Lecture to Explore Emerging Technologies for Identity Protection

Published 09.02.2014

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Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty member Lisa R. Bock will present a lecture that explores the technology of identity protection and its ramifications on Sept. 16 as part of the college’s Centennial Colloquia Series.

Rapid technological advances since the Internet became public have opened many opportunities, but with them come threats to our identities, safety and financial resources. Passwords alone are simply not enough to protect us.

In her talk, “Who Am I; Who Do I Claim to Be? Protecting Identity in the 21st Century,” Bock explores biometric technology as a means of identity protection. Unlike a password or a smart card, biometric technology identifies an attribute that not only is unique to the individual but also defies duplication. Those attributes include fingerprints, iris, voice or facial recognition.



Lisa R. BockBiometric technology, introduced through the FBI’s Identification Division in 1924 when it began storing fingerprint cards, is becoming more influential. Discussion will include topics that consumers, governments and businesses must consider as they move into the next iteration of online identity protection: How will biometrics affect the individual sitting at his/her personal device? How will the cost-effectiveness and the need to maintain biometric traits safely and privately affect the industry?

The lecture, scheduled at 7 p.m. in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium, is free and open to the public. In the spirit of all colloquia, a question/answer period will follow the presentation; the conversation can also continue during the reception that will follow.

Bock is an assistant professor of computer information technology. A native of Middletown, New York, and a graduate of Bellefonte Area High School, she holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland University College and a bachelor’s degree from Penn College. She joined the Penn College faculty in 2003 and teaches networking and security courses.

Penn College presents the Centennial Colloquia Series in celebration of 100 years of education on its campus. The series features presentations by nationally known authors and Penn College faculty that will challenge our thinking about the impact of technology on the past, present and future.

The year’s final two colloquia will be presented by Alan Lightman, author of “Einstein’s Dream,” on Oct. 28, and Craig A. Miller, Penn College assistant professor of history and political science, on Nov. 18.

For information regarding information technology majors at Penn College, call 570-327-4520.

For more about the college, which is celebrating its Centennial throughout 2014, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.