This week in Washington, DC, many of computer security’s best and brightest minds have gathered to present research and to offer training on the latest attack techniques and network defenses. Patterned after the popular Black Hat Briefings held in Las Vegas every summer, Black Hat Federal is gaining popularity–especially with security professionals in and around [...]
As an information security engineer, I tend to spend a lot of time planning how to prevent bad things from happening to computers and information. In the real world, however, bad things happen all the time and we have to deal with it. One of the bad things that can happen is to your laptop, [...]
If you read my weekly GottaBeSecure articles, you’ll know that WiFi security is one of my favorite topics. Many people ask me, however, whether cell phone data cards (AKA mobile broadband or air cards) are any more secure? Assuming you’re worried about your average black hat hacker or your snooping next door neighbor, the answer [...]
Although most modern operating systems come with a built-in software firewall, sometimes it’s hard to know for sure whether the thing is turned-on and exactly how many holes (“exceptions”) you’ve opened up. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a hardware firewall small enough to put in your pocket? A company called Yoggie is selling two [...]
Chances are you’ve heard news stories about lost or stolen laptops that containing volumes of employee or customer social security numbers, credit card numbers, and other personal information. The actions taken against employees or consultants that put sensitive data at risk in this way range from disciplinary action to criminal / civil penalties. Needless to [...]
> What makes for a good mobile security product? After last week’s onslaught of new products and gadgets at CES, I sat down to think about the qualities that I think go into a great mobile security product. > First and foremost, a mobile security product has to be easy to use. This holds true [...]
Remember, you heard it here first…Wi-Fi hacking is on the rise Got a Wi-Fi security story to tell? GBM readers can benefit from your experience–write a comment and share your story today!
Despite the appearance of biometric security devices in many new mobile computing platforms, password security still remains the Achilles’ heel of the computer security world. Why, you ask? Because even if you rely on a biometric device for authentication and / or encryption of your data, nearly all biometric security devices rely on a back-up [...]
For nearly three months I’ve been writing a column on what I call "mobile security." In past articles I’ve examined the dangers of public WiFi networks, tablet PC theft, data seepage, and even the security of using Skype. But all these are really just anecdotes to the larger issue. Today I’d like to take a [...]
As a mobile user, I often use Skype as a cheap, easy replacement for a more costly teleconferencing system. But have you ever wondered how secure Skype is? After all, if you’ve read very many of my past articles, you already know that your network activity in a coffee shop or public WiFi hotspot is [...]
>I am normally not overly concerned about privacy. I am the kind of person that gladly signs up for a grocery store rewards program (surrendering all my personal information in exchange for a 3% discount on ““club card†sale items). That said, I was a little bit freaked out when I discovered my Dish Network [...]
If you’ve been reading my mobile security column over the past several weeks, you know that most everything you do on a public network (email, web surfing, etc.) can be monitored or intercepted. Although you can hide the information you’re sending and receiving by only visiting web sites that use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), you’re [...]
If you’re a mobile PC user, you probably have a network at home. Maybe you only have one other computer connected to your home network (or maybe you have 5 more, like me), but you’d probably like to be able to share information between your various computers (for instance, sharing MP3 music files from your [...]
Managing security in a mobile world can be a challenging problem. That is why we’ve devoted a feature series to it, called GottaBeSecure. Terry Bradley has been writing that series for us, and in this podcast, we talk about various security issues, as well as get to know Terry a little more. Enjoy! Download Podcast #36 [...]
Over the past few weeks, we’ve discussed passive mobile security threats, active hacker threats, and tablet PC theft. In the final installment of this series on mobile security, we’ll be looking at an advanced mobile security issue, data seepage. Tablet PC’s and ultra-mobile devices have opened up a whole new world of productivity and connectedness [...]
As a computer security professional I tend to spend a lot of my time reading about and researching sophisticated attacks against computer systems and high-tech ways to defend against these attacks. The grim reality of mobile computing, however, is that the low-tech crime of tablet PC theft can be committed with devastating results by unsophisticated [...]
In Part 1 & Part 2 of this series about mobile security, I discussed the dangers of having your data intercepted while using ““open†wireless networks and public wired networks (like the ones you’ll find in your average hotel room). While the adversary I’ve previously discussed has been a hidden, passive enemy, I’d like to [...]
In Part 1 of this series about mobile security, I described the dangers of having your web connection intercepted through a technique known as wireless ““sniffing.†Although I only discussed the problem of web browsing being intercepted, the problem really applies to any network traffic that isn’t encrypted. So, other common applications like email, file [...]
Ahhhh, the joys of the mobile office checking email on a sunny morning from an outside table while enjoying a steaming cup of fresh coffee. Or maybe you’re squeezing in a little work at the car dealership’s service center, taking advantage of the complimentary WiFi while the mechanics work on your car. Wireless networking combined [...]
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Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE Review: A Worthy Successor to the Original (Video)
When Sprint had debuted the original WiMax-capable HTC EVO 4G nearly two years ago, it was an instant hit on the Now network. Not only was the HTC EVO 4G the first 4G smartphone in the world taking advantage of Sprint’s then speedy WiMax network, but it brought some new features and pizzazz to the [...]
Last year Toshiba waded into the Android tablet market with the Thrive, a 10.1-inch slate that served as the company’s response to what they deemed missing in the then current crop. Thus, it had several full-size ports, a rugged-ish exterior, and a thick chassis to accommodate both. Though a decent tablet, the Thrive didn’t generate [...]
Samsung Shows That It Is a Software Company
As exciting as it has been to talk, postulate, and speculate about the Galaxy S III’s hardware and specs before the third-generation Galaxy flagship smartphone was announced on May 3rd in London, once the device was announced one thing became apparent: Samsung is now a software company. That doesn’t mean that Samsung is shying away [...]
Autumn Dynasty Review: A Great RTS for the iPad
With its large touchscreen, the iPad seems like the perfect platform for Real Time Strategy games, and Autumn Dynasty proves it, mostly. Autumn Dynasty is an RTS iPad game with art that looks like tradition Chinese painting. The story involves quelling a rebellion while solving a mystery of shady noblemen. The story though, just serves [...]
Griffin GuitarConnect Pro Review: Record Your Jams with Ease
The Griffin GuitarConnect Pro interfaces with your Guitar and your iPad or iPhone so you can record your music easily using apps like Apple’s GarageBand. My son Daniel, who’s learning to play guitar, helped me test it out and he loved it. When he gets as good as Jimi Hendrix, I’m sure he’ll steal my [...]
Google Search App iPhone and iPad Update Looks Beautiful (Video)
Google just delivered a beautiful update to the company’s Google Search app for the iPhone and iPad The Google Search app for iPhone and iPad replaced Safari as my browser of choice, earning a spot in the iPhone and iPad dock. It’s faster and offers a beautiful new full screen image search which looks awesome on the [...]
