Be sure to ready Scott Guthrie’s Post “Important: ASP.NET Security Vulnerability” which will outline the potential threats in more detail.

For a script to detect if you are Vulnerable to this attack read Microsoft Security Research and Defense entry.

There is also a newer update by the Microsoft Security Response Center which includes a twitter account [@MSFTSecResponse] which will give more up-to-date coverage as new developments unfold.

Please make sure to make your superiors aware of this threat as it affects mostly all installations/Versions of ASP.NET on a wide range of Operating Systems.

With that being said, I think I have come up with a way to offer knowledge, a goal, a purpose and this will actually help advance your career! So I ask you one Question:

The Proposal

For those of us that are Microsoft Developers [sorry Open Source folks, feel free to create your own movement and join our adventure]

I propose that we continue to meet for Coffee and Code events which will be extended to 6pm – 9pm. The first hour of the event will be social, this will allow some de-stress time, keep up the networking aspect, and allow time for consumption of food. This leaves 7pm – 9pm for Presentation, Discussion, and Hands-On Labs.

The First Topic

Considering our youthful group, I believe the logical first topic would be starting at the entry level [don’t take entry level lightly] Certification Platform, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist [MCTS].  We can have break out groups to cover different competencies however I believe the Visual Studio and Microsoft .NET Framework.

The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 – Application Development Foundation self paced training kit for MCTS Exam 70-536 is the first stepping stone towards an MCTS Certification for the .NET Framework.

Candidates for this exam work on a team in a medium-sized or large development environment that uses Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 Enterprise Developer, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, or Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. Candidates should have at least two to three years of experience developing Web-based, Windows-based, or distributed applications by using the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0, the .NET Framework 1.1, the .NET Framework 2.0, or the .NET Framework 3.5. Candidates should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008.

The Application Development Foundation book is exactly that the Foundation of the MCTS Certification, in order to become Certified you have to select One Additional Exam [70-561,70-562,70-503,70-505,70-502,70-504].

The Second Exam is where the break-out groups would come into effect. As the majority of the group are Web Developers, my recommendation would be the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 – ASP.NET Application Development self paced training kit for MCTS Exam 70-562.

Candidates for this exam use Microsoft Visual Studio in a team-based, medium-sized to large development environment. Candidates should have a minimum of two to three years of experience developing Web-based applications by using Microsoft ASP.NET. Candidates should also have a minimum of one year of experience with web services, state management, ASP.NET configuration, monitoring web applications, debugging, page life-cycle management; security, membership & roles, JavaScript, and Internet Information Server (IIS). Candidates should be very familiar with Visual Studio 2005 or later and the .NET Framework classes that are related to ASP.NET and ADO.NET. In addition, candidates should have a good grasp of ASP.NET AJAX.

The Cake

Prometric and Microsoft have a pretty sweet deal on right now, which gives extra incentive to start the process now and this cake is not a lie.

The Lettuce

In the end everything always comes down to money. Unfortunately this is no exception, however I am trying my best to get funding to help us out along the way. I will not be able to pay for your exams, but I am looking to comp the Literature [I have submitted my plea, and will comment on this post when I receive the answer].

A Microsoft Certification Exam costs $125.00 USD [Source: Prometric’s Website] in Ontario, Canada.

If you get a 2-exam pack you save 20% 15% and have the safety of the second shot.

The last item that will cost money is food, if we meet at our typical location, The Albion Hotel, they have been nice enough to allow us to have our meetings without a venue cost. We should be sure to eat a meal in good faith for them hosting our Study Group for 3 hours. Just be sure to include food in your budget.

The Challenge

Earlier today I contacted Microsoft Canada on twitter asking if they would be willing to put up 2 Certification Vouchers if we could get a group of 10 Certification Study Members. I will be following up with Microsoft Canada via Email [seems more appropriate] to see if they would be able to provide the prizes.

Track the list of interested Study Members on the MS-Cert-StudyGroup Twitter List [we’re currently at 6].

Guelph Coffee and Code wants to help out it’s community, mainly we do so by providing Developers a place to network and grow their skills with Community projects. We will post jobs for any type of Technology related position including IT Administrators, Developers, Database Administrators the only catch is the Job Postings must be submitted to Cory Fowler from the company that is hiring.

If you are currently looking for employment, Guelph Coffee and Code wishes you the best in your search.

Are you a Software Developer in Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo or from another City/Town in the Golden Triangle?  Are you interested in learning new skills, sharing your experiences, or contributing to Community based Software projects?

We want to see you out at our next Guelph Coffee and Code Session!

Our next meeting will be a round table discussion on learning objectives that the group has and how they can be incorporated into up coming Community Projects.

Venue: The Albion Hotel
Address: 49 Norfolk St. Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Date: Thursday May 6th, 2010
Time: 5pm – 8pm

About the Event

Join ObjectSharp and Microsoft on April 22^nd for a full day of incredible sessions about all things 2010! You’ll see a thorough overview of Visual Studio and SharePoint 2010 including Windows Azure, Silverlight 4, and ASP.NET 4. Learn about the various Spark Programs and how they can help you get the tools and experience you need to build great web experiences. Find out if this event is for you and Register for this FREE event.

What’s this about Sparks?

WebsiteSpark

Microsoft® WebsiteSpark is designed in the same vein as Microsoft BizSpark to jumpstart business development for small professional Web development and design companies (referred to as Web Pros) interested in adding proficiency on the Microsoft platform to their business credentials. The program helps Web Pros drive new business opportunities through increased visibility and connections with partners (including Web Hosters) and customers around the world; WebsiteSpark also provides Web Pros with Microsoft tools and hosting solutions, as well as support and training. Find out more…

BizSpark

The BizSpark program is based on Microsoft’s belief that by helping Startups succeed, we will help build a valued long-term relationship with them, and together we can build a more vibrant global software economy. BizSpark will help Startups by providing access to Microsoft software when they most need it and can least afford it, and by supporting the network of organizations – startup incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies – that are equally involved and invested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship. Microsoft is committed to working with those organizations as part of the Microsoft BizSpark Network to ensure that we are supporting the broadest possible startup audience, in a way that complements the value those network organizations already provide. Find out more…

DreamSpark

If you’re a current university or high school student, you can download professional Microsoft developer, designer, and gaming software through DreamSpark at no charge. Yes, students get to download software at no charge. DreamSpark enables students, like you, to download and use Microsoft tools to unlock your creative potential and set you on the path to academic and career success by advancing your learning in the areas of technical design, technology, math, science, and engineering! It doesn’t matter what classes you’re taking right now, just as long as you’re a current student in a verified, accredited School and use the tools in pursuit of advancing your education in one of these areas. Find out more…

We’re going to try something a little different to see if we can attract more attendees by moving the event to 6pm. This will enable Developers, Designers, QA Specialists, IT Pros and other Technologists to venture directly from work to join in. This means that food and beverages will be provided at the event.

Another change is that we will be using another location as we hope to attract a larger crowd. So for this special event we will be meeting at the freshly renovated Red Brick Cafe at 77 Westmount St, Guelph, Ontario.

Cory Fowler, Guelph Coffee and Code Founder and Innosphere Employee, will be giving a brief presentation on SQL Azure to demonstrate its flexibility with PHP, Ruby (Ruby on Rails), Python (Django), and ASP.NET. After the presentation there will be an opportunity to socialize and collaborate with your peers.

Be sure to Register for the event.

Venue: Red Brick Cafe at 77 Westmount St. Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Date: March 18th, 2009
Time: 6pm – 8pm