Media releases

• Expert Advisory: Brock prof available to discuss data breach

  Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | By Brock University

  EXPERT ADVISORY: 24 January 2018 – R00013

  Tuesday’s data breach affected up to 100,000 Bell Canada customers whose names and email addresses may have been illegally accessed by a third party.

  In recent months, many companies have fallen prey to similar data breaches, causing cyber security to continue to be a grave concern for businesses.

  Teju Herath, Goodman School of Business Associate Professor of Information Systems at Brock University, teaches courses on information assurance and says these types of risks are inherent because of how much technology is used.

  “We live in an era where there is so much data captured by technology that is so prolifically used,” she says. “Sometimes there is little we can do to overcome the risk of data breaches like these.”

  According to Herath, companies need to plan ahead for a possible data breach so that they can react appropriately.

  “The first thing companies need to do is be forthcoming and transparent in their communications and contact the affected parties right away,” she says.

  “Companies are disclosing this information more openly all the time, and proposed changes to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act are positive because it would make it a legal requirement to disclose information in cases like this. The second thing companies need to do is resolve why it happened through due diligence.”

  Herath says to reduce their risk of being affected by information security issues, computer users should regularly change their passwords, think twice before clicking on unexpected email attachments and back up files on a regular basis.

  Herath is available to comment on:

  • Risks associated with data breaches and information security scams
  • How companies can mitigate the risks for customers
  • Precautionary measures people can take when they are affected by a data breach

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Oscar nods for Ontario-shot film a feather in cap of production industry

  Tuesday, January 23, 2018 | By Brock University

  EXPERT ADVISORY: 23 January 2018 – R00012

  Major motion pictures being filmed in southern Ontario is nothing new, but a near record-breaking haul of Oscar nominations for Shape of Water is something the Canadian film industry should take pride in, says Brock University film expert Scott Henderson.

  “It’s a reminder of the excellent industry that exists up here,” says Henderson, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film. Shape of Water was filmed in Toronto and Hamilton, and received 13 Oscar nominations Tuesday, Jan. 23 in advance of the March 4 Academy Awards.

  Henderson, who also serves as Executive Director of the Popular Culture Association of Canada, says there were a few surprises in the nominations announcement.

  “I think the thing that stands out the most has to be James Franco’s absence from the Best
  Actor list,” Henderson says. “He won the Golden Globe and then the sexual assault allegations came out, so I think that changed some people’s Oscar votes.”

  In the Best Picture category, the film expert thinks Call Me by Your Name has a legitimate shot at pulling off an upset win, but he thinks too many movies were nominated.

  “I’ve never been a fan of the expanded Best Picture category,” he says. “I liked it when it was five films. It’s just diluted with more than that.”

  Henderson’s department was also paying close attention to the Live Action Short category Tuesday. The department hosts the Brock University Film Series each year, and on Feb. 28 all five finalists in the category will be screened during a special Oscar night event at the Pen Centre’s Landmark Cinemas. For more information, visit the BUFS website.

  Associate Professor Scott Henderson is available for interviews.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases