http://www.examiner.com/x-45214-Canada-Internet-Security-Examiner~y2010m5d28-NASA-hacker-will-be-extradited-to-the-US
YAY! "Britain's Gary McKinnon who allegedly hacked into United States Government computers in 2001 and 2002 will be extradited to the US to face up to 60 years in prison."
I'm glad that they followed through and that he will be tried for what he did. I do not think that the man deserves 60 years in prison because he did not actually harm anyone, but I do think that he needs to be held accountable for the Millions of dollars in damages that he caused. If you have no clue why he is in trouble, check out a previous post that I did called, "Hacking for UFOs". Otherwise, I'm sure that he has a wikipedia page by now.
I have a hunger for knowledge and I always want to know how things work...just ask Ellen. However, it is common knowledge that breaking into a high security system (like those that the U.S. Gov't have) will land you in a world of hurt. Blackhat Hacking is illegal. Greyhat hacking is...well..., not really illegal but illegal at the same time. While Mr. McKinnon wasn't trying to hurt anyone, he was breaking into systems that he did not own.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Never Give Someone Your Password
If an individual calls and says that they are from Microsoft, your bank, Facebook, etc., and then they ask you for your username and/or password, never give it to them! It is always a scam. Check out this story below:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/computer-franchise/computer-repair-pcpal/prweb4047084.htm
There are a few simple steps to avoid phishing attacks / social engineering such as above:
1) If you didn't call the institute to request help, don't respond to someone saying that they noticed a problem and that they are there to help you.
2) Never give out a Username or Password. Ever. There is no exception to this rule. If the IT guy asks for it, say no. They DO NOT need it.
3) Never give out your bank account number, credit card number, or any personal information such as birth date and SSN unless you specifically called the institution on their listed number. This number is on the back of the card, your bank statement, or another bill. Still, never give out the full bank account number or CC number for verification purposes. The last four digits should always do.
4) If you ever feel uneasy, ask to speak with a manager. Get the managers name and then tell them you will call back in 10 minutes. Hang up and call customer support. Give them the individuals name and make sure that they really work their. If they give you a number for a direct line, don't take it.
5) If you ever have a doubt, call your local branch (if bank or other store) and ask them to help you out. If it is a company like Dell, Microsoft, HP, etc. Call their Customer call center.
6) Use common sense and your gut feeling. If something feels off, it most likely is.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/computer-franchise/computer-repair-pcpal/prweb4047084.htm
There are a few simple steps to avoid phishing attacks / social engineering such as above:
1) If you didn't call the institute to request help, don't respond to someone saying that they noticed a problem and that they are there to help you.
2) Never give out a Username or Password. Ever. There is no exception to this rule. If the IT guy asks for it, say no. They DO NOT need it.
3) Never give out your bank account number, credit card number, or any personal information such as birth date and SSN unless you specifically called the institution on their listed number. This number is on the back of the card, your bank statement, or another bill. Still, never give out the full bank account number or CC number for verification purposes. The last four digits should always do.
4) If you ever feel uneasy, ask to speak with a manager. Get the managers name and then tell them you will call back in 10 minutes. Hang up and call customer support. Give them the individuals name and make sure that they really work their. If they give you a number for a direct line, don't take it.
5) If you ever have a doubt, call your local branch (if bank or other store) and ask them to help you out. If it is a company like Dell, Microsoft, HP, etc. Call their Customer call center.
6) Use common sense and your gut feeling. If something feels off, it most likely is.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Bank Fraud
Hackers like to test the limits of what they can do. One limit is whether or not they can break into your bank account and steal all of your money. And hey, while they're at it, they might just steal your identity too. Check out THIS site to see what they recommend. Here are some useful tips for anyone doing anything financial online:
How to Help Protect Your Account
• Don't access your account from a shared computer.
• Be certain your computer has anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware programs, including security software with automatic updates.
• If you are using wireless service, check the settings on your computer to make sure the connection is encrypted. Don't connect to your account using a public network, like the ones you find at a coffee shop or at the airport.
• Review your statements regularly and carefully, and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
• Use a strong password with letters and numbers combined. Don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
• Log out after every session.
Copyrighted, Bankrate.com. All rights reserved.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Online Schooling
So, I've just about rounded the one year mark of being back in school. The things I've learned are awesome and I use most of them (except biology) daily. I do love school, however, I've noticed a few downsides to completing my degree online.
1) Working full time and going to school full time puts a damper on non-school/non-work relationships
2) No summer break
3) Weekends are spent studying and writing papers in stead of fishing or reading (for pleasure)
4) The release of Lego: Harry Potter in June will be missed and I will either postpone playing it until my fall break or take a Friday off to finish school work so that Saturday and Sunday can be dedicated to the awesome Lego game
5) The amount of caffeine taken in via AMP or Mt. Dew per hour is directly related this complex equation:
where cf = C8H10N4O2
{This is a joke equation}
6) The amount of time spent on the computer NOT playing games is frightening
7) Suddenly everything not dealing with an online class becomes an obsession...for example, I've taken up knitting in order to put off schoolwork
8) Procrastination is increased as you don't have to actually 'show up' for class, just log in and let it sit there for 30 minutes or so.
9) Never meeting the professor is a bit of a pain...then again, meeting the professor could be a pain... ;)
10) There is an increase in body mass due to the lack of stairs and paths being walked that you would typically find on campus. (this is the one that I notice most)
All in all, I love school. The professors have all been great to work with so far and the things that I am learning are useful in everyday life. One year down and Three more to go!
1) Working full time and going to school full time puts a damper on non-school/non-work relationships
2) No summer break
3) Weekends are spent studying and writing papers in stead of fishing or reading (for pleasure)
4) The release of Lego: Harry Potter in June will be missed and I will either postpone playing it until my fall break or take a Friday off to finish school work so that Saturday and Sunday can be dedicated to the awesome Lego game
5) The amount of caffeine taken in via AMP or Mt. Dew per hour is directly related this complex equation:
where cf = C8H10N4O2{This is a joke equation}
6) The amount of time spent on the computer NOT playing games is frightening
7) Suddenly everything not dealing with an online class becomes an obsession...for example, I've taken up knitting in order to put off schoolwork
8) Procrastination is increased as you don't have to actually 'show up' for class, just log in and let it sit there for 30 minutes or so.
9) Never meeting the professor is a bit of a pain...then again, meeting the professor could be a pain... ;)
10) There is an increase in body mass due to the lack of stairs and paths being walked that you would typically find on campus. (this is the one that I notice most)
All in all, I love school. The professors have all been great to work with so far and the things that I am learning are useful in everyday life. One year down and Three more to go!
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