Drones: The sky is not the limit

Drones have captured public imagination big-time, especially of the youth. It is a flying robot that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously through software-controlled flight plans in their embedded systems, working in conjunction with onboard sensors and GPS.

In the recent past, UAVs were most often associated with the military, where they were used initially for anti-aircraft target practice, intelligence gathering and as weapons platforms. Drones are also used in a wide range of civilian roles ranging from search and rescue, surveillance, traffic monitoring, weather monitoring and firefighting, to personal drones and business drone-based photography, as well as videography, agriculture and even delivery services.

The history

The first generally used drone appeared in 1935 fitted with a radio and servo-operated controls in the back seat. The plane could be conventionally piloted from the front seat, but generally, it flew unmanned and was shot at by artillery gunners in training.
Widespread drone use began in 2006 when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency introduced UAVs to monitor the U.S. and Mexico border. In late 2012, a private entity, 3D Robotics, Inc. (3DR) started specializing in personal drones, that now markets UAVs to aerial photography and film companies, construction, utilities and telecom businesses, and public safety companies, among others.

In late 2013, Amazon announced a plan to use commercial drones for delivery activities. However, in July 2016, a startup Flirtey beat Amazon by successfully delivering a package to a resident in the USA via a commercial drone. Other companies have since followed suit.

Commercial and enterprise drone applications

The use of drones outside the military has grown tremendously over the past decade. Beyond surveillance and delivery applications, UAVs are used in drone journalism, search and rescue, disaster response, asset protection, wildlife monitoring, firefighting, communications relay, healthcare and agriculture.

The integration of drones and the Internet of things (IoT) technology has created numerous enterprise use cases. Drones working with on-ground IoT sensor networks can help agricultural companies monitor land and crops; energy companies survey power lines and operational equipment, and insurance companies monitor properties for claims and policies.

Types of drones

Drone platforms have two main types: rotor, including single-rotor or multi-rotor (such as tricopters, quadcopters, hexacopters and octocoptors), or fixed-wing, which include the hybrid VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) drones that don't require runways.

It can be equipped with a number of sensors, including distance sensors (ultrasonic, laser, lidar), time-of-flight sensors, chemical sensors, and stabilization and orientation sensors, among others.

Reception and regulations

The rapid adoption of drones over the past decade has sparked a number of privacy, security and safety complaints and concerns. From a privacy standpoint, voyeurs and paparazzi have used drones to obtain images of individuals in their homes or other locations once assumed to be private. Drones have also been deployed in areas deemed potentially unsafe, such as urban areas and near airports.

Growth in commercial and personal drones has also created safety concerns, namely midair collisions and loss of drone control. Specific concerns about drones flying too close to commercial aircraft have prompted calls for regulation.

While many countries including India have established UAV regulations, others have not. As drone usage grows in popularity, laws are continually changing. Before using a drone commercially or personally, it is critical to check the laws.

The future 

Predictions for the drone market are both aggressive and optimistic. #PricewaterhouseCoopers has valued the drone-based businesses service market at more than $127 billion, with the top industries being infrastructure at $45.2 billion, agriculture at $32.5 billion and transportation at $13.0 billion.

Protecting your data from year-end cyber attacks

Holiday crime used to mean break-ins and thieves swiping packages from your doorstep. But now there's an increasing number of cybersecurity threats specifically looking to capitalize on the year-end holiday season. With many people getting new devices, using unfamiliar networks and doing lots of online shopping, bad actors have plenty of targets to choose from. By following these simple steps for data protection, you can keep your digital information secure this holiday season.

Be careful when using insecure Wi-Fi networks

If you're traveling or out shopping during the holidays, you may find yourself on an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. Many stores, airports and rest stops offer free Wi-Fi as a convenience, but often those networks aren't secured. That makes it especially risky to make online purchases because the traffic from your device can be easily monitored and stolen. If you are using public Wi-Fi networks, then browsing to any website, make sure your connection is encrypted and secure by looking for the lock icon in the top left of the address bar. Also, always double check that the address you are navigating to is what you expected. 

Don't rely on passwords alone

Passwords and user IDs are a staple of cybersecurity, but they can only get you so far. To further ensure your data stays protected, consider using password management and verification apps. They let you use your face, fingerprint, eyes or other methods to access your data across devices. For example, the Microsoft Authenticator app adds an extra level of security with two-step verification that allows you to access your Microsoft account and apps quickly and securely without having to remember a password.

Avoid phishing scams

With so many companies emailing holiday promotions, it can feel like your inbox is under assault. In fact, it very well could be. Some of those emails may be phishing scams designed to steal your private information. To protect your data, don't click on any unfamiliar links and carefully review all notifications from your bank to catch any potentially fraudulent activity.

Remember, scammers can be sophisticated. They may use personalized emails to gain your confidence or replicate the style of a well-known financial services company. If an email or link looks the slightest bit suspicious, don't click it. Go directly to your bank or other online account to confirm the information independently.

Back up your data

If all your data is stored in one place, it's vulnerable. Bad actors can lock up your device and demand payment to release your files. That's why backing your data up to the cloud is critical for protecting your files against ransomware attacks. The cloud allows you to safeguard your data and access it from multiple devices. Cloud storage services like Microsoft's One Drive are secure and can also let you easily transfer your data if you're upgrading to a new device this holiday season.

Utilize privacy screens

Preventing people from looking over your shoulder and stealing your information is the simplest and easiest way to protect your personal data. When online shopping in public, use privacy screens to hide your information. Some devices, like the HP EliteBook x360 and HP Spectre x360, have integrated privacy screens that instantly shield your screen with the push of a button. If your device doesn't come with one built in, you can purchase a privacy screen.

Keep software current

Using a modern operating system - like Windows 10 - with the latest security updates and built-in anti-virus protection like Windows Defender Antivirus is the best way to ward off unwanted intrusions this holiday season. Major tech companies continually upgrade software to account for the latest cybersecurity threats so you can be confident your data is protected. By keeping your software current, you can avoid many cyberattacks before they cause problems this holiday season.

Managing attention-deficit disorder without medication

If you have Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder or ADHD, you know life can be an adventure. The journey from getting the diagnosis to trying to manage it every day is unique to each person. Prescription medication is a common part of a treatment plan, but it's not the only answer to your condition.

"There are several alternative methods that dramatically help people thrive with ADHD, whether they were diagnosed as a child or are managing their condition as an adult," says Robin Livingston-Richter, a licensed psychotherapist for more than 25 years and an ADHD Life Coach.

Livingston-Richter knows the struggle people with ADHD face, as she was diagnosed as an adult at age 34. She also has two children and a husband with ADHD, so she understands the concerns of parents and partners, too.

"Some people prefer to avoid medication altogether, while others want alternatives that can be useful in addition to prescriptions," Livingston-Richter says. "No matter your personal beliefs, I recommend considering these all-natural ways to help manage ADHD."

Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, the "feeling good" chemicals needed to regulate mood and pleasure. Endorphins also increase attention and focus, which benefits the ADHD brain. What's more, exercise impacts the executive functioning system, causing a decline in impulsivity.

How can someone with ADHD develop an exercise plan and stay committed to it? Try taking a 20-minute walk after work or school. Sign up for an exercise class, or a team activity that you are passionate about. Any muscle movement counts, but consistency is key.

Outdoors

Nature has a restorative effect on busy brains, so spend time outdoors. Set up a quiet space where you and/or your family members can be alone. The fresh air, green surroundings and sunshine can make a big impact. If you live in a climate where sunshine and/or the ability to go outside is limited during parts of the year, consider purchasing a therapy light that mimics natural daylight to impact mood and energy levels.

When outside or with your therapy light, try this: Sit, pause, take a deep breath, and slowly release it. Continue this while going through each of the five senses - taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch - noting how you experience each sense. This instantly calms the body and mind while helping you focus.

Music

Music can provide a dopamine boost that the busy ADHD brain craves. Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter that helps with focus, so turn up those tunes and take in the rhythm.

While cooking dinner, turn on some music. Put together an upbeat playlist of your favourite songs to play while you get ready for work or school. In the evening, play some instrumental music to calm your brain and create inner peace.

Gratitude

People with ADHD often experience high levels of self-doubt and a negative inner-dialogue. To help you better believe in yourself, shift your perspective by implementing an "attitude of gratitude."

For example, start your day by talking about what you "get to do" instead of what you "have to do." This changes the conversation positively. Before heading out the door, pause, then think about or even write down three things you are grateful for. When problems arise, instead of thinking, "Why is this happening to me?" think, "What can I learn from this?"

Nutrition

A healthy diet of whole foods packed with nutrients is beneficial for people with ADHD because what you eat can impact how your mind functions. Sugars, additives and colourings, for example, can trigger hyperactivity, mind-racing thoughts, and agitation.

To encourage wholesome eating, stock your kitchen with foods that are low in artificial sugars and colours. If you have a sweet tooth, fresh fruit is a wonderful way to satisfy cravings while getting a natural sugar boost. Plus, those red berries, purple grapes, and green apples have zero artificial colours.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps improve self-control, impulsivity and attention. Plus, it's something that can be done anywhere at any time, making it accessible to anyone. Mindfulness is all about "paying attention with intention."

Practice mindfulness by pausing and increasing awareness in the present moment. Pay attention by calming the mind's thoughts and focusing on breathing slowly in and out. Notice how your body and mind feel, without judgment.