First up let me say; I own an iPhone, I like the iPhone and will probably use one until a smart phone alternative appears that has the application eco-system developed to a level I am comfortable. I generally fall into the category of smart phone users who use their device as a phone and portable ultra-mini computer.
Now that said, I do have concerns about the security of the device and the way it is slowly creeping into the corporate arena. The the following link from www.h-online as an example; Vulnerability in iPhone data encryption.
I will let you read the page for yourself, but in brief bypassing iPhone encryption can be as easy as turning it on! Add this to the amount of personal information that can be stored in 8 GB or more, and I would really recommend changing every password you have if your phone gets stolen, lost or even out of your possession for a matter of minutes.
Coming soon: iPhone in-Security Part #2: adventures with iPhone data theft
Categories: Hardware, Mobile, Security, Software, Technology
Nikon D4x Concept
Nikon D4x Concept
Hitting the rumour mill today is the possible design for next years Nikon release.
These images are put together by Mark Levinson (an industrial designer not actually affiliated directly with Nikon).
Will this be the shape of Nikon to come? Watch this space.
Reviewing patents is really seeing the ideas before they even become ideas. More of a pre-idea really. A good case in point is the following:
Odd LCD Screen Patent from Nikon
This is the subject of a patent recently filed by Nikon for products yet unknown. The full details are available from the patent itself or at least a shortened version from Nikon Rumours.
Watch this space I guess?
While most web-savy people can name Tim Berners-Lee as the inventor of the World Wide Web, few could possibly identify its co-creator, Robert Cailiau. This interview was picked up off TechCrunch and shows an interesting insight into what we know of the Internet today from one of its pioneers.
First up, credit to the Blogger who first raised this little absurdity, go and check out Tongodeon who originated this story. I cover it here for two reasons:
- The thought of the amusing situations that this could bring to the boring task of banking
- The fact that a BANK would be so stupid as to implement this in the name of security
This bank has set up a new authentication measure for identifying customers who phone the customer service line. In addition to other identification data they need to provide, they are also required to provide a secret question and answer of their chosing. Basically the operator will ask the question and the customer will provide the pre-determined response. Now this is fairly similar to the common Australian practice of providing a password in addition to personal information to verify your identity; a practice similar in its level of security deficit but not as much fun I guess.
Both of these practice put a lot of trust and faith in the operator you are speaking to. Whoever takes you call will gain all this information and potentially have the ability to use it for nefarious purposes. Combine this with the fact that call centre operators are generally not very well paid or on rather poor work contracts, I think this reveals an accident waiting to happen. Particularly when cheap inexpensive technology such as an RSA key is readily available.
But enough doom and gloom. Let’s look at the fun you could have with such a system.Tongodeon has provide a few choice examples to paint the picture of the type of secret question and answers you could use:
Q: Do you know why I think you’re so sexy?
A: Probably because you’re totally in love with me.Q: Need any weed? Grass? Kind bud? Shrooms?
A: No thanks hippie, I’d just like to do some banking.Q: The Penis shoots Seeds, and makes new Life to poison the Earth with a plague of men.
A: Go forth, and kill. Zardoz has spoken.Q: What the hell is your fucking problem, sir?
A: This is completely inappropriate and I’d like to speak to your supervisor.Q: I’ve been embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from my employer, and I don’t care who knows it.
A: It’s a good thing they’re recording this call, because I’m going to have to report you.Q: Are you really who you say you are?
A: No, I am a Russian identity thief.Q: For the remainder of this conversation, “How can I help you today?” actually means “Would you like to buy some mescaline?” Do you understand?
A: I understand completely.
To this I can only add:
Q: As I said one morning walking down the street
A: Singing do-wah-didy didy-dum-didy-do
Q: I see dead people
A: Really? You must be nuts
Q: I think I just wet my pants
A: Oh, would you like me to give you a minute?
Q: Don’t bank here, use the [enter name of different bank] they won’t screw you with fees like we do
A: Gee, thanks for the tip
Q: Would you like a copy of some hot [chick/guy – delete as appropriate] we caught on the ATM camera?
A: Sure would, where can I download it?
Q: Everyone in this office is gay?
A: Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Choice is a wonderful thing. I wonder how long it will take the bank to change its policy?
