Davtra's Blog

WiFi is no longer a viable secure connection

WiFi is no longer secure enough to protect wireless data.

Global Secure Systems has said that a Russian’s firm’s use of the latest NVidia graphics cards to accelerate WiFi ‘password recovery’ times by up to an astonishing 10,000 per cent proves that WiFi’s WPA and WPA2 encryption systems are no longer enough to protect wireless data.

David Hobson, managing director of GSS, claimed that companies can no longer view standards-based WiFi transmission as sufficiently secure against eavesdropping to be used with impunity. He also said that the use of VPNs is arguably now mandatory for companies wanting to comply with the Data Protection Act.

He said: “This breakthrough in brute force decryption of WiFi signals by Elcomsoft confirms our observations that firms can no longer rely on standards-based security to protect their data. As a result, we now advise clients using WiFi in their offices to move on up to a VPN encryption system as well.

“Brute force decryption of the WPA and WPA2 systems using parallel processing has been on the theoretical possibilities horizon for some time – and presumably employed by relevant government agencies in extreme situations – but the use of the latest NVidia cards to speedup decryption on a standard PC is extremely worrying.

“The $64,000 question, of course, is what happens when hackers secure a pecuniary advantage by gaining access to company data flowing across a WPA or WPA2-encrypted wireless connection. Will the Information Commissioner take action against the company concerned for an effective breach of the Data Protection Act.”

News source: scmagazineuk.com

Emoticons

Last night I have compiled a list of emoticons that you can use for your bulletin board and for other things as well. Link: http://images.davtra.net/emoticons/

Nintendo DSi Features

New features according to the Nintendo Conference in Japan…

• New SD card slot to store pictures and download software. Photos can be synced to the Wii’s Photo Channel;
• Bigger screen;
• Better speakers;
• Two cameras, and audio functions;
• Can manipulate photographs taken using the in-built camera (photo editing);
• Product is 12% thinner than the DS Lite – no slot for Game Boy Advanced games;
• DSi will allow for full media playback for music and podcasts;
• In-built browser which can be used to visit the DSi Shop online and download games using Nintendo’s points system (e.g. 200 points can allow you to download a certain game);

One major disadvantage, according to this table here: http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/compar.JPG, the battery duration of the DSi is almost cut in half compared to the DS Lite. The charging time of the DSi is cut down by just 30 minutes.

Overall, these, to me, are just minor improvements. If gamers already own a DS Lite, they might not purchase the DSi. These small changes may not convenience them dramatically to buy. I’ve got plenty of time to think about this: should I purchase the DSi? I don’t own the DS Lite, so, I might buy, but some users say ‘why pay more for similar features to the 2006 DS Lite model’?

The DSi is expected to debut in Japan on November 1 2008 for 18,900 Yen ($179 USD). Product will be released in 2009 for the rest of the world. Expect a high price in Australia, like usual.

Nintendo announces DSi with dual cameras

Nintendo Japan today has revealed a new version of the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi. I want to get back into gaming and play my favourite childhood games (e.g. Mario). I wanted to purchase the Nintedo DS Lite either mid-year (this year) or near the end of the year, but I heard rumours that Nintendo will reveal a new model soon. I waited and waited and they just announced a new model today.

The device is about 10% thinner than the Nintendo DS Lite with a camera and other functionalities. The details are scarce at this moment.

I’m excited. I haven’t had a handheld gaming device since my first black-and-white Gameboy (when I was seven or eight years old). Good thing I didn’t purchase the Nintendo DS Lite mid-year 2008. Don’t you just hate it when you purchase an electronic device and then soon later a new model comes out?