Daily Cup of Tech » Tumblog

Laptop Kills Woman

Tim Fehlman — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:56:20 +0000

B.C. police warn drivers to secure belongings after woman killed by laptop

SURREY, B.C. - Mounties in Surrey, B.C., say a woman who died in a car accident last month appears to have been killed by her laptop computer.

Heather Storey, 25, was driving to work March 16 when her vehicle was hit by a tow truck. Storey’s laptop was sitting unsecured in her back seat and RCMP spokesman Sgt. Roger Morrow says the vehicle’s abrupt stop sent the computer flying into the back of Storey’s head. The force of the blow was so severe that it shattered the computer’s screen and bent the frame.

The coroner determined that Storey died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Morrow says investigators believe the accident was survivable and that police are warning the public to secure their belongings while driving.

Similar Posts:

Halt Hackers with a Wordpress Firewall

Tim Fehlman — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:25:11 +0000

Recently found How to Firewall Your WordPress Blog to be useful. From the website:

You already know to use a decent password for your blog, but brute-force or dictionary attacks aren’t the only attacks used against bloggers. It’s much cheaper and faster to exploit software flaws, and that the hackers do. A programmer’s oversight may allow a hacker to gain access to your blog to insert spyware, adware, or links to various pharmaceuticals you’d prefer not to speak about in front of your mother.

And it’s not just WordPress proper. WordPress has caught some major criticism for its security holes — but lately it’s been a bunch of insecure plugins, not WordPress itself. Matt Mullenweg counters the argument that WordPress is insecure over here. I think he’s totally right — WordPress has a rich “plugin ecosystem” that no other blogging platform can touch.

However, the problem remains. WordPress has some great plugins that are written by people with the best of intentions — but who may not understand the importance of sanitizing data provided by untrusted users, and its relationship with security. Upgrading often, setting permissions, using good passwords, etc. — that all helps a lot — but unless you have the time and ability to painstakingly audit all program code for security vulnerabilities, you’d be best off running one of the WordPress firewalls —

Great! Yet something else that needs to be done! But would be well worth tackling!

[How to Firewall Your WordPress Blog]

Similar Posts:

Reset Your Vista Password

Tim Fehlman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:52:00 +0000

A very useful trick from What’s My Pass? if you can’t access your Vista box:

Using BackTrack Live CD which can be found ::here::

For those of you who forgot your spiffy new Vista Logon password. Here’s a quick and dirty way to make a new user account. BTW, this has been around since XP but still useful.

Boot into Backtrack and open a shell prompt:

cd /mnt (change directory to mounted drives)
ls (get the list of mounted drives)
cd sda1 (sda1 is the main hard drive)
cd Windows/ (change to the windows directory)
cd System32/ (change to the system directory)
mv Utilman.exe Utilman.old (backup original file)
cp cmd.exe Utilman.exe (copy cmd.exe as utilman.exe)
reboot

once rebooted, at vista logon screen, Press Windows key + U
To invoke Utility Manager ( A.K.A. CMD.exe)
Cmd.exe will spawn with ‘System’ privileges.
c:\>net user S00perAdmin mypassword /add
c:\>net localgroup administrators S00perAdmin /add
Reboot and log in with your newly added Admin account

Similar Posts:

Free Malware Analysis Software

Tim Fehlman — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:49:33 +0000

mrc:

MANDIANT Red Curtain is software for Incident Responders that assists with the analysis of malware. MRC examines executable files (e.g., .exe, .dll, and so on) to determine how suspicious they are based on a set of criteria. It examines multiple aspects of an executable, looking at things such as the entropy (in other words, randomness), indications of packing, compiler and packing signatures, the presence of digital signatures, and other characteristics to generate a threat “score.” This score can be used to identify whether a set of files is worthy of further investigation.

Similar Posts:

Google Described in 1964

Tim Fehlman — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:03:03 +0000

Google as predicted in 1964:

I do enjoy looking at old predictions of the future. Eventually, the future arrives and we can compare it with the predictions. Sometimes, the predictions are better than the reality. Sometimes, reality outpaces not only the predictions but even the dreams of the past. And sometimes, the predictions end up being pretty-much spot on. That’s the case with a piece about the “answer machine” of the future, which appeared in the book Childcraft Volume 6: How Things Change, published by Field Enterprises Educational Corporation in 1964.

Similar Posts:

Keep Data Safe By Storing It Everywhere

Tim Fehlman — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:14:31 +0000

PROJECT OVERVIEW - CleversafeWiki:

The Dispersed Storage Project is the central point of development and idea exchange for developers around the world to contribute to innovative storage solutions leveraging dispersed storage methodology.

The project uses Information Dispersal Algorithms, IDAs, to separate data into unrecognizable DataSlices™ and distribute them, via secure Internet connections, to storage locations throughout the world, creating a storage grid. With dispersed storage, transmission and storage of data is inherently private and secure. No single entire copy of the data is in one location, and only a subset of the nodes need to be available in order to perfectly retrieve the data.

Data on the grid remains private and secure in the face of natural catastrophes, or failures of hardware, connection, facility, or IT management. Moreover, the individual data slices do not carry enough information for an unauthorized viewer to determine the original content.

The Cleversafe Dispersed Storage software includes client software with both a comprehensive command line interface (CLI) as well as a complete programming interface (DSAPI) to support any type of storage application. This software further includes grid server software for creating a dispersed storage grid. The Cleversafe software also manages metadata for file systems stored on a Dispersed Storage grid. In addition, this project includes the multi-terabyte Cleversafe Research Storage Grid at eleven separate hosting facilities.

This feels like RAID on a global scale! Similar Posts:

APT-GET for Windows

Tim Fehlman — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:50:35 +0000

win-get Repository:

win-get is an automated install system and software repository for Microsoft Windows written in pascal (for the command line client) and php for the online repository. The ideas for its creation come from apt-get and other related tools for the *nix platforms. The system works by connecting to a link repository. Finding an application and downloading it from the stored link using wget.exe . Then performing the installation routine (silent or standard). And finnally deleting the install file.

Similar Posts:

Kill CPU & RAM Vampires

Tim Fehlman — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:03:56 +0000

Turn Off Unnecessary Windows XP Services | JasonN.com:

Turning off unnecessary services in Windows XP can greatly reduce your exploit risk, while improving system performance. It’s a good time to inject that often there are all sorts of “download optimizers” and other cute programs that vendors like to push on users. Most of the time, installing such things slows your computer down at best. It could subject you to potential security risks. The first rule is “If you don’t know you need it, you probably don’t.”

Similar Posts:

Free Shared Computer Lockdown

Tim Fehlman — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:48:46 +0000

Windows SteadyState:

Share computers, not headaches
What state is your shared computer in at the end of the day?

Hard disk filled with downloaded files?

Strange options configured?

Programs installed that you don’t want?

System infected with viruses and spyware?

Computer bogged down for unknown reasons?

Windows SteadyState, successor to the Shared Computer Toolkit, is designed to make life easier for people who set up and maintain shared computers.

An easy way to manage multiple users
You can manage whole groups of users as single user accounts. The new Windows SteadyState console makes it easier than ever to create and modify user profiles.

A locked-down platform for stable shared computing
Not every computer user should have access to every software capability. Your system can be more stable and consistent when you limit user access to control panel functions, network resources, and other sensitive areas.

Set it and forget it
Once you have everything set up the way you want it, you can share the computer and rest easy. Any changes a user might make to the configuration or hard disk can be undone by simply restarting the machine.

Similar Posts:

Google Quick Reference Sheet

Tim Fehlman — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:42:40 +0000

Google Cheat Sheet (Version 1.06):

This two page Google Cheat Sheet lists all Google services and tools as well as background information. The Cheat Sheet offers a great reference to grasp of basic to advance Google query building concepts and ideas.

Similar Posts:

Lock Your Laptop

Tim Fehlman — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 02:33:33 +0000

Laptop Alarm - Boost your laptop security!:

Did you ever hesitate to leave your laptop for a few minutes in a public space like a library? Afraid that someone will take your laptop? Now there is a simple and free solution to this problem! Laptop Alarm will emit a loud alarm whenever someone tries to steal your laptop!

Not the most secure thing in the world but better than leaving it out in the open with nothing!

Similar Posts:

Web SSH Tunneling

Tim Fehlman — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:01:41 +0000

Proxy through SSH - Kimmo Suominen:

Accessing resources on an intranet can sometimes be problematic. Using SSH tunneling to access an HTTP proxy server is a simple and quick solution. The connection over the Internet will be secured by the SSH encryption, and the proxy will be able to access servers on your behalf and deliver the content to your browser, or other software that can use an HTTP proxy.

Similar Posts:

Test Your Popup Blocker

Tim Fehlman — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:25:13 +0000

PopupTest - test your popup blocker software and download software:

PopupTest.com provides a simple and independent source for popup window testing. Whether you are developing a popup killer software or you are thinking about purchasing one, you can use our sample popups to test the effectiveness of the application.

Similar Posts:

Root Out Rootkits With New Freeware

Tim Fehlman — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:33:49 +0000

McAfee Threat Center:

McAfee Rootkit Detective 1.0 is a program designed and developed by McAfee Avert Labs to proactively detect and clean rootkits that are running on the system. McAfee Rootkit Detective should only be used by knowledgeable individuals at the direction of, and with the support of, a representative from McAfee Avert Labs or McAfee Technical Support.

Similar Posts:

Completely (And I Mean Completely) Uninstall Applications

Tim Fehlman — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:44:32 +0000

Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Remove unwanted programs and traces easily:

Revo Uninstaller helps you to remove any unwanted application installed on your computer. With its advanced and fast algorithm to scan before and after uninstall of an application you can remove unnecessary files, folders and registry keys left over in your computer. Even if you have a broken installation Revo Uninstaller scans for application’s data on your hard disk drives, Windows registry and shows all found files, folders and registry items so you can delete them.

Similar Posts:

Linux Music Server

Tim Fehlman — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:11:01 +0000

Building the ultimate Linux-based music server:

This article describes how to build your own silent, fast, eco-friendly Linux-based PC for use in a digital music listening system. The PC is based on a high-end Via mini-ITX board, passively cooled case with heatpipe technology, Debian Linux, and a little creative embedded elbow grease.

Similar Posts:

10 Physical Security Measures

Tim Fehlman — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:33:56 +0000

» 10 physical security measures every organization should take | 10 Things | TechRepublic.com:

Lock up the server room

Set up surveillance

Make sure the most vulnerable devices are in that locked room

Use rack mount servers

Don’t forget the workstations

Keep intruders from opening the case

Protect the portables

Pack up the backups

Disable the drives

Protect your printers

Similar Posts:

HowTo NOT Social Engineer

Tim Fehlman — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:28:26 +0000

Social Engineering Gone Wrong :: Jatecblog:

Everyone has read stories of idiots who try to social engineer passwords from people. only to have the tables turned. I’ve always wondered if those are true, and if people can really be that stupid. Then, to my utmost joy, I experienced it for myself. Here is the log, with comments inserted in bold and italics. I’m sure you’ll find it amusing.

Similar Posts:

Universal Media Encoder

Tim Fehlman — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:19:04 +0000

MediaCoder - more than a universal audio/video transcoder:

MediaCoder is a free universal batch media transcoder, which nicely integrates most popular audio/video codecs and tools into an all-in-one solution. With a flexible and extendable architecture, new codecs and tools are added in constantly as well as supports for new devices. MediaCoder intends to be the swiss army knife for media transcoding in all time and at this moment, it already has millions of users from 170+ countries all over the planet.

Similar Posts:

Free Stock Photos

Tim Fehlman — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 19:27:26 +0000

Favorite 10 Free Stock Photo Download Sites : DazzlinDonna:

Need a free stock photo? Free … meaning you don’t have to pay anyone cold, hard cash for its use? Look no further. I’ve compiled my top 10 list of favorite stock photo sites that don’t cost you anything.

Similar Posts:

Freeware Firewall

Tim Fehlman — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 19:25:35 +0000

GhostWall FireWall:

GhostWall is a firewall which allows you to restrict the communications between your computer and others. Unlike other firewalls which have forgotten their main role, GhostWall is simply a firewall, mainly designed to replace the standard Microsoft firewall with better features and performance.

Similar Posts:

20 Great Open Source Applications

Tim Fehlman — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 18:07:12 +0000

20 Open Source Windows Apps For You at Technology Bites:

Some of the commercial software like Photoshop are so expensive that an average user can not afford to buy it. Lately I am looking for some free or open source alternatives for windows programs and i was amazed with the range of programs available. Here i will list some of the open source or free programs as alternatives to windows commercial programs.

Similar Posts:

15 Minutes to Running Windows Under Ubuntu

Tim Fehlman — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:53:30 +0000

VentureCake » Blog Archive » 15 minutes to using your existing Windows install & apps in Ubuntu:

Here’s a simple guide to using your existing Windows install inside Ubuntu - and still being able to start it from your hard disk if you need. Unlike previous guides, it takes around 15 minutes and doesn’t require any terminal use.

Similar Posts:

Tabs for Windows

Tim Fehlman — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:59:24 +0000

Playing With Tabs | iWonder Designs:

Stick is all about tabs. Screentabs are the containers for all the different types of utility applications available in Stick so getting to know them is pretty important. This video gives you a brief glimpse of what’s possible.

Similar Posts:

Web IDE

Tim Fehlman — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 19:00:50 +0000

Aptana: The Web IDE:

The Aptana IDE is a free, open-source, cross-platform, JavaScript-focused development environment for building Ajax applications. It features code assist on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS languages, FTP/SFTP support and a JavaScript debugger to troubleshoot your code.

Similar Posts: