Member News

New research from Venafi Labs shows that 21 percent of the world’s websites are still using certificates signed with the vulnerable Secure Hash Algorithm, SHA-1. On February 23, 2017, Google affiliated security researchers announced they cracked the SHA-1 security standard using a collision attack. The incident proved that the deprecated cryptographic secure hash algorithm still used to sign many website digital certificates can be manipulated. Newly issued certificates using the SHA-2 family of hash functions solve these problems, but Venafi Labs’ research shows that many companies have not replaced all their certificates with ones signed by SHA-2. This leaves organizations [...]

Cybersecurity is becoming a fiercely debated issue following attacks in the political realm to breaking news on information leaks in the private sector. As the world becomes more interconnected government, business, and individuals are becoming more vulnerable to cyber threats. Every day, new tools and techniques are developed to resolve challenges in our security, but cyber criminals are becoming savvier in determining how to access private data and prey on secured networks. The internet has made business faster and more efficient but has also left us vulnerable. Over 90% of the systems and networks targeted by criminals are owned and [...]

The Salt Lake Chamber in collaboration with a working group of legislators and members of the business community, released the findings from a study conducted in response to the passage of H.B. 251, post-employment restrictions amendments, during the 2016 Utah General Legislative Session. The findings release key issues concerning non-compete agreements to better inform policymakers and business leaders. In stakeholder discussions and negotiations regarding H.B. 251, it became evident that better information was needed around this issue, and the concept for a balanced and fair research study became obvious. In order to conduct this research, the Salt Lake Chamber worked with [...]

The Zions Bank Utah Consumer Attitude Index remained roughly the same, declining a statistically marginal 2.9 points to 114.7 in February. The small decrease resulted from a slightly less positive outlook on the current economy and the economy over the next six months. The overall CAI currently sits 8.9 points higher than its level 12 months ago. In comparison, the national Consumer Confidence Index® increased 3.2 points from January to February and currently sits at 114.8. “Unemployment is at an 8-year low, and wages are continuing to rise in Utah,” said Scott Anderson, president and CEO of Zions Bank. “As [...]

Once referred to as a form of "alternative" energy, solar power has become a mainstream energy resource in Utah and a soaring economic driver for the state, thanks to falling prices and environmentally-conscious businesses and residents who are concerned about energy independence and improving the state's air quality. The Solar Energy Industry Association recently reported that Utah gained 1,729 solar industry jobs in 2016, representing a 65 percent increase in the state's solar workforce, based on data from the National Solar Jobs Census 2016. Utah now has a total of 4,408 solar workers, up from 2,679 in 2015. What's more, [...]

The Utah Science Technology and Research initiative will open the second round of their Technology Acceleration Program for applications on Monday, February 27, 2017. Letters of intent, which are not required, are due March 13, 2017, and submissions close March 29, 2017. TAP is a competitive research grant program, designed for start-ups and early stage companies. Mature companies can apply to TAP for development of a new technology or product. Applications must be submitted at http://www.TAPUtah.com. For information on rules and regulations, as well as forthcoming details, visit ustar.org/our-programs and select TAP. USTAR’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small [...]

When we think about Utah’s air quality challenges, we often focus on vehicle emissions, but don’t often consider the contribution our own homes and office buildings have to local air pollution. These contributors are called area sources. From 2008 to 2014, the Utah Division of Air Quality reported a 7% increase in area source contributions to air pollution while vehicle contributions decreased by 9%. Furthermore, Envision Utah projects that by 2050, homes and businesses will replace vehicles as the primary producers of emissions at 63% while vehicle emissions will reduce to 24%. Addressing area sources is a policy priority for [...]

Join Salt Lake Community College, the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Utah District Export Council for a two-day, in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations. The program will cover what exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements, including: What items and activities are subject to the EAR Steps to determine the export licensing requirements for an item How to determine export control classification numbers (ECCN) When you can export or reexport without applying for a license Export clearance procedures and record keeping requirements Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP) concepts Real life examples in applying [...]