1629 Defcon 18 http://oopsmygeekisshowing.com/blog/post/defcon-18/ 1282685057 On July 29th, I hopped a plane to Las Vegas to attend Defcon 18.  There I went to talk after talk given by bright minds in computer security, absorbing knowledge of security threats—all with the intent of bringing it back to MindComet, where I could apply what I learned about security weaknesses to the quality assurance process. About a weak after my return, I gave a lunch presentation to the company, laying out some of the big issues that are applicable to our work. Below is an overview of the pieces of the talk, with a quick summary of what you’ll find in the undecorated slides:

     
  • Connection String Parameter Attacks - Methods of abusing database connection strings, with insights on how to prevent the attacks.
    •  
  • Decoding reCAPTCHA - Cutting edge of breaking Google’s reCAPTCHA, and insights in what to look for when evaluating anti-spam.
    •  
  • App Attack: Surviving the Mobile Application Explosion - Massive security overview of Android and iPhone application security, with security pitfalls to avoid.


If you have any concerns about the security or your Web site, mobile application or other online tool, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

]]> carneywilson 0 1622 International Space Station Tour http://oopsmygeekisshowing.com/blog/post/international-space-station-tour/ 1281375075 Back in the beginning of 2009, astronaut Mike Fincke gave a thorough tour of the International Space Station. In traditional NASA outreach style, they posted the 30+ minute series on YouTube.









I was quite impressed with the number of laptops up there; they seemed to be a bank of them for each work area.

]]> carneywilson 0 1611 Sailing in Space http://oopsmygeekisshowing.com/blog/post/sailing-in-space/ 1279587589 On July 9th, JAXA (the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) announced that they had successfully deployed and used a solar sail—a 2,153 square foot foil membrane that accelerates a space ship with sunlight and solar wind. At about 0.00025 pounds of force, the acceleration is tiny; but the ship is lighter due to lack of onboard fuel, and that acceleration can continue right through the flyby of Venus in six months.

Even stranger is the use of LCD screens near the edge of the sail, which allow the sail to change its angle by varying the amount of light reflected from the screens. Of course, they’re powered by solar cells further in on the sail.

If the IKAROS is successful in its flight, later this year JAXA will launch a new satellite with nearly 13,500 square feet of sail area. This time, the goal will be to visit Jupiter and the Trojan asteroids.

]]> carneywilson 0 1608 Sith Lord, would it be OK if I took your photo? http://oopsmygeekisshowing.com/blog/post/sith-lord-would-it-be-ok-if-i-took-your-photo/ 1279131916 In a recent performance by Improv Everywhere, New York City subway riders were presented with glorious Star Wars reenactment: Star Wars Subway Car.



Now, if only the local library carried Galactic Rebellion for Dummies…

]]> carneywilson 0 1600 Wherever You Are, Whatever You Do, Look Around You http://oopsmygeekisshowing.com/blog/post/wherever-you-are-whatever-you-do-look-around-you/ 1278003441 Sometimes it takes a video to realize the beauty of something. In this case, I’d like to remind you of the beauty of maths—presented by our friends Look Around You, courtesy of the BBC.

]]> carneywilson 0