Archive for August, 2008

My next Tech Beat article which should be published on Thursday in the Times-Standard is all about network insecurity. Among the issues I discuss is the poor application of passwords: Using common words or simple number strings instead of harder to crack strings of letters, numbers and punctuation. Now along comes this New York Times article that claims that the use of the password system is itself a big security hole no matter how complex the passwords are.

But the article doesn’t give really good reasons why the password login system is worthless. Of course, it can be circumvented any number of ways, but usually not without the unwitting help of the user such as succumbing to phising schemes. But being careful with passwords is all part of a comprehensive approach to network security, which I discuss. And the article doesn’t offer a good alternative except in theory.

So, practice safe Internet and use good passwords until something better comes along.

Technorati Tags: internet security, passwords

The Eureka Reporter web site is down for the second time in two days. And this is the third time recently. After losing the recent court battle over legal notices and losing Glenn Franco Simmons as editor is this another sign that things are falling apart over there?

I’m spending a week in Michigan near Detroit on family stuff. Lots of things going on. Barack Obama and John McCain both made appearances nearby, the PGA is making traffic on some roads difficult, and the mayor of Detroit just got hauled off to jail for skipping bail…twice.

Unfortunately, where we’re staying has no Internet access. Nothing. Not even a dial up modem. To get online I have to go out on the front porch and try to hop on a neighbor’s open wireless network (my Mac hunts and hunts and finds ‘linksys’). Depending on the cloud cover, the wind, a car going by I can stay on for 10 seconds, sometimes 10 minutes. At night the light from the laptop attracts hordes of bugs and I go to bed scratching.

But just a few miles away, the local library has wifi access throughout their facility. Not only that, they have these great tables set up with lamps in the middle that have outlets for you power cord. They want you come in and be comfortable and use their facility. It’s a wonderful library with large reading and study areas and even a café.

I am so glad the Eureka branch of the Humboldt County Library finally got wireless capabilities so people in a situation similar to mine can get Internet access. If I hadn’t found this place I would have had to spend an inordinate amount of time and money at Starbucks.

Technorati Tags: humboldt county library, library access, WiFi

The next Broadband Forum is set for Auguts 21 at Fortuna’s River Lodge,  8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. According to a email from Connie Stewart, the theme for this year is “Rural Connections: From Grassroots to Treetops: Getting Broadband to All of the Redwood Coast“.

The keynote speaker will be Sunne McPeak, President and Chief Executive Officer, California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF). The Forum will also feature presentations from “leaders in technology development.”  The email continues:

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
Recent events have demonstrated the critical role that
telecommunications plays in the economic and social health of
our community. There’s money on the table and political
will to bring broadband to rural communities like ours, but we
need to develop strong public/private partnerships and work
together to make this happen! In addition, local participants
will receive critical education on statewide and national policy
and funding trends that will affect our broadband future.

The invitation to attend is for “…elected officials, city managers, county administrators, economic and community development professionals, tribal representatives, and community leaders from Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity Counties.” So if  you are, or think you are, one of those AND you want a free lunch, you can contact Connie Stewart or call (707) 445-7014 to reserve a spot.

You can download the agenda here.