Short Takes – 10-17-23

Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Electric Vehicle Extreme Fast Charging Infrastructure. NVLPubs.NIST.gov publication (NIST IR 8473). Abstract: “This document is the Cybersecurity Framework Profile (Profile) developed for the Electric Vehicle Extreme Fast Charging (EV/XFC) ecosystem, including the four domains that relies on the ecosystem (i) Electric Vehicles (EV); (ii) Extreme Fast Charging (XFC); (iii) XFC Cloud or Third-Party Operations; and (iv) Utility and Building Networks. This Profile utilizes the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Version 1.1 and provides voluntary guidance to help relevant parties develop Profiles specific to their organization to understand, assess, and communicate their cybersecurity posture as a part of their risk management process. The Profile is intended to supplement, not replace, an existing risk management program or cybersecurity standards, regulations, and industry guidelines that are in current use by the EV/XFC industry.”

Mexican Sinaloa Cartel’s Message to Members: Stop Making Fentanyl or Die. WSJ.com article. Pull quote: “Sinaloa state officials say they don’t have information about the crime group’s prohibition on fentanyl production. Manelich Castilla, a former head of Mexico’s federal police, believes the Sinaloa cartel won’t actually exit fentanyl for good because it means leaving their Jalisco rivals in charge of the profitable business.”

Why you should be lazy and leave your leaves in the yard. WashingtonPost.com article. Pull quote: “To best support wildlife and soil health, experts say leaves should be left where they fall. A hearty leaf cover provides a habitat during the cold winter months for critical pollinating species such as bees, butterflies and moths. Other critters including amphibians and small mammals like chipmunks can also benefit from shelter provided by leaves.” Also provides some level of freeze protection for sensitive perennials.

Rare monster-looking fish with sharp teeth washes up at OC’s Crystal Cove. OCRegister.com article. Pull quote: “There are more than 200 species of angler fish worldwide. The fish that washed ashore both had the long stalk on their heads that only the females posses. The stalk has bioluminescent tips used as a lure to entice prey in pitch black water as deep as 3,000 feet.” I still hate the June runs of jellyfish on that coast more than sharp-toothed fishes.