Earlier this week some iPhone 3.0 users started receiving random instant messages seemingly intended for other people. It was later uncovered that this was caused by unlocked iPhone users.
The iPhone generates unique public/private keys upon activation that identify handsets to secure those pushed IMs, and unlocking tools use duplicated keys to facilitate illicit use. With single identifiers registered to multiple phones instant messages are being sent all over the network – rather than to their intended destination.
[Original Article]
posted by pierow at 3:45 pm
Near Washington, D.C., construction crews watch for mystery ‘black’ wire
A Metrorail extension risks hitting communications lines, including some used for top-secret government intelligence operations.
By Amy Gardner
June 07, 2009
Reporting from Washington — This part happens all the time: A construction crew putting up an office building in the heart of congested Tysons Corner in McLean, Va., hit a fiber-optic cable no one knew was there.
This part doesn’t: Within moments, three black SUVs drove up, half a dozen men in suits jumped out, and one said, “You just hit our line.”
(more…)
posted by admin at 6:47 pm
Keyloggers aren’t only used by identity thieves, jealous spouses and hackers in the Far East. CNET reported in July 2007 that the DEA persuaded a federal judge to authorize them to sneak into an Escondido, California office to copy computer hard drives and install a software keystroke logger. [Read the full story]
posted by pierow at 3:04 pm
The iKeePass team submitted the iKeePass app to the Apple App Store for review back in December of 2008. Apparently Apple wants them to make some changes before the app will be released. Once it becomes available, you should be able to import your existing database and carry all of your passwords on your iPhone. We’re anxiously awaiting this one!
[LINK]
posted by pierow at 6:40 pm
Marcus at Interactive Matter has come up with a micro implementation of the TV-B-Gone (originally my Mitch Altman). This implementation is based on the ATTINY85 by Lady Ada with some parts replaced, some IR diodes removed and a smaller PCB layout. The result is a 1.4 cm to 2.5 cm SMT TV-B-Gone powered by a single CR1220 coin cell.
Marcus is not currently offering the units for sale but is considering offering an improved version which will be offered as a kit.
[LINK]
posted by pierow at 2:54 pm
New York University grad student Adam Harvey has come up with a rather clever invention to thwart unwanted photography. His “anti-paparazzi device,” which is built into a small clutch purse, uses a photo cell that picks up a photographer’s flash and responds by firing flashing LED lights back at paparazzi – ruining their photos and ensuring that no facial features can be seen.
The device is meant to be used at night or in low light situations. “It works up to iso 800 at f/4, but if you’re shooting something that requires more light than that then this thing can be overpowered,” says Harvey. The device works up to a 1/125 shutter speed. “If someone’s taking a low-light shot with a long shutter-speed then it’s much more effective.”
[LINK]
posted by pierow at 7:02 am