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| Current Topic: Cryptography |
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Master-Keyed Lock Vulnerability |
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| Topic: Cryptography |
6:14 pm EST, Jan 23, 2003 |
We describe weaknesses in most master-keyed lock systems, such as those used by offices, schools, and businesses as well as by some residential facilities (particularly apartment complexes, dormitories, and condominiums). These weaknesses allow anyone with access to the key to a single lock to create easily the "master" key that opens every lock in the entire system. Creating such a key requires no special skill, leaves behind no evidence, and does not require engaging in recognizably suspicious behavior. The only materials required are a metal file and a small number of blank keys, which are often easy to obtain. Needless to say, the ability for any keyholder to obtain system-wide access represents a serious potential threat to the security of master-keyed installations. Individuals and institutions that depend on such locks to protect their safety and property should be aware of these risks and consider alternatives to eliminate or reduce their exposure to this threat. Matt Blaze is at it again ... this paper has a Markus Kuhn / Ross Anderson flavor to it. (There is a news article in today's NYT about this paper.) Master-Keyed Lock Vulnerability |
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| Topic: Cryptography |
7:22 am EST, Dec 18, 2002 |
A list of the symbols that hobos would write in chalk or charcoal, to signal other hobos about what they could expect in that area (such as "Good place for a handout" "Watch out, they have a gun in this house" "You can camp here," and so forth). (Rattle's evil tip of the day) Now you can preform hobo DoS attacks on people you don't like. Just chalk a "Religious talk will get you a meal here" or "Owners will give to get rid of you" sign in front of their home. Hobo Signs & Symbols |
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| Topic: Cryptography |
8:09 pm EST, Dec 16, 2002 |
From Elonka: While I was giving my talk at CIA Headquarters in October, I managed to obtain some rubbings of the mysterious Kryptos sculpture in the main courtyard. Three of the four encoded sections on that sculpture have been cracked, but the last 97 characters are still unsolved. If this is something you're interested in working on, check this link for more information about the sculpture, as well as scans of the rubbings that I did. CIA Kryptos Sculpture |
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Counterpane: Crypto-Gram: December 15, 2002 |
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| Topic: Cryptography |
9:24 am EST, Dec 16, 2002 |
] Steganography, and whether or not terrorists are using it:
] http://elonka.com/steganography/ Bruce Schneier has included the URL for Elonka's talk in the latest issue of the Crypto-Gram newsletter. PhreakNIC hits the big time! Maybe you can get Schneier to show up next year and give a keynote speech. Also, this URL should be updated to include a link to MemeStreams. For that matter, someone needs to get Elonka on MemeStreams. Counterpane: Crypto-Gram: December 15, 2002 |
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