乏高品質的自然科學論文，應當注意到中國「SCI」（科學引文索引）數字光環背後，存在數據造假、剽竊、抄襲等諸多問題。「大躍進」般發表「SCI」論文和「跑獎」，是一種惡劣的學術生態，科研品質和可信度堪憂。他們呼籲提高品質，去除對論文發表的崇拜。「我國現在論文數量世界領先，引用率排名很低。尤其高質量的自然科學方面論文還很少。」中國電子科技集團第五十四研究所副總工程師張學慶說。
「學術造假之所以屢禁不止，和現行的科研評價體制和管理機制有關。」安徽師範大學生命科學學院教研室主任朱國萍說，當前「SCI」論文數量是很多科研機構和大學考核評價學術成果的主要標準，與職稱評定、科研經費等掛鉤。
近年來，論文抄襲、學術造假、剽竊在中國大陸屢禁不止：上海交大被曝「漢芯造假門」；井岡山大學講師鐘華和劉濤發表在國際學術期刊「晶體學報」的 70 篇論文存在造假現象，全部遭到撤銷；「浙江大學學報（英文版）」接到的投稿有31%涉及抄襲；而今年西安交大李連生所獲國家科技進步二等獎也因涉及 30 多處造假剽竊被撤銷。
中國科協書記處書記馮長根曾經發表文章批評，中國學術論文存在 6 個問題：引言籠統、不介紹同行工作、參考文獻太少、缺乏研究過程、缺乏原創、不介紹已有成果。中國學術論文引用率低的4大原因是浮躁風、傳統文化的影響、科學歷史、科學技術上不成熟。
長江日報 2010 年一篇報導引述一項研究顯示，包括非法期刊在內，買賣論文在大陸已形成產業，2009 年規模達人民幣 10 億元。武漢大學資訊管理學院副教授瀋陽和他的團隊展開 3 年多的買賣論文與非法學術期刊專題研究，用反剽竊軟體查詢，2007 年的樣本數據中，72% 的文章是全文抄襲，24% 的論文部分抄襲，只有 4% 的文章不存在抄襲。
在美國國家實驗室的大陸訪問學者孫博士告訴電視台，中國大陸學術界充斥著種種亂象，論文剽竊抄襲只是腐敗的冰山一角。
「北京青年報」今天刊登署名李然的評論，指出寫論文在中國寫成了一個產業，這大概也是世界第一的，可是，這個產業再繁榮，也與學術科研水準關係不大，改變這種現象的呼聲已經存在多年，但一直都沒有看到什麼轉變，
評論說，當賈伯斯（Steve Jobs）的蘋果 (AppleInc)公司依靠科技創新一輪又一輪地收割世界的時候，「我們不能靠堆積成山的論文和山寨手機來證明自己在努力，解放創新能力勢在必行，不能再以科研的名義發展論文產業了。」
Thursday, February 17, 2011
FBI: Spies Hid Secret Messages on Public Websites
[Wired Original Link]
# By Noah Shachtman
# June 29, 2010 1:11 pm
# Categories: Spies, Secrecy and Surveillance
Moscow communicated with a ring of alleged spies in America by encoding instructions in otherwise innocent-looking images on public websites. It’s a process called steganography. And it’s one of a slew of high-tech and time-tested methods that the deep-cover agents and their Russian handlers used to pass information — from private Wi-Fi networks to buried paper bags.
Steganography is simultaneously one of the oldest methods for secret communications, and one of the more advanced. The process dates back to the fifth century B.C., when the Greek tyrant Histiaeus shaved the head of one of his servants, tattooed a message on his head, and waited for his hair to grow back before sending the messenger out. When the courier arrived, his head was shaved and the missive was read, giving information about upcoming Persian attacks. Later on, secret inks were used on couriers’ backs. Morse code messages were woven into a sweater that was worn by a courier.
As information went digital, steganography changed. Messages could be hidden in the 1s and 0s of electronic files — pictures, audio, video, executables, whatever. The hidden communications could even be slowly dribbled into the torrent of IP traffic. Compression schemes — like JPEG for images or MP3 for audio — introduce errors into the files, making a message even easier to hide. New colors or tones can be subtly added or removed, to cover up for the changes. According to the FBI, the image above contains a hidden map of the Burlington, Vermont, airport.
Both before and after Sept. 11, there were rumors in the media that al-Qaida had begun hiding messages in digital porn. That speculation was never confirmed, as far as I can tell.
The accused Russian spy network started using steganography as early as 2005, according to the Justice Department’s criminal complaint against the conspirators, unsealed yesterday in Manhattan. In that year, law enforcement agents raided the home of one of the alleged spies. There, they found a set of password-protected disks and a piece of paper, marked with “alt,” “control,” “e,” and a string of 27 characters. When they used that as a password, the G-Men found a program that allowed the spies “to encrypt data, and then clandestinely to embed the data in images on publicly available websites.”
The G-Men also found a hard drive. On it was an address book with website URLs, as well as the user’s web traffic history. “These addresses, in turn, had links to other websites,” the complaint notes. “Law-enforcement agents visited some of the referenced websites, and many others as well, and have downloaded images from them. These images appear wholly unremarkable to the naked eye. But these images (and others) have been analyzed using the Steganography Program. As a result of this analysis, some of the images have been revealed as containing readable text files.”
These messages were used to arrange meetings, cash drops, deliveries of laptops and further information exchanges. One of the steganographically hidden messages also directed the conspirators to use radiograms — a decades-old method to pass information, long discredited in spooky circles.
“The FBI must have been clapping its collective hands when it discovered the primitive radio techniques the Russians were using: high-speed ‘burst transmissions,’” writes SpyTalk’s Jeff Stein. “The Cold War-era technique requires the sending party to record a coded Morse code message on a tape, then shoot it through the air in a millisecond. They were easy picking for the FBI, once it knew where to listen.”
According to the FBI, bugs in the spies’ homes picked up “the irregular electronic clicking sounds associated with the receipt of coded radio transmissions.”
“Likewise, you’d think the Russians would have moved beyond buried paper bags to pay their agents. Moscow Center did supply them with ATM cards, according to the FBI's affidavit. But it also seems stuck with the old ways,” SpyTalk adds.
But maybe not. “METSOS secretly buried some of the money in upstate New York,” the FBI affidavit says, referring to one of the defendants, “and two years later, in 2006, the Seattle Conspirators flew to New York and dug it up.”
# By Noah Shachtman
# June 29, 2010 1:11 pm
# Categories: Spies, Secrecy and Surveillance
Moscow communicated with a ring of alleged spies in America by encoding instructions in otherwise innocent-looking images on public websites. It’s a process called steganography. And it’s one of a slew of high-tech and time-tested methods that the deep-cover agents and their Russian handlers used to pass information — from private Wi-Fi networks to buried paper bags.
Steganography is simultaneously one of the oldest methods for secret communications, and one of the more advanced. The process dates back to the fifth century B.C., when the Greek tyrant Histiaeus shaved the head of one of his servants, tattooed a message on his head, and waited for his hair to grow back before sending the messenger out. When the courier arrived, his head was shaved and the missive was read, giving information about upcoming Persian attacks. Later on, secret inks were used on couriers’ backs. Morse code messages were woven into a sweater that was worn by a courier.
As information went digital, steganography changed. Messages could be hidden in the 1s and 0s of electronic files — pictures, audio, video, executables, whatever. The hidden communications could even be slowly dribbled into the torrent of IP traffic. Compression schemes — like JPEG for images or MP3 for audio — introduce errors into the files, making a message even easier to hide. New colors or tones can be subtly added or removed, to cover up for the changes. According to the FBI, the image above contains a hidden map of the Burlington, Vermont, airport.
Both before and after Sept. 11, there were rumors in the media that al-Qaida had begun hiding messages in digital porn. That speculation was never confirmed, as far as I can tell.
The accused Russian spy network started using steganography as early as 2005, according to the Justice Department’s criminal complaint against the conspirators, unsealed yesterday in Manhattan. In that year, law enforcement agents raided the home of one of the alleged spies. There, they found a set of password-protected disks and a piece of paper, marked with “alt,” “control,” “e,” and a string of 27 characters. When they used that as a password, the G-Men found a program that allowed the spies “to encrypt data, and then clandestinely to embed the data in images on publicly available websites.”
The G-Men also found a hard drive. On it was an address book with website URLs, as well as the user’s web traffic history. “These addresses, in turn, had links to other websites,” the complaint notes. “Law-enforcement agents visited some of the referenced websites, and many others as well, and have downloaded images from them. These images appear wholly unremarkable to the naked eye. But these images (and others) have been analyzed using the Steganography Program. As a result of this analysis, some of the images have been revealed as containing readable text files.”
These messages were used to arrange meetings, cash drops, deliveries of laptops and further information exchanges. One of the steganographically hidden messages also directed the conspirators to use radiograms — a decades-old method to pass information, long discredited in spooky circles.
“The FBI must have been clapping its collective hands when it discovered the primitive radio techniques the Russians were using: high-speed ‘burst transmissions,’” writes SpyTalk’s Jeff Stein. “The Cold War-era technique requires the sending party to record a coded Morse code message on a tape, then shoot it through the air in a millisecond. They were easy picking for the FBI, once it knew where to listen.”
According to the FBI, bugs in the spies’ homes picked up “the irregular electronic clicking sounds associated with the receipt of coded radio transmissions.”
“Likewise, you’d think the Russians would have moved beyond buried paper bags to pay their agents. Moscow Center did supply them with ATM cards, according to the FBI's affidavit. But it also seems stuck with the old ways,” SpyTalk adds.
But maybe not. “METSOS secretly buried some of the money in upstate New York,” the FBI affidavit says, referring to one of the defendants, “and two years later, in 2006, the Seattle Conspirators flew to New York and dug it up.”
Friday, October 01, 2010
News: Google 發表影像壓縮新技術 取代過時的 JPEG
數位時代網站新聞精選 原始連結
撰文者: 戴佳慧 日期：2010/10/01
一向以完美網頁瀏覽體驗為己任的 Google 再出新招！今天 Google 在 Chromium 官方部落格上發表了一種全新影像格式 WebP，能大幅改善網頁圖檔的傳輸效能。經過 WebP 壓縮的影像，檔案大小比常見的 JPEG、GIF、PNG 格式平均減少了 39%，色調和色彩演繹相較之下也毫不遜色。
Chromium 部落格指出，今日的網頁傳輸有 65% 用在影像和照片下載。在行動網路和頻寬有限的情況下，使用者點開網頁之後，還要耐心等待圖片緩緩展開。為了提供使用者更順暢、更愉快的網頁瀏覽經驗，Google 利用全新壓縮技術 VP8 設計了一套新的影像壓縮格式 WebP，大幅減少圖檔大小，讓網頁下載更迅速。
VP8 原本是由美國上市科技公司 On2 所開發出來的視訊壓縮格式，Google 在今年年初收購了On2，接著在五月開放 VP8 技術原始碼。Google 看出 VP8 技術在圖像失真壓縮上也大有可為，足以取代過時的 JPEG、GIF 格式等早年研發成果，因此將 VP8 稍加改編之後推出了新的 WebP 影像格式。
Google 隨機在網路上找了一百萬張圖片作測試，比較 WebP 和傳統格式的壓縮效能和畫質，並分享了幾中幾張圖片讓網友們參考。Google 網站上也提供了轉換軟體，能夠將各種格式的圖片輕鬆轉換成 WebP 檔，歡迎網友們一同試用比較。
撰文者: 戴佳慧 日期：2010/10/01
一向以完美網頁瀏覽體驗為己任的 Google 再出新招！今天 Google 在 Chromium 官方部落格上發表了一種全新影像格式 WebP，能大幅改善網頁圖檔的傳輸效能。經過 WebP 壓縮的影像，檔案大小比常見的 JPEG、GIF、PNG 格式平均減少了 39%，色調和色彩演繹相較之下也毫不遜色。
Chromium 部落格指出，今日的網頁傳輸有 65% 用在影像和照片下載。在行動網路和頻寬有限的情況下，使用者點開網頁之後，還要耐心等待圖片緩緩展開。為了提供使用者更順暢、更愉快的網頁瀏覽經驗，Google 利用全新壓縮技術 VP8 設計了一套新的影像壓縮格式 WebP，大幅減少圖檔大小，讓網頁下載更迅速。
VP8 原本是由美國上市科技公司 On2 所開發出來的視訊壓縮格式，Google 在今年年初收購了On2，接著在五月開放 VP8 技術原始碼。Google 看出 VP8 技術在圖像失真壓縮上也大有可為，足以取代過時的 JPEG、GIF 格式等早年研發成果，因此將 VP8 稍加改編之後推出了新的 WebP 影像格式。
Google 隨機在網路上找了一百萬張圖片作測試，比較 WebP 和傳統格式的壓縮效能和畫質，並分享了幾中幾張圖片讓網友們參考。Google 網站上也提供了轉換軟體，能夠將各種格式的圖片輕鬆轉換成 WebP 檔，歡迎網友們一同試用比較。
Thursday, August 19, 2010
News: 論文抄別人 博士碩士都沒了
(聯合新聞網 2010/08/18 記者饒磐安 台北縣報導 原始新聞連結 Yahoo 新聞網)
政大歷史研究所博士生張OO前年四月上網查資料，發現她的碩士論文遭林姓女博士生抄襲，因而提告，智慧財產權法院法官找中研院法律研究所專家鑑定，認定林女論文卅二處抄襲，林女因被撤銷碩士學位，和博士班入學資格。
智慧財產權法院法官依違反著作權法，判林女須賠償張女廿二萬元，並在報紙全國版下半版刊登判決書。
張OO是中研院獎助的培育博士生，她八年前在中正大學歷史研究所完成碩士論文「清代貞節的實踐及其困境」，論證貞節的實踐有「階級性」。
她前年四月上網查資料，在國家圖書館網站上竟發現中研院林姓女助理的碩士論文「情慾與社會秩序：從刑科題本看清代婦女的抉擇」，有多處抄自她的碩士論文；且林女將論文改寫成單篇專文「賦性宣淫：清乾隆朝強姦案之解讀」，刊登在東吳大學歷史系研究生學報創刊號，也有多處抄襲她的碩士論文。
張女說，她要求林女更正道歉，但林女不但毫不反省，反而稱類似事件在學術界很多，並不稀奇；學術之路漫長，希望她有「智慧」放手，無須為此事弄得「頭破血流」。她感到訝異，並認為林女若不更正及道歉，澄清是非，日後她的單篇專文反而被誤認是抄襲自林女，因此才提告。
林女則說，她並未故意抄襲，她和張女的論文論述不同，研究架構、研究目的及徵引文獻上都有差異，且引用論文未涉商業活動，並在張女告知此事的第一時間，撤回錯引的論文並更正論文內容，她的更正已確定張女的論文地位，她被撤銷碩士學位，也喪失博士班入學資格，已付出很大代價，盼法官不要再判她登報道歉。
政大歷史研究所博士生張OO前年四月上網查資料，發現她的碩士論文遭林姓女博士生抄襲，因而提告，智慧財產權法院法官找中研院法律研究所專家鑑定，認定林女論文卅二處抄襲，林女因被撤銷碩士學位，和博士班入學資格。
智慧財產權法院法官依違反著作權法，判林女須賠償張女廿二萬元，並在報紙全國版下半版刊登判決書。
張OO是中研院獎助的培育博士生，她八年前在中正大學歷史研究所完成碩士論文「清代貞節的實踐及其困境」，論證貞節的實踐有「階級性」。
她前年四月上網查資料，在國家圖書館網站上竟發現中研院林姓女助理的碩士論文「情慾與社會秩序：從刑科題本看清代婦女的抉擇」，有多處抄自她的碩士論文；且林女將論文改寫成單篇專文「賦性宣淫：清乾隆朝強姦案之解讀」，刊登在東吳大學歷史系研究生學報創刊號，也有多處抄襲她的碩士論文。
張女說，她要求林女更正道歉，但林女不但毫不反省，反而稱類似事件在學術界很多，並不稀奇；學術之路漫長，希望她有「智慧」放手，無須為此事弄得「頭破血流」。她感到訝異，並認為林女若不更正及道歉，澄清是非，日後她的單篇專文反而被誤認是抄襲自林女，因此才提告。
林女則說，她並未故意抄襲，她和張女的論文論述不同，研究架構、研究目的及徵引文獻上都有差異，且引用論文未涉商業活動，並在張女告知此事的第一時間，撤回錯引的論文並更正論文內容，她的更正已確定張女的論文地位，她被撤銷碩士學位，也喪失博士班入學資格，已付出很大代價，盼法官不要再判她登報道歉。
Saturday, May 29, 2010
News: 學生論文抄襲 教授升聘受阻
(中央社 2010/05/26 記者李先鳳台南電)
教育部高教司長何卓飛今天表示，由於網路便利性，近年學術論文抄襲案件增多；為遏止弊端，擬於 9 月起，若學生碩博士論文抄襲，指導教授的升等、聘任都會受影響。
98 學年度全國公私立大學校院教務主管聯席會議今、明兩天在長榮大學舉行，主軸為「優質大學教師的第一課」，針對學術倫理、卓越教學及國際化等主題進行專題演講及經驗交流。
行政院國科會科學教育處長胡志偉下午以「大學老師的第一課：行政院國科會學術倫理案件處理要點」為題演講表示，學術倫理中常見的不當行為有捏造、變造、剽竊，在台灣很多學生不知如何寫報告，可能是學校老師沒有教，於是就抄襲。
教育部高教司長何卓飛表示，由於網路便利性，近年學術論文抄襲案件增多，98年至今已有15件檢舉案，其中7件確認抄襲、3 件審理中、5 件無抄襲之嫌。
何卓飛指出，碩博士生的論文是否涉及抄襲，指導教授是第1個把關者。未來若有論文抄襲事實者，除依學位授予法規範，予以撤銷學位外，對於指導教授也將追究其責任。
何卓飛說，擬於 9 月新學期開始，與教師的評鑑掛勾，也就是若經確定學生碩博士論文抄襲，指導教授在升等、聘任都會有影響。
何卓飛並表示，指導教授提案爭取國科會專案，再交由學生執筆寫報告，完成後指導教授署名作為自己升等依據，學生則作為論文拿學位，這樣糾結的狀況，希望各校討論後釐清。
對於大學校園 BBS 或網站出現徵求代寫論文或報告的訊息，何卓飛表示，過去曾發生找大陸學生代寫的案例，也聽聞 EMBA 在職專班生會找人代寫論文或報告，但目前未接獲相關檢舉；已要求各大學 BBS 或網站先行把關，發現疑似訊息必須儘速移除。
另外，中山大學已發表能在短時間內掃描論文或報告是否抄襲的「偵測比對系統」，何卓飛表示，將與中山大學洽談，將此軟體開放給各學校使用。
YKLee 註: 這種論文代寫的廣告, Google 也好多, 超名目張膽的宣傳!
教育部高教司長何卓飛今天表示，由於網路便利性，近年學術論文抄襲案件增多；為遏止弊端，擬於 9 月起，若學生碩博士論文抄襲，指導教授的升等、聘任都會受影響。
98 學年度全國公私立大學校院教務主管聯席會議今、明兩天在長榮大學舉行，主軸為「優質大學教師的第一課」，針對學術倫理、卓越教學及國際化等主題進行專題演講及經驗交流。
行政院國科會科學教育處長胡志偉下午以「大學老師的第一課：行政院國科會學術倫理案件處理要點」為題演講表示，學術倫理中常見的不當行為有捏造、變造、剽竊，在台灣很多學生不知如何寫報告，可能是學校老師沒有教，於是就抄襲。
教育部高教司長何卓飛表示，由於網路便利性，近年學術論文抄襲案件增多，98年至今已有15件檢舉案，其中7件確認抄襲、3 件審理中、5 件無抄襲之嫌。
何卓飛指出，碩博士生的論文是否涉及抄襲，指導教授是第1個把關者。未來若有論文抄襲事實者，除依學位授予法規範，予以撤銷學位外，對於指導教授也將追究其責任。
何卓飛說，擬於 9 月新學期開始，與教師的評鑑掛勾，也就是若經確定學生碩博士論文抄襲，指導教授在升等、聘任都會有影響。
何卓飛並表示，指導教授提案爭取國科會專案，再交由學生執筆寫報告，完成後指導教授署名作為自己升等依據，學生則作為論文拿學位，這樣糾結的狀況，希望各校討論後釐清。
對於大學校園 BBS 或網站出現徵求代寫論文或報告的訊息，何卓飛表示，過去曾發生找大陸學生代寫的案例，也聽聞 EMBA 在職專班生會找人代寫論文或報告，但目前未接獲相關檢舉；已要求各大學 BBS 或網站先行把關，發現疑似訊息必須儘速移除。
另外，中山大學已發表能在短時間內掃描論文或報告是否抄襲的「偵測比對系統」，何卓飛表示，將與中山大學洽談，將此軟體開放給各學校使用。
 |
| From StegoRN |
YKLee 註: 這種論文代寫的廣告, Google 也好多, 超名目張膽的宣傳!
Monday, February 01, 2010
News: 白宮發言人: 911 恐怖攻擊主謀可能會處決
（路透華盛頓 31 日電 中央社 翻譯, 原始新聞連結）
白宮發言人吉布茲（Robert Gibbs）今天表示，被控策劃 911 恐怖攻擊事件的穆罕默德（Khalid Sheikh Mohammed），將遭審訊、定罪，並可能處決。
吉布茲在美國有線電視新聞網（CNN）「美國國情（State of the Union）」談話節目中說：「穆罕默德將被問審，並去見上帝。他會送交審判，並可能為他所犯下的滔天大罪遭行刑處死。」
基於起訴 911 事件一干被告，維安與相關費用所費不貲，有報導稱，為此面臨強烈抨擊的歐巴馬政府，已開始尋找紐約以外的其他地點，以起訴穆罕默德和另 4 名共謀被告。
對於這些報導，吉布茲並未證實。
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
白宮發言人吉布茲（Robert Gibbs）今天表示，被控策劃 911 恐怖攻擊事件的穆罕默德（Khalid Sheikh Mohammed），將遭審訊、定罪，並可能處決。
吉布茲在美國有線電視新聞網（CNN）「美國國情（State of the Union）」談話節目中說：「穆罕默德將被問審，並去見上帝。他會送交審判，並可能為他所犯下的滔天大罪遭行刑處死。」
基於起訴 911 事件一干被告，維安與相關費用所費不貲，有報導稱，為此面臨強烈抨擊的歐巴馬政府，已開始尋找紐約以外的其他地點，以起訴穆罕默德和另 4 名共謀被告。
對於這些報導，吉布茲並未證實。
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
Saturday, September 12, 2009
News: Gordon Brown: I'm proud to say sorry to a real war hero
Gordon Brown: I'm proud to say sorry to a real war hero
The treatment of code-breaker Alan Turing was utterly unfair, says Gordon Brown
By Gordon Brown
Published: 9:30PM BST 10 Sep 2009
Original Link
This has been a year of deep reflection – a chance for Britain, as a nation, to commemorate the profound debts we owe to those who came before. A unique combination of anniversaries and events have stirred in us that sense of pride and gratitude that characterise the British experience. Earlier this year, I stood with Presidents Sarkozy and Obama to honour the service and the sacrifice of the heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy 65 years ago. And just last week, we marked the 70 years which have passed since the British government declared its willingness to take up arms against fascism and declared the outbreak of the Second World War.
So I am both pleased and proud that, thanks to a coalition of computer scientists, historians and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) activists, we have this year a chance to mark and celebrate another contribution to Britain's fight against the darkness of dictatorship: that of code-breaker Alan Turing.
Computer pioneer Alan Turing, who helped crack German Enigma codes during WWII
From StegoRN
Turing was a quite brilliant mathematician, most famous for his work on breaking the German Enigma codes. It is no exaggeration to say that, without his outstanding contribution, the history of the Second World War could have been very different. He truly was one of those individuals we can point to whose unique contribution helped to turn the tide of war. The debt of gratitude he is owed makes it all the more horrifying, therefore, that he was treated so inhumanely.
In 1952, he was convicted of "gross indecency" – in effect, tried for being gay. His sentence – and he was faced with the miserable choice of this or prison – was chemical castration by a series of injections of female hormones. He took his own life just two years later.
Thousands of people have come together to demand justice for Alan Turing and recognition of the appalling way he was treated. While Turing was dealt with under the law of the time, and we can't put the clock back, his treatment was of course utterly unfair, and I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him. Alan and the many thousands of other gay men who were convicted, as he was convicted, under homophobic laws, were treated terribly. Over the years, millions more lived in fear in conviction. I am proud that those days are gone and that in the past 12 years this Government has done so much to make life fairer and more equal for our LGBT community. This recognition of Alan's status as one of Britain's most famous victims of homophobia is another step towards equality, and long overdue.
But even more than that, Alan deserves recognition for his contribution to humankind. For those of us born after 1945, into a Europe which is united, democratic and at peace, it is hard to imagine that our continent was once the theatre of mankind's darkest hour. It is difficult to believe that in living memory, people could become so consumed by hate – by anti-Semitism, by homophobia, by xenophobia and other murderous prejudices – that the gas chambers and crematoria became a piece of the European landscape as surely as the galleries and universities and concert halls which had marked out the European civilisation for hundreds of years.
It is thanks to men and women who were totally committed to fighting fascism, people like Alan Turing, that the horrors of the Holocaust and of total war are part of Europe's history and not Europe's present. So on behalf of the British government, and all those who live freely thanks to Alan's work, I am very proud to say: we're sorry. You deserved so much better.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
News: Funding concentrated on elite might be a mistake
英調查發現 研究經費集中撥給精英大學恐是不智之舉
國科會 國際科技合作 簡訊網
原始文件連結
作者：駐英科技組 現職：駐英科技組
文章來源：Times Higher Education, 15-21 Jan., 2009, No. 1879
發佈時間：98.02.26
英國華威大學經濟學家及教授 Andrew Oswald 在近期調查報告中建議，未來研究經費應廣泛地分撥給各大學，避免集中於少數傳統精英大學之上。這份分析報告與最近英國高等教育評鑑（Research Assessment Exercise, RAE）的調查結果不謀而合，發現出產「世界級」研究並非少數以研究知名的精英大學之專利。
這份調查報告以經濟學學科領域為對象，分析 2001 到 2008 年間世界各大學所發表的經濟學研究報告，歸納出 450 篇得列「世界等級」之報告，這幾篇報告不僅曾先後發表於二十二份世界頂尖期刊雜誌，也是被引用率最高的報告。世界級報告中 43 篇來自英國，約佔總數 10%，當中 12篇來自倫敦政經學院（London School of Economics and Political Science），11篇來自牛津大學，6 篇來自華威大學，令人驚訝的是，將近四分之一的比例（另外 18 篇）則是來自「非傳統精英」大學，包括約克大學（University of York）、卡地夫大學（University of Cardiff）、肯特大學（University of Kent）、蘭卡斯特大學（University of Lancaster）和萊斯特大學（University of Leicester）。
Oswald 教授對此調查結果感到意外但也說明，這結果顯現許多大學都有能力創造傑出研究，非凡的研究成果並非少數精英大學之專利，因此僅將研究補助集中撥給少數精英大學恐為不智之舉。再者，英格蘭高等教育獎助委員會（Higher Education Funding Council for England, Hefce）的原創目的本是贊助「任何」卓越研究，而非特定大學之研究。
繼英國高等教育評鑑（RAE）和此報告公佈的調查結果後，未來英格蘭高等教育獎助委員會如何分配研究補助仍待決議，但可預期的是，補助撥款方式將直接受到連帶影響，預計資金會更廣泛地分撥給各大學，以涵蓋成就傑出之「非傳統精英」大學。換言之，羅素集團(英國 20 所研究型大學所組成)過去較多的補助難免因此受到刪減。
Funding concentrated on elite might be a mistake
A report conducted by Andrew Oswald, an economist and professor of the University of Warwick, suggested that future research funding should be spread more thinly and broadly across a wide range of universities, rather than concentrating on a small group of traditional research elite. This report echoed the RAE's (Research Assessment Exercise) findings that world-leading research is not exclusively produced by some small elite of large research universities.
Looking specifically into economics discipline, the report analysed research papers produced in the world between 2001 to 2008 and 450 papers were identified as ‘truly world-leading’, the most highly cited articles published in 22 of the world’s top journals. Among these papers, 43 were from the UK, amounting to about 10 per cent of the total. While many of these UK world-leading papers were produced by top half-dozen universities in the country, with 12 from the London School of Economics and Political Science, 11 from the universities of Oxford and 6 from Warwick, a surprising quarter (the other 18) however were contributed by universities of York, Cardiff, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester and Sheffield, which are not traditionally considered to be among the top rank.
Taken by surprise, Professor Oswald said that the result suggests outstanding work comes from a wide range of sources and therefore, it appears unreasonable if funding is narrowly concentrated on a small number of universities. After all, the original promise of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) is to fund excellence wherever it is found, rather than excellence in specific institutions.
How Hefce would allocate funding following the RAE’s result, which is echoed by Professor Oswald’s, is yet to be determined. Nevertheless, some direct influence on the elite universities is expected. It is predicted that funding will be dispersed more thinly and broadly to cover a bigger group of universities, including those not considered to be top but producing extraordinary work. In other words, the elite, such as Russell Group, will lose funding inevitably.
國科會 國際科技合作 簡訊網
原始文件連結
作者：駐英科技組 現職：駐英科技組
文章來源：Times Higher Education, 15-21 Jan., 2009, No. 1879
發佈時間：98.02.26
英國華威大學經濟學家及教授 Andrew Oswald 在近期調查報告中建議，未來研究經費應廣泛地分撥給各大學，避免集中於少數傳統精英大學之上。這份分析報告與最近英國高等教育評鑑（Research Assessment Exercise, RAE）的調查結果不謀而合，發現出產「世界級」研究並非少數以研究知名的精英大學之專利。
這份調查報告以經濟學學科領域為對象，分析 2001 到 2008 年間世界各大學所發表的經濟學研究報告，歸納出 450 篇得列「世界等級」之報告，這幾篇報告不僅曾先後發表於二十二份世界頂尖期刊雜誌，也是被引用率最高的報告。世界級報告中 43 篇來自英國，約佔總數 10%，當中 12篇來自倫敦政經學院（London School of Economics and Political Science），11篇來自牛津大學，6 篇來自華威大學，令人驚訝的是，將近四分之一的比例（另外 18 篇）則是來自「非傳統精英」大學，包括約克大學（University of York）、卡地夫大學（University of Cardiff）、肯特大學（University of Kent）、蘭卡斯特大學（University of Lancaster）和萊斯特大學（University of Leicester）。
Oswald 教授對此調查結果感到意外但也說明，這結果顯現許多大學都有能力創造傑出研究，非凡的研究成果並非少數精英大學之專利，因此僅將研究補助集中撥給少數精英大學恐為不智之舉。再者，英格蘭高等教育獎助委員會（Higher Education Funding Council for England, Hefce）的原創目的本是贊助「任何」卓越研究，而非特定大學之研究。
繼英國高等教育評鑑（RAE）和此報告公佈的調查結果後，未來英格蘭高等教育獎助委員會如何分配研究補助仍待決議，但可預期的是，補助撥款方式將直接受到連帶影響，預計資金會更廣泛地分撥給各大學，以涵蓋成就傑出之「非傳統精英」大學。換言之，羅素集團(英國 20 所研究型大學所組成)過去較多的補助難免因此受到刪減。
Funding concentrated on elite might be a mistake
A report conducted by Andrew Oswald, an economist and professor of the University of Warwick, suggested that future research funding should be spread more thinly and broadly across a wide range of universities, rather than concentrating on a small group of traditional research elite. This report echoed the RAE's (Research Assessment Exercise) findings that world-leading research is not exclusively produced by some small elite of large research universities.
Looking specifically into economics discipline, the report analysed research papers produced in the world between 2001 to 2008 and 450 papers were identified as ‘truly world-leading’, the most highly cited articles published in 22 of the world’s top journals. Among these papers, 43 were from the UK, amounting to about 10 per cent of the total. While many of these UK world-leading papers were produced by top half-dozen universities in the country, with 12 from the London School of Economics and Political Science, 11 from the universities of Oxford and 6 from Warwick, a surprising quarter (the other 18) however were contributed by universities of York, Cardiff, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester and Sheffield, which are not traditionally considered to be among the top rank.
Taken by surprise, Professor Oswald said that the result suggests outstanding work comes from a wide range of sources and therefore, it appears unreasonable if funding is narrowly concentrated on a small number of universities. After all, the original promise of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) is to fund excellence wherever it is found, rather than excellence in specific institutions.
How Hefce would allocate funding following the RAE’s result, which is echoed by Professor Oswald’s, is yet to be determined. Nevertheless, some direct influence on the elite universities is expected. It is predicted that funding will be dispersed more thinly and broadly to cover a bigger group of universities, including those not considered to be top but producing extraordinary work. In other words, the elite, such as Russell Group, will lose funding inevitably.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
News: Terrorist instructions hidden online
2001/02/05 Jack Kelley 接連在《 USA Today 》發表兩篇報導, 指出美國官方及專家認為賓拉登及其組織可能透過將恐怖攻擊計畫藏在色情網站的圖片之中，或是運動聊天室來傳遞攻擊指令。
原始新聞連結 / Original Link
原始新聞連結 / Original Link
原始新聞連結 / Original Link
Terror groups hide behind Web encryption
02/05/2001 - Updated 05:17 PM ET
By Jack Kelley
WASHINGTON — Hidden in the X-rated pictures on several pornographic Web sites and the posted comments on sports chat rooms may lie the encrypted blueprints of the next terrorist attack against the United States or its allies. It sounds farfetched, but U.S. officials and experts say it's the latest method of communication being used by Osama bin Laden and his associates to outfox law enforcement. Bin Laden, indicted in the bombing in 1998 of two U.S. embassies in East Africa, and others are hiding maps and photographs of terrorist targets and posting instructions for terrorist activities on sports chat rooms, pornographic bulletin boards and other Web sites, U.S. and foreign officials say.
"Uncrackable encryption is allowing terrorists — Hamas, Hezbollah, al-Qaida and others — to communicate about their criminal intentions without fear of outside intrusion," FBI Director Louis Freeh said last March during closed-door testimony on terrorism before a Senate panel. "They're thwarting the efforts of law enforcement to detect, prevent and investigate illegal activities."
A terrorist's tool
Once the exclusive domain of the National Security Agency, the super-secret U.S. agency responsible for developing and cracking electronic codes, encryption has become the everyday tool of Muslim extremists in Afghanistan, Albania, Britain, Kashmir, Kosovo, the Philippines, Syria, the USA, the West Bank and Gaza and Yemen, U.S. officials say.
It's become so fundamental to the operations of these groups that bin Laden and other Muslim extremists are teaching it at their camps in Afghanistan and Sudan, they add.
"There is a tendency out there to envision a stereotypical Muslim fighter standing with an AK-47 in barren Afghanistan," says Ben Venzke, director of special intelligence projects for iDEFENSE, a cyberintelligence and risk management company based in Fairfax, Va.
"But Hamas, Hezbollah and bin Laden's groups have very sophisticated, well-educated people. Their technical equipment is good, and they have the bright, young minds to operate them," he said.
U.S. officials say bin Laden's organization, al-Qaida, uses money from Muslim sympathizers to purchase computers from stores or by mail. Bin Laden's followers download easy-to-use encryption programs from the Web, officials say, and have used the programs to help plan or carry out three of their most recent plots:
* Wadih El Hage, one of the suspects in the 1998 bombing of two U.S. embassies in East Africa, sent encrypted e-mails under various names, including "Norman" and "Abdus Sabbur," to "associates in al Qaida," according to the Oct. 25, 1998, U.S. indictment against him. Hage went on trial Monday in federal court in New York.
* Khalil Deek, an alleged terrorist arrested in Pakistan in 1999, used encrypted computer files to plot bombings in Jordan at the turn of the millennium, U.S. officials say. Authorities found Deek's computer at his Peshawar, Pakistan, home and flew it to the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Md. Mathematicians, using supercomputers, decoded the files, enabling the FBI to foil the plot.
* Ramzi Yousef, the convicted mastermind of the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, used encrypted files to hide details of a plot to destroy 11 U.S. airliners. Philippines officials found the computer in Yousef's Manila apartment in 1995. U.S. officials broke the encryption and foiled the plot. Two of the files, FBI officials say, took more than a year to decrypt.
"All the Islamists and terrorist groups are now using the Internet to spread their messages," says Reuven Paz, academic director of the Institute for Counter-Terrorism, an independent Israeli think tank.
Messages in dots
U.S. officials and militant Muslim groups say terrorists began using encryption — which scrambles data and then hides the data in existing images — about five years ago.
But the groups recently increased its use after U.S. law enforcement authorities revealed they were tapping bin Laden's satellite telephone calls from his base in Afghanistan and tracking his activities.
"It's brilliant," says Ahmed Jabril, spokesman for the militant group Hezbollah in London. "Now it's possible to send a verse from the Koran, an appeal for charity and even a call for jihad and know it will not be seen by anyone hostile to our faith, like the Americans."
Extremist groups are not only using encryption to disguise their e-mails but their voices, too, Attorney General Janet Reno told a presidential panel on terrorism last year, headed by former CIA director John Deutsch. Encryption programs also can scramble telephone conversations when the phones are plugged into a computer.
"In the future, we may tap a conversation in which the terrorist discusses the location of a bomb soon to go off, but we will be unable to prevent the terrorist act when we cannot understand the conversation," Reno said.
Here's how it works: Each image, whether a picture or a map, is created by a series of dots. Inside the dots are a string of letters and numbers that computers read to create the image. A coded message or another image can be hidden in those letters and numbers.
They're hidden using free encryption Internet programs set up by privacy advocacy groups. The programs scramble the messages or pictures into existing images. The images can only be unlocked using a "private key," or code, selected by the recipient, experts add. Otherwise, they're impossible to see or read.
"You very well could have a photograph and image with the time and information of an attack sitting on your computer, and you would never know it," Venzke says. "It will look no different than a photograph exchanged between two friends or family members."
U.S. officials concede it's difficult to intercept, let alone find, encrypted messages and images on the Internet's estimated 28 billion images and 2 billion Web sites.
Even if they find it, the encrypted message or image is impossible to read without cracking the encryption's code. A senior Defense Department mathematician says cracking a code often requires lots of time and the use of a government supercomputer.
It's no wonder the FBI wants all encryption programs to file what amounts to a "master key" with a federal authority that would allow them, with a judge's permission, to decrypt a code in a case of national security. But civil liberties groups, which offer encryption programs on the Web to further privacy, have vowed to fight it.
Officials say the Internet has become the modern version of the "dead drop," a slang term describing the location where Cold War-era spies left maps, pictures and other information.
But unlike the "dead drop," the Internet, U.S. officials say, is proving to be a much more secure way to conduct clandestine warfare.
"Who ever thought that sending encrypted streams of data across the Internet could produce a map on the other end saying 'this is where your target is' or 'here's how to kill them'?" says Paul Beaver, spokesman for Jane's Defense Weekly in London, which reports on defense and cyberterrorism issues. "And who ever thought it could be done with near perfect security? The Internet has proven to be a boon for terrorists."
原始新聞連結 / Original Link
Terrorist instructions hidden online
02/05/2001 - Updated 05:22 PM ET
By Jack Kelley
WASHINGTON — Osama bin Laden and other Muslim extremists are posting encrypted, or scrambled, photographs and messages on popular Web sites and using them to plan terrorist activities against the United States and its allies, U.S. officials say. The officials say bin Laden and his associates are using the Internet to conduct what some are calling "e-jihad," or holy war. Bin Laden, a dissident Saudi businessman, has been indicted for the 1998 bombing of two U.S. embassies in East Africa and is believed to be responsible for last fall's bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen. Four alleged bin Laden associates went on trial Monday in federal court in New York for the embassy bombings. "To a greater and greater degree, terrorist groups, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and bin Laden's al Qaida group, are using computerized files, e-mail, and encryption to support their operations," CIA Director George Tenet wrote last March to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The testimony, at a closed-door hearing, was later made public.
Through weeks of interviews with U.S. law-enforcement officials and experts, USA TODAY has learned new details of how extremists hide maps and photographs of terrorist targets — and post instructions for terrorist activities — on sports chat rooms, pornographic bulletin boards and other popular Web sites. Citing security concerns, officials declined to name the sites. Experts say it's difficult for law enforcement to intercept the messages.
"It's something the intelligence, law-enforcement and military communities are really struggling to deal with," says Ben Venzke, special projects director for iDEFENSE, a cyberintelligence company.
Officials and experts say the Internet is a new form of the "dead drop," a Cold War-era term for where spies left information. Officials and experts say the messages are scrambled using free encryption programs set up by groups that advocate privacy on the Internet. Those same programs also can hide maps and photographs in an existing image on selected Web sites. The e-mails and images can only be decrypted using a "private key" or code, selected by the recipient .
"The operational details and future targets, in many cases, are hidden in plain view on the Internet," Venzke says. "Only the members of the terrorist organizations, knowing the hidden signals, are able to extract the information."
Officials say bin Laden began using encryption five years ago, but recently increased its use after U.S. officials revealed they were tapping his satellite telephone calls in Afghanistan and tracking his activities.
"We will use whatever tools we can — e-mails, the Internet — to facilitate jihad against the (Israeli) occupiers and their supporters," Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the founder of the militant Muslim group Hamas said in a recent interview in the Gaza Strip. "We have the best minds working with us."
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