MOUNT VERNON Offering a chronology of Knox County Information Technology Department tasks completed since he became county IT director in 2019, Kyle Webb provided a thorough report of those accomplishments to Knox County commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday.

Over the past eight months, Webb wrote, the county has progressed from a managed IT services model, with two IT employees under contract from Info-Link Technologies, to an IT department with four full-time employees. At the beginning of this month, May 1, an agreement the county has with Info-Link was initiated, with both of its on-site staff hired on with the county full-time.

Webb said when he started his job as IT director, just two InfoLink staff members were barely able to keep up with day-to-day county IT issues, let alone any ongoing projects. Now the IT department has a staff with Webb as director; Shawn Conkle, network administrator; Trevor Ditmars, system administrator; and Andrew Champlin, IT communications coordinator, who recently helped launch a county Twitter page and reactive a dormant Facebook page. Champlin is the departments newest member.

The varied backgrounds of our team create a very well-rounded and robust department that can respond to any situation or challenge we may face, Webb offered.

The ability to take on significant projects was needed early in the year with two January deadlines looming, the first Jan. 14. After he started as IT director in September, his team was given about three months to organize more than 100 devices running on Windows 7 and upgrade them to Windows 10. The project included end of life for two Windows servers with 2008 dates.

This end of life meant there were no more security updates for Windows 7 and Server 2008, which would leave the county network extremely vulnerable to viruses and hackers, he said.

The upgrade involved replacing 64 of the countys outdated computers, and upgrading 53 more to Windows 10. The upgrade happened over 90 days and involved an ongoing shortage of computer components, so Webb said he contacted Dell Technologies about securing a government account representative who provided significant cost savings over a third-party vendor. The county IT department met its Jan. 14 goals in switching over to Windows 10 for all but a few computers, he noted.

Another monumental time-sensitive project was an upcoming State of Ohio Election Security overhaul carrying a mandated Jan. 31 deadline. Required was complete replacement of all Knox County Board of Elections (BOE) computers and networking equipment to meet incredibly high-security standards, he said. The BOE completed its due diligence by seeking state-approved vendors to bid on the project.

After reviewing several proposals, it was abundantly clear that if our in-house IT department handled the project, we would save the county thousands of dollars and create a much better, more secure computer network, Webb emphasized. He added that the Jan. 31 deadline was met and saved the county tens of thousands of dollars.

Some of the other projects Webb said the IT department has completed since September 2019 include:

Upgrading the Knox County Sheriffs Office and county 911 terminal servers.

Replacing three physical servers.

Taking over control of and updating the Knox County website and social media.

Taking over control of and updating the Knox County phone system.

Implemented new Network-Attached Storage (NAS) for the county Public Defenders Office.

Redesigned and rebuilt sheriffs office computer backup infrastructure

Implemented a COVID-19 remote workforce network.

Ongoing IT department projects include handling the Computer-Aided Dispatch upgrade for the Knox County 911 system, with a July go live target date, Webb said. Other current projects involve bond kiosk installation in the sheriffs office lobby; four server replacements for the 911 dispatch center; three server replacements for county offices; and one server replacement each for the sheriffs office and county water-wastewater department. New mobile data terminals are also being installed on sheriffs office cruisers.

Future goals include a new help desk ticketing system by August of this year; all new servers to be installed by August; rewiring all network closets by the end of the year; and full implementation of a disaster preparedness plan for critical systems with quarterly testing. There is also a goal of more social media outreach including videos and podcasts.

In the last eight months, the Knox County IT department has handled more IT projects than most organizations experience in two years, Webb offered. We still have a lot more to accomplish to get our systems to peak efficiency, but I am extremely happy with our progress so far.

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Larry Di Giovanni: 740-397-5333 or larry@mountvernonnews.com and on Twitter, @mountvernonnews

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County IT meets goals, ready to move on more - Mount Vernon News

One tool that bad guys use to go after your web servers is a web shell. A web shell is a malicious script that masquerades as a legitimate file and provides a backdoor into your server. Recent guidance from the US National Security Agency (NSA) and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) offers techniques to detect and prevent web shell malware from affecting web servers. The NSA document describes web shell malware as a long-standing, pervasive threat that continues to evade many security tools.

Detection may be difficult. Web shells target existing applications and files. Because they mimic proper files on your system, its often difficult to determine that an attack has occurred. Heres how to best detect and prevent web shell attacks on a Windows network.

Begin by comparing the files on the machine to known good files. Compare date and time stamps and especially SHA-2 hash values. You can also use Windiff to compare to files to determine if the attacker has replaced them with similar ones.

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9 tips to detect and prevent web shell attacks on Windows networks - CSO Online

If you were wondering whether Huawei would be able to regain its Android license, that chance was has just been thrown out that window for another year. On Wednesday, President Trump has extended an executive order that called for a National Emergency to secure information and telecom services from threats, including Huawei.

The first executive order, enacted back in May of last year, barred Huawei from conducting business with any business firm based in the US. This includes Google for Huaweis Android services, and this will only further push Huawei into creating its own app ecosystem that doesnt rely on Google Services. This will also continue to hinder sales of its smartphones in Western markets, where lack of Google Services can be a deal-breaker for many consumers.

Back in March, Huawei announced that its HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) replacement for Google Play Services has reached 400 million active users, and has 1.3 million developers on board. Although there are many alternatives to Googles core apps like Gmail and Maps, they only substitute the real thing though it is possible to live with HMS.

In any case, Huawei remains barred from its official Android license, so we only anticipate Huawei will continue to build its ecosystem without Google and we can expect more rumors of Huaweis planned replacement for Android called Harmony OS.

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Huawei remains banned from doing business with US companies for another year - GSMArena.com news - GSMArena.com

A 16-storey apartment building will replace what used to be the old villa that housed Bar Dada in the Bllok area of Tirana, until its demolition in February.

The construction permit for this apartment building, that will be called City Hotel, was given by the National Territorial Council (KKT), headed by Prime Minister Edi Rama, to entrepreneur Agim Zeqo in October 2019.

The building is being constructed by Nova Construction 2012, owned by Ilir and Kujtim Shtufi.

The project is designed by the Italian architect Marco Casamontis studio, Archea Associati, the same architect that designed Tiranas stadium building. Casamonti is known for being close to the Prime Minister.

The apartment building is expected to have 4 underground floors, and 12 above ground ones. The project plan seems to indicate a style similar to that of the Forever Green building in Tirana, whose construction has been ongoing for the past 10 years. This building was also designed by Casamonti. Both building designs stand out for their irregular window placement and terrace gardens.

The City Hotel building will be a multifunctional one, combining residential and office spaces.

Construction is expected to take 4 years.

Currently three more high-rise buildings are being built in the Bllok areas narrow alleys. A 13-storey building will replace the former villa that housed the private Metropolitan University. A multifunctional complex called Blloku Cube and designed by Stefano Boeri is being constructed a few meters away. Another of Boeris projects, West Residence, is being built in the area behind the Presidents Office.

Meanwhile, throughout Tirana, the municipality has granted construction permits for the construction of high rise buildings along the capitals main streets and squares.

At least 12 high-rise buildings, with an average height of 12-storeys, are currently being constructed.

Fjal kye: Albania, Edi Rama, Erion Veliaj, Marco Casamonti, Tirana, Tirana Municipality

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Another High Rise Building to Replace Historic Villa in Tirana - Exit - Explain Albania

Two shops and four flats along the London Road in High Wycombe could be bulldozed and replaced with a more modern building.

Developers want to demolish the buildings at 464 to 476 London Road which is currently four flats, a convenience store and a shop selling windows and replace it with a much more modern looking three storey block.

The new block will still have two slightly bigger retail units along the ground floor but the number of flats above will be doubled to eight.

ALSO READ:Brunel Engine Shed High Wycombe: Developers reveal details

Mirage Developments, who have put the plans forward to Buckinghamshire Councils planning officers, say the current building is in a poor state of repair and has structural issues.

If their new plans are given the green light, there will be four one-bed flats and four 2-bed flats, with access to them from the rear of the building. All flats will have a balcony and there will be a cycle store for 10 bikes.

There will also be 14 parking spaces at the back 11 for the eight flats and three for the shops.

A highways consultant says residents living in the new development will be in a good position to be able to visit shops without having to rely on cars, as it is right next door to Tesco Express and a few minutes away from the retail park.

ALSO READ:Monsoon and Accessorize units in Eden Shopping Centre to become Cte Brasserie

Buckinghamshire Council officers have until August 12 to decide whether to let the overhaul go ahead.

View the full details online at http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/pages/Planning-and-building-control/Planning-applications/Find-a-planning-application.aspx and search 20/05993/OUT.

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Shops and flats in 'poor state of repair' could be bulldozed and replaced - Buckinhamshire Free Press

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are officially shacking up together. The musical couple recently closed the deal on their very first home together, a mansion in Encino, California, Variety reports. According to the outlet, Stefani and Shelton shelled out $13.2 million for the estate, which sits on a 1.6-acre lot and spans approximately 13,000 square feet.

Because the deal happened off-market, and because the home was newly built on spec, there are few photos of the actual house itself, though renderings of the three-story mansion reveal a host of amenities, including a four-car garage, a large kitchen with top-end appliances, an Atmos home theater, and a stunning backyard cabana with its own wet bar and outdoor kitchen situated adjacent to a large pool and inset spa. Because the home is tucked right up against the foothills, it is extra private, with two oversize gates shielding it from street view. Noted developer Evan Gaskin was responsible for the design and execution.

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Both Stefani and Shelton, who initially met as judges on The Voicein 2014 and started dating in 2015, shed their old homes in recent years: The country singer sold the Brentwood, Tennessee, home he shared with his now ex-wife Miranda Lambert in January 2017 for $2.25 million. And just last October, Stefani sold the Beverly Hills mansion she used to co-own with then husband Gavin Rossdale for $21 million(she initially listed it for $35 million back in 2017).

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Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Buy First Home Together in Encino - Architectural Digest

GettySinger Shakira (L) and her husband and footballer Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona (R)

Shakiras house will be on fine display during the Disney Family Singalong Volume II, which airs Sunday, May 10 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The Colombian superstar is one of dozens of celebrities appearing on TV for the special, which is raising money for Feeding America.

Ahead of the show, heres what we know about where Shakira, her husband Girard Pique, and their children are quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shakira owns several homes all over the world. According to Velvet Ropes, she owns a mansion in Miami and a villa in Barcelona, plus a private island in the Bahamas she bought in 2011 with Pink Floyd member Roger Waters and Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz for $15 million. The plans were to build a luxury resort there, though its unclear whether any real estate has been developed there.

It would seem Shakira and her family are quarantining in the Barcelona villa because she made a comment in an Instagram video about being here in Europe Barcelona is in Spain.

Shakiras Barcelona home is a seven-bedroom property in a town called Esplugues de Llobregat. It boasts two kitchens, a gym, a cabana, and an outdoor swimming pool. Her Miami Beach property is on the water and boasts 8700 square feet of living space and 100 feet of waterfront on Biscayne Bay.

The singer has been keeping busy in quarantine. She recently posted a picture of herself to Instagram talking to the CEO of Sony Music Latin while blow-drying her hair. She has also been taking an Ancient Philosophy course online through the University of Pennsylvania.

She writes on Instagram, I know my hobbies are very impractical, but it took a lot of hours after the kids were asleep. Thank you, Plato and predecessors, for all the fun over the past month!

Just like with the first Disney Family Singalong, the performers this time run the gamut across the musical landscape, from divas to Disney stalwarts to dancers. The star-studded lineup includes:

Christina Aguilera, Tituss Burgess, Sabrina Carpenter, Chloe x Halle, Billy Eichner, Hayley Erbert, Halsey, Josh Gad, Donald Glover, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Jennifer Hudson, Lang Lang, John Legend, Idina Menzel, Miguel, Keke Palmer, Katy Perry, Ben Platt, Seth Rogen, Anika Noni Rose, Walter Russell III, Rebel Wilson, Shakira, and Disney on Broadway stars Merle Dandridge, Heather Headley, Adam Jacobs, Caissie Levy, Kara Lindsay, Kevin Massey, and Josh Strickland.

Plus, Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of The Muppets will open the show, and Dancing with the Stars professional dancers Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber and Emma Slater team up for an outstanding remote ensemble routine to Zero to Hero with Keke Palmer.

The ABC press release also teases that there are some surprise performances in store for fans as well.

Families and vulnerable members of the community who need help can visit FeedingAmerica.org/FeedTheLove to learn more about Feeding Americas COVID-19 response and how to locate local food banks for help.

The Disney Family Singalong Volume II airs Sunday, May 10 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

READ NEXT: Whoopi Goldbergs House: Where She & Her Daughter Call Home

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Shakira's House: Where Husband Girard Pique & Their Kids Call Home - Heavy.com

As Torontonianssit sequestered in our homes perhaps coming to terms with the fact that the closer summer gets, the less likely we are to get much of onedue to the pandemic residentsseem to befeeling extra sentimental and reminiscing on all of the things they miss about the city.

With no concerts or other events to look forward to in the foreseeable future, no restaurants or bars open for a sit-down meal or a patio pint, no stores to browse around in an attempt tosolace our growing existential dread via retail therapy, life can seem pretty bleak.

But, remembering thegood times (and hoping they'll be back soon), may help.

One of the Toronto things people seem to miss the most is grabbing food and drinks at their favourite local spots: an intimidatingplate of Sneaky Dee's nachos, fluffy Japanese pancakes from Fuwa Fuwa, a beer tasting flightfrom AmsterdamBrewhouse, some deep-fried plant-based goodness from theHogtown Vegan, or a handcrafted espresso beverage from their neighbourhood cafe.

Unforgettable drag parties at Crews & Tangos, or nights out on the town in general, are another thing that people are longing to relive during these dark days.

Sports games are another obvious one, though the fact that the Raptors and Leafs are beginning to practice again may provide a glimmer of hope for some.

And also, events in general, whether they be a game at the Scotiabank Arena, a concert at the Danforthor the annualToronto Comic Arts Festival, which was due to take place last weekend.

Some people just wish they couldpack a car full of friends and drive around the city singing the besthits by beloved Toronto artists (ones that reference the city, of course).

And others would prefer to hop onthe ferry or a water taxi over to the Toronto Islands and catchthe iconic view of the city skyline from the lake a key summer escapade thatpeople are really going to pine for now that traffic to Centre Island and Hanlan's has been temporarily suspended for anyone who doesn't live there.

There's also waiting in an overly busy lineup a normal,uncomfortably close one, not a socially distant one to get daydrunk off ofmimosas atbrunch: another peak Toronto activity on any given Saturday or Sunday morning.

Some people miss simply being able to go to work and hang out with their colleagues at what feels like a second home (since we're all getting pretty sick of our actualhomes, these days).

While others want to hide out and get some work done somewhere like the sprawling Toronto Reference Library (especially book lovers who can't access library services right now).

And like theAmericans famously protesting with ridiculoussigns, some Toronto citizens just want a haircut but hopefully it's more about the bonding chats with their beloved stylist than the actual cut itself.

The best and most Toronto things that people are missing right now, though, have to be the ones that we usually love to hate: infuriating TTC shuttle buses and packed subway platforms,an overhyped andultimately disappointing new eatery, getting lost in the confusing-as-hell labyrinth that is the PATH even the Trinity Bellwoods slackliners and cringeworthy hotspots like theCabana Pool Bar.

In a hilarious Twitter thread on the topic which includes some ofthe best/worst and most notoriously Toronto things there are also mentions of diveystaples likeJava House andthe Imperial Pub, the eccentric characters ofYonge-Dundas Square, and the midnight chaos of the Queen-Spadina McDonald's.

And, of course, the (sufferin) Dufferin Mall,Union Station construction, sketchy basement washrooms,Peter Parkour and the daunting out-of-service escalator at Scotiabank Theatre, among other things.

Yes, we miss it all, and terribly so:lineups, traffic, construction, smelly streets, ALL OF IT.

Just having the chance to impatiently meanderdown a busy Queen West sidewalk on a sunny day, or push pastatangle of out-of-towners vying for some Instagrammable ice cream, or wait for a table on the patio atBellwoods Brewerywould be heaven for most of us right about now.

Hopefully one thing to come from this health crisis will be a newfound love and appreciation for all of the quirks of this city that, though at times annoying, lend it the warm familiarity that makes it home.

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These are the things that Toronto misses the most while the city is in lockdown - blogTO

The tour of tennis is stopped for an indefinite period due to the pandemic of coronavirus. Accordingly, the tennis stars are confined in their homes and spend a nice time with your family. The former world no. 1 Serena Williams also loves to spend time with his family.

Williams is excessively active in social networks during the quarantine period. The legend american has posted several videos of her playing with the Olympia, cooking food with his daughter and playing tennis on the lawn against herself.

Casa Serena Williams in Palm Beach Garden, Florida Subsequently, their fans were amazed with your fabulous home while they were watching their videos. Williams is spending time with her husband Alexis Ohanian and his daughter Olympia in his impressive mansion in Palm Beach Garden in Florida.

The house of luxury of Serene, which is a co-owner with her sister Venus Williams, has a size of 7,323 square feet. The house has a roof with clay tile, and the property also includes a swimming pool with a cabana and a tennis court.

According to reports, Williams has been the owner of the property for more than two decades. She bought the property in 1998 for $ 525,000. Then built improvements in the luxurious house during the following two years.

Serena Williams is one of the athletes best paid in the world. She has earned more than $ 92 million in awards during his professional career tennis for 25 years until now. Last year, he won $ 4.3 million in prizes.

In addition, other $ 25 million come from the support of sponsors like Nike, JP Morgan and Gatorade, reported Forbes. Williams became the first athlete to reach the annual list of Forbes of the richest women made themselves in the world.

It has investments in more than 30 new businesses through Serena Ventures and has an estimated fortune of $ 225 million. Serena certainly has learned how to invest better than Alexis Ohanian .

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This is the lavish mansion of Serena Williams, where it passes quarantine with his family - Matzav Review

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Honoring healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis, ARS, one of the nation's largest providers of air conditioning, heating and plumbing services, announces its ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program. Rewarding HVAC systems and water heaters to more than 70 recipients in 24 states prior to the start of this summer, the program is an extension of ARS Cares, which provides a new system to deserving homeowners suffering without heat, A/C or water heaters.

Requesting submissions from the general public to identify healthcare workers in need of a new HVAC system or water heater, individuals can make nominations for the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes Program via ars.com/ars-cares.

"Everyday thousands of healthcare workers are confronting COVID-19, putting others first and making tremendous personal sacrifices," said Luis Orbegoso, President and COO of ARS. "Our brave healthcare workers deserve to have their homes be an environment in which they can recharge. The Healthcare Heroes Program will help to ensure those most deserving of appreciation are receiving a new HVAC system or water heater to make them as comfortable as possible during this stressful time."

Open immediately, the nomination period will close on Friday, May 29. ARS's national network of brands will then select the recipient in each market and complete installation of the new system the week of June 8.

The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICESBased in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy's Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, "Will" Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services.

Press Contact:Jennifer Hughesjqhughes@ars.comPhone: (901) 271-9878

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American Residential Services (ARS) Network Of Brands To Recognize Healthcare Heroes With Home Services Makeovers Across 24 States - Tullahoma News...