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Fighting the Digital Arms Race

Kealey Bultena SDPB

According to cybersecurity expert Sean McGurk, the greatest threat to the world today is the computer keyboard. In the past, he says, it may have been nuclear weapons. But now that same level of capability is being exercised by lone individuals at their keyboards instead of bombs.

McGurk is one of the featured experts in Wednesday's NOVA episode, Rise of the Hackers. McGurk is the vice president for business development at Centripetal Networks. Previously he was a cybersecurity expert for Verizon and was also with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and served as director of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. He joined Dakota Midday and discussed efforts to stay ahead of cyber criminals.

Rise of the Hackers airs on SDPB1 Television on Wednesday at 8:00 pm, Central; 7:00, Mountain. For more information, click here.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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