Ongoing cyberattack detected, affecting versions of Microsoft Exchange Server; at least five Iowa organizations affected

An ongoing cyberattack against U.S. businesses running versions of the Microsoft Exchange Server has already affected at least five Iowa organizations in the last 12 hours, and more will likely be detected, Coralville cybersecurity firm ProCircular told the Business Record today. Organizations using on-premises Exchange Server versions 2019, 2016 and…

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Microsoft launches Community Empowerment Fund for Des Moines

Applications are open for two Microsoft Community Empowerment Funds targeting Des Moines organizations and nonprofits serving Central Iowa. The two funds will target three priority sectors: digital literacy and participation, environmental sustainability and skill-building, and workforce development in digital and trade skills. Microsoft is offering up to $10,000 in grants…

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Microsoft Datacenter Academy adds CompTIA Certifications to training

The Microsoft Datacenter Academy program is adding three credential programs led by CompTIA, a provider of vendor-neutral training and skills certifications, CompTIA announced this week. The programs will be available at the five data center academies supported by Microsoft, including the Des Moines Area Community College in West Des Moines….

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W.D.M. schools receive Microsoft community award for workforce development classes

The West Des Moines school district’s Community Education Department received a $2,670 award from the Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund to support the new CareerUp program. CareerUp will provide workforce development classes tailored to adult English language learners through appropriate cultural and linguistic approaches, and offer workshop facilitation training to community-based…

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Microsoft, Nextlink Internet to expand Airband initiative in Iowa

Microsoft Corp. and Nextlink Internet are partnering to expand the Microsoft Airband Initiative, the Microsoft program dedicated to closing the broadband internet accessibility gap by investing in rural internet access infrastructure.  Microsoft’s partnership with Nextlink will expand Nextlink’s existing deployments in Texas and Oklahoma, and begin new deployments in Iowa,…

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Microsoft sets up shop at Iowa State Fair amid concern over broadband accessibility for rural residents

When Shelley McKinley visited the Iowa State Fair this year, she made sure to swing by the food vendors. “It was awesome. I loved it. I got a big huge bucket of those cookies to take home with me,” McKinley said, laughing. Home for McKinley is Redmond, Wash., where she…

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Microsoft unveils tool to allow voters to track their ballots

Microsoft is releasing an open-source software development kit called ElectionGuard that will use encryption techniques to let voters know when their vote is counted ahead of the 2020 election cycle, reports Iowa Public Radio. ElectionGuard will allow officials and third parties to verify election results to make sure there was no…

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West Des Moines, Microsoft and partners announce expansion of broadband equity project in Valley Junction

A community broadband equity pilot project between the city of West Des Moines, Microsoft Corp., T-Mobile and other partners is entering phase two of the ambitious three-year plan, officials said at a news conference Wednesday.  The city now offers free public Wi-Fi, managed by Ovation Network, from the West Des Moines…

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