Remote Control Computers Via the Internet with CrossLoop

CrossLoopI’ve previously written about how to access your PC from anywhere for free, and my favorite tool for this purpose is LogMeIn.com. The only problem with LogMeIn is, you need to have previously installed, and have running, the LogMeIn application in order to access the machine remotely.

But what if your buddy / relative / coworker calls you out of the blue wanting you to diagnose some computer issue and you know it would be 100 times easier if you could just remote control the computer? Well, no problem! CrossLoop is the fastest, easiest method of accomplishing this.
[Read more...]

TSA = Thousands Standing Around

TSA Scanning ShoesUugh. The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) has really fulfilled their goal of making life for a billion travelers a year completely miserable. You know what TSA stands for?

  • Thousands Standing Around
  • Take Scissors Away
  • Truly Stupid Activities

[Read more...]

John P on Connecticut Public Radio

Real Life Survival GuideBruce Barber, from the Real Life Survival Guide, recently interviewed me via phone for a segment on Password Security. That segment will go live today on Connecticut Public Radio, so I’d like to welcome any visitors stopping by as a result.

For the rest of us that don’t happen to live in Connecticut, here is the interview as graciously provided by Bruce.

Listen to

As further reading on the topic of password security, please see my complete article on How I’d Hack Your Weak Passwords. And if you are looking for the password manager I referred to called Roboform I created a short RoboForm Demonstration Video to get you started.

You’ll also find over 30 other related articles in the Security category.

For the regulars around here, you really should stop by Bruce’s site and listen to his other interviews (he’s even got an RSS feed to subscribe to). There are a lot of great tips, and he is a true professional so these are high quality audio clips. Believe me, if it weren’t for the magic of Bruce’s editing prowess mine wouldn’t have been very good!

So You Think Your Cell Phone is Safe?

BluesnarfingThere is nothing like instilling a little fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) to help sell a product… or a consulting service!

Some young guys in L.A. garnered some serious attention when they told ABC News that they could hack cell phones of the rich and famous. And this short video is the result of that claim.
[Read more...]

The Threat of Free Public WiFi

Folks, I was at the airport and I popped open my laptop to hop on the net and upon doing so I encountered a seriously sneaky bastard. Do you see anything wrong with the image below?

Free Public WiFi Threat

Well, hopefully you notice the little icon of a laptop beside the network entitled “Free Public WiFi”. This is NOT a free wireless access point, but instead a laptop computer that someone has configured to capture your personal data and rob you blind.
[Read more...]

Lock Bumping Threatens Your Home Security

Lock Bumping KeyFolks, as you know by now whenever I come across security threats I like to share them. And this one is actually pretty pressing.

With a specially modified blank key and a small hammer – or even stick, 90% of home locks can be picked in a matter of seconds. The technique is called Lock Bumping, and the instructions are now all over the Internet.

Take a look at this news report, and then please take appropriate action to ensure that you are not vulnerable.
[Read more...]

One Man’s Weekly Links – October 5, 2007

Here are this week’s links… otherwise known as things that I would have blogged about, if I had time to do so…

[Read more...]

How To Cheat A Coin Operated Washing Machine

Cheat a Washing MachineI wouldn’t actually do this, but for some reason I’m just fascinated with these unbelievably simple methods of circumventing the system.

Just like the How to Pick a Padlock, this method of using a coin operated washing machine for free is so simple it makes you wonder how they would ever collect any money in these machines!
[Read more...]

How To Bootleg Movies, Music and Software Online

Illegal DownloadsI keep wondering two things, why does the RIAA continue to persecute people, and more importantly why do people do stupid enough things to keep getting prosecuted?

That organization exists for the sole purpose of suing the pants off of people, but they can only do so when people leave plenty of evidence about their activity – namely hosting content on their computers and allowing others to download it. Most of the time it seems these foolish people aren’t even aware that what they are doing by running Kazaa, eMule, Gnutella, or some other file sharing application puts them at risk.

But why in the world would anyone share their music, movie or software collections via open, anonymous connections? Especially when there are other virtually risk-free alternatives? (By the way, know your rights if RIAA comes calling.)
[Read more...]