Protecting privacy with artificial intelligence
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, May 30, 2023
In the wake of a recent incident where personal identification numbers of several municipality residents were accidentally made publicly available, Lillestrm municipality contacted Tietoevry. To further protect its residents, they have now acquired a digital archive inspector.
We are very pleased with the Archive Inspector solution and feel that it provides an extra level of security. We feel confident that we have done everything we can to protect the privacy of our residents, says Synnve Standal, Head of the Department of Documentation in Lillestrm municipality.
The need for such measures became apparent in September 2021 when the municipality published several documents in its digital post log containing personal information about named students in the municipality. Since Lillestrm is one of about 150 municipalities in Norway using full-text publishing in their post log, anyone could read the documents for a short period of time after publishing.
The incident had a profound impact on those who work here, says Standal. The fact that the documents involved minors made the matter particularly critical. It caused us to look into solutions that could further strengthen the privacy of our residents without compromising transparency.
Artificial Intelligence
Lillestrm municipality contacted Tietoevry, which already provided post log and archive services to the municipality, to develop a solution that would prevent the accidental release of confidential information. In collaboration with the municipalities of Surnadal, Smla, and Kristiansund, they developed the 360 Archive Inspector system. The system, which is part of the Public 360 solution for documentation and case management, uses artificial intelligence to check documents for confidential information before they are published, ensuring that sensitive information is protected.
Its a perfect example of how artificial intelligence can be used to create a standardized service, saysSebastian Reichmann, Head of AI Insights at Tietoevry, Public 360.
Bjrn Tore Eriksen, Lead Product Manager at Tietoevry Industry, explains how the company uses computers to perform tasks where they outperform humans. In this case, the system excels at quickly identifying patterns in large amounts of data, he explains.
Eriksen emphasizes that the Archive Inspector solution is designed to complement the work of actual archivists, rather than replace them.
Demonstrates the potential
According to Eriksen, the Archive Inspector is an AI plug-and-play solution. Its a system that all municipalities and public entities across the country can quickly implement if they choose to do so.
The solution is standardized which makes it easily compatible for several different organizations. I think its fair to call it an AI plug-and-play solution, he explains, adding that for Public 360, this is just the beginning.
This demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be used to solve specific problems and showcases its potential. Artificial intelligence will be a focus area for us in the future, and were excited to assist existing and new customers in implementing smart AI technology, Eriksen concludes.
Speaking about her experience with the project, Standal says she is very pleased with the collaboration with Tietoevry.
Being a part of this project has been incredibly educational for us. We have worked closely with the Tietoevry team, and it has always been a positive and productive dialogue about how to solve various problems, she says.
In recent years, issues related to digitization and democracy have become increasingly prominent on the agenda, and were among the topics discussed at this years eKommune conference in April. Standal believes that the appropriate utilization of new technology can play a significant role in fostering trust between public services and residents.
The project serves as a prime example of how digital technology can be effectively utilized to ensure transparency in public administration while simultaneously safeguarding the privacy of our residents. This approach strengthens both local democracy and trust in the municipality, Standal concludes.
Romerikes Blad – Norwegian newspaper writes about it here.
(PDF Version) 5 May 2023 (amended from 2013 version) Insect pollinators are vital to agricultural production and the environment. Many farmers use pesticides to protect their crops from insect pests, weeds and diseases. However, some pesticides are toxic to bees and other pollinators through direct contact, such as from over-spray or from pesticide drift. Residues of certain pesticides that remain on leaves, in pollen and nectar, or in water sources could also harm pollinators through ingestion and/or contact. The following best management practices are provided to help protect bees and other insect pollinators, including honeybees, from pesticide spray applications and drift throughout the growing season. Practice Integrated Pest Management Know where beehives are located Observe pollinator activity to minimize exposure Pollinators visit crop and non-crop areas for nectar and pollen – including flower blooms on crops, trees, shrubs, weeds, and native vegetation. Pollinators may also be attracted to certain plants that produce nectar when not in bloom, and to the honeydew produced by many plant-sucking insects. It is therefore important to observe pollinator activity both at the application site and in the vicinity, and take the following steps to minimize pollinator exposure: Always read and follow the pesticide label instructions. Avoid spraying when crops or weeds in the treatment area are in bloom: time applications to minimize bee exposure (for example, before flowering or after blooms have gone). Monitor environmental conditions to minimize drift Check the weather forecast before application and be mindful of changing conditions. Use equipment that reduces drift Select drift-reducing spray nozzle technology, whenever possible. Target only the target area Follow the buffer zone instructions on the pesticide label. Exercise pollinator-friendly practices throughout the growing season Avoid contamination of plants, water and soil that may be used by pollinators. Report suspected pollinator pesticide poisonings Related information (PDF Version) 5 May 2023 (Amended from 2015 version) Requirement Best management practices The following Best Management Practices (BMPs) are provided to reduce the risk to bees and other insect pollinators from exposure to dust from treated seed. The BMPs provide a toolbox of options that should be used in combination wherever possible. Read and adhere to the pesticide label and seed tag directions Practice integrated pest management when choosing seed treatments As part of an IPM program, evaluate fields and determine if soil pests are present at threshold levels or if fields have a high pest risk before making a decision to use treated seed. (In the Related Information section of this document, please see provincial websites for soil pest information.) Develop and maintain shared communication with beekeepers to help protect honeybees Beekeepers should inform growers of hive locations. Recognize pollinator habitat and take special care to reduce dust exposure During planting season, weeds, such as dandelions, and flowering trees, including maples, willows, hawthorns, apples, etc., are important pollinator foraging resources. Avoid generating dust when handling and loading treated seed Handle bags with care during transport, loading and unloading in order to reduce abrasion, dust generation and spillage. Managing planting equipment to decrease dust drift Follow the directions provided by planting equipment manufacturers and keep up to date on new use practices. Use appropriate seed flow lubricant Seed flow lubricants may affect the generation of dust during planting. Only a dust-reducing fluency agent is permitted with corn or soybean seed treated with neonicotinoid insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam or imidacloprid. Ensure proper clean-up and disposal Spilled or exposed seeds and dust must be incorporated into the soil or cleaned-up from the soil surface. Report suspected pollinator pesticide poisonings See the pollinator protection webpage on Canada.ca for appropriate federal and provincial contacts or additional information: www.canada.ca/pollinators. Related information The following provincial sites provide soil pest information to support IPM practices: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Defense Strategies Institute is proud to announce the Critical Infrastructure Security Summit, occurring this September 22-23 in National Harbor, MD. This year’s Summit will convene senior leaders in a discussion on how we prevent and mitigate attacks against our critical infrastructure to ensure that the US people can continue their way of life, highlighting this year’s theme “Safeguarding US Infrastructure Against Cyber and Physical Attacks, threats, and Intrusions.” As recent attacks on US interests have shown, the critical infrastructure that keeps our nation’s economy and military running are more interconnected and vulnerable than ever to cyber-attacks from outside actors as well as a number of other man-made and natural threats. This summit will bring together experts from the Government, Private Sector, and Academia to discuss how we can better detect, deter, protect against, and respond to these actors and actions, and how the private sector can help foster a more secure cyberspace. The 2021 Infrastructure Security Summit will feature senior-level speakers including: Topics to be covered at the Summit Include: DSI is now welcoming Sponsors and Exhibitors for the forum. To learn more please contact Luis Hernandez at lhernandez@dsigroup.org, 201-918-3478. In order to allow for actionable discussion and dialogue amongst speaker and attendees, seating will be limited. Register now to reserve your seat. Active military and government and state personnel attend complimentary. Those interested in participating in the Critical Infrastructure Security Summit can visit Defense Strategies Institute’s website at http://infrastructure.dsigroup.org/. Anyone interested in learning more or sending questions contact Erica Noreika at enoreika@dsigroup.org, 201-896-7802.Canada – Fact Sheet – Protecting Pollinators during Pesticide Spraying – Best Management Practices
Practicing integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for sustainable pest control. This approach can include cultural practices to discourage pests, correct identification of the pest problem, determination that pest levels warrant pesticide treatment, and pesticide application at the lowest effective label rate.
Communication and cooperation among growers, pesticide applicators and beekeepers on the location of beehives, type of pesticide to be applied, timing and location of spraying, and the potential for drift, can help reduce pesticide exposure to bees. For example, if spraying is planned, contact beekeepers that have beehives near the crop to be sprayed. Such communication enables beekeepers to confirm that hives are located upwind of areas to be sprayed or in shelter belts. It also helps beekeepers determine when to temporarily protect or relocate hives, when feasible.
Honeybees forage most actively during the daytime, on sunny days, and at temperatures above 13°C. Other pollinators, such as bumblebees, may forage at temperatures below 13°C.
When a pesticide label indicates it may be toxic to bees/pollinators, it is important to:
Avoid spraying when bees are foraging: spraying during the day when bees are foraging can be the most hazardous. When environmental conditions permit, apply pesticides late in the evening when most pollinators are not foraging.
Avoid spraying when bees are foraging in ground cover containing blooming weeds: (for example, in an orchard) if application is necessary, consider removing flowers before pesticide application (for example, by mowing, disking or mulching).
Environmental conditions can contribute to spray drift, which may be hazardous to pollinators.
Initiate spray operations when the wind is blowing away from beehives and pollinator-attractive habitat.
Spray during cool temperatures and high humidity.
Spray in the evening when winds are low; however, do not spray during periods of “temperature inversion” which may occur when the air mass near the ground is cooler than the air immediately above it. It typically occurs between sunset and one to two hours after sunrise, and can cause pesticides to drift unpredictably and/or be carried over large distances when winds pick up. Some useful indicators of temperature inversions are evening/early morning mist, fog, dew or frost; and smoke, dust or fog that hangs in the air and/or moves sideways without dispersing.
Minimize spray drift to areas adjacent to the application site, particularly when weeds or other plants are in bloom.
Since fine droplets tend to drift farther, apply spray at lower pressures or choose low-drift nozzles that reduce drift by producing a medium-to-coarse droplet size. Calibrate spray equipment often.
Install shrouds or cones on field sprayers to significantly reduce spray drift.
Airblast sprayers can produce finer droplets with greater drift potential. When using an airblast sprayer, consider redirecting or turning off nozzles, or use technologies that reduce drift (for example, hooded towers, wraparound, and tunnel and target-sensing sprayers).
For aerial applications, ensure that the maximum boom width does not exceed 65% of the wingspan. Choose the appropriate nozzle and orient it to deliver as coarse as possible a droplet size without significant decrease in efficacy.
Apply pesticides only to the area needed.
Shut off sprayer when making turns at field ends or gardens, near large puddles, ponds and other sources of water that may be used by pollinators and other wildlife.
Shut off individual nozzles where it is not necessary to spray, such as gaps in the crop or shrubbery.
Bees and other pollinators collect pollen, nectar and water from different sources that could become contaminated with pesticide residue.
Provide pollinator-friendly habitat (for example, alfalfa, clover, wildflowers) away from crops.
For suspected pollinator poisonings related to pesticides, contact the appropriate federal/provincial authority. See the pollinator protection webpage on Canada.ca for the appropriate federal and provincial contacts and additional information: www.canada.ca/pollinators.
Additional information and best practices can be found at Health Canada’s pollinator protection web page www.canada.ca/pollinators or by contacting Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency at 1-800-267-6315.Canada – Fact Sheet – Protecting Pollinators When Using Treated Seed – Best Management Practices
When using a seed flow lubricant for planting corn or soybean seed treated with neonicotinoid insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam or imidacloprid, only a dust-reducing fluency agent is permitted to minimize the potential for abrasion that produces insecticidal seed dust. Talc and graphite are not permitted to be used as a seed flow lubricant for corn or soybean seed treated with these insecticides. Carefully follow the use directions provided with the dust-reducing fluency agent.
Insect pollinators are vital to agricultural production and the environment. Many farmers, including those who grow corn and soybeans, use insecticide-treated seed to protect their crop from insect pests. Some insecticides, such as neonicotinoids, are toxic to pollinators. Planting of treated seed can spread dust that contains insecticide into the air, placing pollinators at significant risk of exposure to toxic insecticides. Factors that impact the risk of exposure include the use of treated seed, type of planting equipment, planting conditions, flowering resources and bee yard locations.
Directions for use on pesticide product labels or on treated seed labels (such as personal protective equipment and buffer zones) must always be followed to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
Practicing integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for sustainable pest control. This approach can include cultural practices to discourage pests (for example, crop rotation), correct identification of the pest problem and risk factors.
Use insecticide treated seed only where necessary.
If insecticide treatment is required, use the lowest effective seed treatment rate.
Most seed companies can accommodate orders for non-insecticide treated seed. Talk to your seed dealer about timing and options.
Communication and cooperation among growers, custom operators and beekeepers on the timing of planting treated seed and the location of hives can help reduce the risk of bee incidents. This communication will enable growers to know which fields have hives located close by and provide advanced notice to beekeepers of planting intentions, allowing beekeepers to ensure hives are located strategically, take actions to temporarily protect or relocate hives where feasible, and ensure clean water sources are provided.
Growers should inform beekeepers of timing of planting treated seed and pesticide applications.
Bees collect pollen and nectar from flowering crops, trees and weeds, as well as water from puddles and moist soil in or beside fields. Pollinators can be exposed to treated seed dust when it is carried in the air or deposited on food and water sources.
Dust emitted through planter exhaust may be transported under all weather conditions. Pollinator exposure may be increased under very dry and/or windy conditions that favour dust transport. Avoid planting treated seed under these conditions if flowering resources, standing water or bee yards are located downwind, and follow best practices to reduce dust exposure.
Control flowering weeds in the field before planting so that pollinators are not attracted to in-field forage.
Do not load or clean planting equipment near bee colonies, and avoid places where bees may be foraging such as flowering crops, trees or weeds.
When turning on the planter, avoid engaging the system where emitted dust may contact honeybee colonies or foraging pollinators.
Research indicates that use of vacuum (negative pressure) planters poses a significant risk of pollinator exposure from drift of insecticide containing dust exhausted from these planters. Limited information is available on the extent of exposure through other planter types. All growers should take care to reduce/control insecticide containing dust exhausted from planters.
Clean and maintain planting equipment regularly, including the fan housing and hoppers of air-assisted planters. For example, vacuum any dust remaining in the fan housing and hopper.
Use deflector equipment, where appropriate, to direct exhaust to the ground level and thus reduce dust drift.
Talc and graphite are not permitted to be used as a seed flow lubricant for corn or soybean seed treated with these insecticides.
Carefully follow the use directions for the dust-reducing fluency agent.
Take care when cleaning up after planting seed and follow provincial/municipal disposal requirements:
Keep treated seed and dust away from surface water.
Do not leave empty seed bags or left-over treated seed in fields or the environment.
Participate in collection programs for seed bags where available.
For suspected pollinator poisonings related to planting of treated seed or pesticides, contact the appropriate federal/provincial authority.
Additional information and best practices can be found at Health Canada’s pollinator protection webpage: www.canada.ca/pollinators or by contacting Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency at 1-800-267-6315.
Québec : Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’AlimentationProtecting Our Nation’s Vital Infrastructure at Defense Strategies Institute’s Critical Infrastructure Security Summit
– Dr. David Mussington, Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security, CISA
– Rich Chavez, Director of the Office of Intelligence, Security and Emergency Response, U.S. Department of Transportation
– COL Jeffrey Erickson, USA, Director, Army Cyber Institute
– Jim McCarthy, Senior Security Engineer, National Cyber Center of Excellence, NIST
– Defending the Nation’s Critical Facilities from Cyber Threats and Actions
– Delivering Engineering Solutions to Secure our Nation’s Infrastructure and Energize our Economy
– Strengthening our Nation’s Ability to Withstand and Respond to Cyber Attacks
– Ensuring US Transportation Systems Remain Safe and Open for the Free movement of people and Goods
– Protecting the Nation’s Supply Chain Infrastructure from Critical Disruptions
– Developing the Critical Capabilities needed to respond to Cyber Attacks on US Cities
– Securing US Energy Production Capacity from Cyber and Physical Intrusions
– And more.
Defense Strategies Institute
Erica Noreika
201-672-8745
https://infrastructure.dsigroup.org/
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