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Protect Your Bluetooth Device from Hackers

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Corporate News, Misc. Tech, Mods / Hacks,

Bluetooth logo A study by InsightExpress uncovered that 73% of mobile device owners are in the dark about protecting their device and data from Bluetooth hackers. If you fall into this bracket, listen up. There are three ways your gadget can be hacked: with Bluejacking, you’ll start receiving unwanted spam text messages, which can send your monthly bill (and mental state) skyward. The next level is Bluesnarfing, in which a hacker gains access to your data – and copies it for themselves. Most disturbing is Bluebugging, where a hacker can completely control your phone and make calls, obtain data, send texts and even eavesdrop on your calls. Prevention methods are amazingly simple, according to Ooi Szu-Khiam, a Symantec senior security consultant:

1) Turn off any Bluetooth features you’re not using.
2) Try to keep your device’s Bluetooth ID visibility setting at “hidden” so hackers can’t scan and find it.
3) Use passwords with a lot of digits, say 10. The more digits, the longer it takes to crack, if at all.

iPhone password entry in software version 1.1.1: seriously flawed

Posted by Sparky Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews, Software, Wireless / WiFi,

iTunes Wifi Music Store Bug

In a previous post, Gear Live discovered that the new iTunes WiFi Music Store has a few bugs here and there. The bug I encountered prevents some users from authenticating easily to purchase tracks. With a little sleuth work I managed to track down the problem: the password fields in the new iPhone software version 1.1.1 don’t work well with capitol letters in passwords. Click through for a full run down of the problem, and how to fix it if it affects you.

Click to continue reading iPhone password entry in software version 1.1.1: seriously flawed

Panasonic Eye Scanner, Security at a High Price

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Misc. Tech,

Panasonic Eye Scanner Panasonic has developed a BM-ET200 Eye Scanner. Guided by voice, the device identifies you at high speed within about .3 seconds. It will even chastise you to “stand up straight” without Mom being around. The scanner is usable for a maximum of about 50 individuals although it can be modified to hold over 10,000 total. At a cost of ¥315,000 ($2,732.00,) we suspect that after we are made to remove our shoes, we will soon be subject to another humiliating experience when trying to fly home for the Holidays.

Read More | Panasonic (translated) via Gear Fuse

Beo5 Arrives Open Minded

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Home Entertainment, Misc. Tech, Movies, Music,

For those with bucks, Bang & Olufsen is introducing its Beo5 Remote that features a universal language and the ability to be programmed for any combination of functions after purchase. It can be customized at your local store for home entertainment, security, appliances, lighting, etc. At a size of 69.3 x 115.8 x 32.3 mm and a weight of 205 g, its ambidextrous functions and buttons can be changed, added, or removed. On a full charge, it will last about 18 hours and comes with a decent 3.6 meter cable for flexibility. Available any time now, expect the adaptable Beo5 to set you back $560.00.

Security Stepped Up After VT Tragedy

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, GPS, Handhelds, Misc. Tech,

Ever since the tragedy at Virginia Tech 5 months ago, many colleges and students have been purchasing devices to ensure their safety. The Rave Guardian has a “safe walk” feature that lets students set a timer when they want to be watched while crossing a dark campus. It also features the means of allowing administrators to contact students in an emergency.

Napco Security offers a Gem-WP Panic Button that can be placed on a key chain or pendant. The system features radio waves to find student locations. Other colleges and universities now have installed systems such as Send Word Now, so that students can receive instructions in case of an emergency.

Many of the institutions require scholars to purchase equipment after enrollment. It makes us sad that it took an extreme incident to make the schools sit up and take notice, but happier knowing that our kids are safer when going to and from classes.

Destroy Sensitive Discs With Aplomb

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Movies, Music, USB,

There are paper shredders, but what do you do when you want to get rid of a disc with sensitive data? Sure, you can key them or melt them in the microwave, or you can be an adult about it and use the USB powered CD Destroyer. The gadget can be used on CD/DVD/CD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, and DVD-ROM, can take care of the evil discs in only 5 seconds, and claims a lifetime of 100,000 CDs/DVDs. At a size of 60 x 120 x 50 mm, it weighs only 130 g, and comes with a 50 cm long power cable at a price of $29.99 at Brando.

(Thanks, Fanny)

Cell Phone Numbers Made Public

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Internet,

Intelius, the online people search site for names, addresses, phone numbers, background checks and more is now selling cell phone numbers at $15.00 a pop. The company claims it has 90 million such listings now and will have an additional 70 million in the coming weeks. How many senators and representatives will get constant phone calls before they decide to pass a bill making this illegal? None, we think. Although cell phones are seemingly the last bastion of privacy, it seems more likely that this will go the way of landlines, where you have to pay to be unlisted.

NeoFace Identifies The Bad Guys

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Science,

NEC has created a GLVQ-based NeoFace biometric recognition system that can identify humans as they drive past borders. Combined with their electronic passport technology, after a camera scans a vehicle’s license plate, a combination of eye-zone extraction and facial recognition matches parts of the face. The cameras are being installed on 40 checkpoints on a new road which connects Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and will be upgraded to include 8 passengers by August.

At this point the NEC system can only make an ID on the driver, so the obvious thing to do here is if you are one of those who probably shouldn’t be traveling so publicly, you might want to hang in the back seat while watching another viewing of “The Falcon and the Snowman” on your portable DVD player.

AXIS Cam is Wireless

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Wireless / WiFi,

AXIS 211W The Korean company AXIS has designed a 1.3M 211W network cam with a choice of a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. With an omni-directional indoor antenna, it switches automatically between day and night. The cam also features a progressive scan sensor and advanced imaging, and is compatible with IEEE 802.11g standard as well as being backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b. With two-way, one-way, or audio off, and at a size of 44 x 88 x 200 mm, the cam is the perfect excuse to spy on employees of retail outlets, offices, and hotels, or just for peeking around college dorms.

Lock Up Your iPod Shuffle with Podolock

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Apple, Misc. Tech,

Unfortunately, because of its high price and coolness factor, iPods are targets for theft. And the compact size of the Shuffle makes it especially vulnerable. A solution? The Podolock is an acrylic case you slide your Shuffle into (you can still access all the controls). Insert the supplied durable-strength cable through the case, attach to clothing, objects or even a keychain, and you’ve instantly secured your precious iPod. It’s certainly a step up from simply clipping the Shuffle to your jeans. Available for $20 USD.

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