The Fiery Source » Security

Video: How To Hack Wireless

Bob — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:39:00 +0000

When it comes to accessing the Internet wireless has become the most preferred means because of it’s simplicity to connect and use. Of course the downside to wireless is it’s a lot less secured opposed to using a direct connection. This last December we wrote an article on how to crack a Wi-Fi network’s WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) password using BackTrack.

Once again we are revisiting this topic for educational or a proof-of-concept intellectual reasons only. So don’t be a Jackass or do anything illegal with this information. We are sharing this information to teach only, to help you better understand how vulnerable you really are using a WEP-encrypted network.

We would like to mention that BackTrack also updated to version 4 since we last wrote about it. Nevertheless, the process to crack WEP encrypted networks is basically the same procedure. It’s really easy to hack into a WEP-encrypted network, so remember to use WPA encryption to protect home network.

Check out the video from Tinkernut for a great step-by-step tutorial on how to crack a WEP-encrypted network.

Lifehacker via Tinkernut

The Best Free Apps Worthy of Downloading

Bob — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:54:05 +0000

Knowing our 30 Recommended Software Downloads for Free article was now a year old, we decided to give it an upgrade. After we got started I didn’t fully realize just how many applications we had tested throughout the year, and how many had made the cut until I started putting this list together.

When we finished compiling all the notes the list was hugh, after pondering for a week what to cut I decided there was simply to many to cut it back down to 30 software programs. Therefore the upgrade got tossed, and a new article listing what we feel are the best software applications that deserve to be on your machine is here.

We’ve picked out the best free software programs that we could think of, so there’s no need to spend dollars to get quality applications and utility software. Whether you’re looking for free anti-virus software, or free Office software, you’ll find it here. This is not the complete list, so if your favorite got overlooked please tell us about it in the comments.

1. 7-Zip performs all the archiving and extracting power you need, an excellent compression tool.
2. AbiWord a word processor thats compatible with Microsoft Word documents and OpenDocument Format.
3. AdBlock Plus (see also: 50 Recommended Firefox Extensions)
4. Adium an instant messaging app for Mac OS X that can connect to AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, and more.
5. Avast! (see also: Best Free Antivirus Software)
6. AVG (see also: AVG 9 Free is Now Available for Download)
7. Audacity is a free sound editing and recording application
8. AutoHotkey a free utility thats unleashes the full potential of your keyboard, joystick, and mouse.
9. Blender (see also: Here’s your Chance to Learn Blender with free e-book)
10. Boxee if you want to get rid of that cable bill this is how you do it
11. CCleaner one of the best file and registry cleanup tools around.
12. CDBurnerXP is a free application to burn CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs.
13. Defraggler (see also: Seven Best Disk Defragmenters)
14. Digsby manage all your IM, email, and social network accounts from one application.
15. Dropbox is more than just File Syncing
16. Eclipse IDE an open source community, where projects are focused on building an platform.
17. Evernote an sophisticated app for putting notes, thoughts, ideas, all in one place.
18. FileZilla a cross-platform FTP client that supports secure file transfer, and the only one I use.
19. Firefox an excellent free browser that provides a secure and friendly browsing experience.
20. foobar2000 an advanced audio player for the Windows platform
21. Foxit Reader a very nice lightweight alternative to Adobe’s Acrobat PDF reader
22. GIMP this software does most of what Photoshop does except it’s free.
23. Gmail my account gets less spam than any other I use, I love it.
24. Google Chrome another excellent free browser that provides a secure and friendly browsing experience.
25. Google Pack one-stop software package of a wide range of essential PC programs.
26. HandBrake a multiplatform, multithreaded video transcoder, available for MacOS X, Linux and Windows.
27. ImgBurn a CD / DVD / HD DVD / Blu-ray burning application and supports all windows versions.
28. iTunes this popular desktop media player needs no introduction
29. Juice is an excellent podcasting client.
30. KeePass is free, open source, light-weight and easy-to-use password manager.
31. Launchy helps you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and your file manager.
32. OpenOffice.org full featured alternative to Microsoft’s office suite, a prized application for sure
33. Opera another excellent free browser that provides a fast secure and friendly browsing experience.
34. MediaMonkey a Media Jukebox, Music Manager, CD Ripper & Converter
35. Media Player Classic supports many different audio and video file formats.
36. Microsoft Security Essentials (see also: Microsoft Security Essentials First Look and Impressive)
37. Mozilla Thunderbird powerful, simple and lightweight email and news application.
38. Notepad++ fully featured text editor that supports around 50 different programming languages.
39. Paint.NET a image and photo editing software for Windows, another excellent Photoshop Alternative
40. PDFCreator can encrypt PDFs and protects you articles from being altered or printed by third parties.
41. Picasa a application that lets you organize and share your digital photos.
42. Pidgin a instant messenger allowing you to use Yahoo IM, AIM, Google talk, MSN and others at one time.
43. PuTTY a free SSH and telnet client for Windows
44. Rainmeter a desktop customization platform, set up a killer desktop without a line of code.
45. Revo Uninstaller a fast and powerful alternative to “Windows Add or Remove Programs” applet!
46. RSSOwl is a solid cross-platform RSS client
47. Skype allows you to make phone calls from your computer
48. SpyBot Search & Destroy a spyware detection and removal program.
49. Songbird (see also: Songbird 1.4.2 Released, Brings New Features)
50. Sumatra PDF is a blazing fast alternative for Adobe Reader and my favorite
51. TeamViewer remote access and remote desktop sharing that works behind any firewall or NAT proxy
52. TeraCopy is one of the best known alternative file copiers on the planet.
53. Transmission is the most popular BitTorrent client for OS X on the planet
54. TrueCrypt open-source disk encryption software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, and Linux
55. Ubuntu (Ubuntu 9.10 ‘Karmic Koala’ Final and Released, and Ubuntu Pocket Guide Available for Free)
56. µTorrent is the most popular BitTorrent P2P application for windows.
57. UltraVNC control another PC remotely via Internet or network
58. VirtualBox is a cross-platform virtualization application that is extremely feature rich
59. VLC is a media player that supports many different audio and video file formats.
60. Winamp this alternative to windows media player has tons of plug-ins and skins.
61. Windows Live Writer software for blog posting and a favorite with many pros
62. WinSCP a free open source SFTP and FTP client for Windows
63. XBMC a complete media center solution for Windows, OSX, Linux, and XBOX

The Unofficial New Flight Security Rules, thus Far

Bob — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:11:02 +0000

Thanks to the latest attempt to blow a U.S.-bound flight out of the sky, air travel has once again had security tightenedto a higher level and the rules for flying changed. As of this writing there has been no official procedure announced. But we do have the scuttlebutt as to whats going on and where.

News agencies are reporting and speculating on changes but nothing official as of yet has been released. However, there are a few things that are for certain, if your flying there are no concrete rules changes as of yet, so what you hear or read from the grapevine about airport security at your local airport may not be the situation at another.

The Transportation Security Administration wrote in a press release here, that “These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere.”

News agencies are reporting that the toughest measures are being enforced on flights entering the U.S. from abroad. Sources tell us that some carriers are posting new rules on their web sites, changes such in bound US flights passengers will have to remain seated during the last hour of a flight, a few airlines are saying travelers will not have access to their carry-on baggage, and cannot have anything on their laps to include pillows and blankets. Some travelers have reported pat-down searches and more thorough bag checks.

Again our sources tell us travelers and carry on bags will be screened at all security checkpoints and gates, no exceptions. As for domestic flights the only thing we can tell you is the only predictable element is unpredictability. As for our beloved gadgets, it sounds like their permitting use to use them only between liftoff and landing. Where as some flights are allowing the use of electronic items up until the last hour, a few are the last thirty minutes.

Jetblue announced there will be no in flight entertainment system; “no movies, no tv, no xm radio, the system is required by federal government to be shut down.”

Note: Just in via Gizmodo, TSA security directive confirms a ban on in-flight Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and access to any and all carry-on luggage or devices one hour before landing.

Have you flown since Friday’s incident? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

Here is that leaked TSA security directive spelled out for us below

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration

Aviation Security Directive

Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009

EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009

This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.

INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.

APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).

ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.

1. BOARDING GATE

1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.

1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.

2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:

1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)

3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:

1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).

2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).

2. IN FLIGHT

1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:

1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.

AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.

AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).

APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.

FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.

FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.

Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator

via Lifehacker and Gizmodo

How to Crack a Wi-Fi Network’s WEP Password using BackTrack

Bob — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:36:58 +0000

Hopefully you know you should use WPA to secure your Wi-Fi network, always select WPA encryption over WEP as the later is so easy to crack. How easy is it? Check out the video I posted below.

Yhis video will walk you through the procedures, step by step showing you how to crack a Wi-Fi network with WEP security turned on. Before we go on let me add a few words about why I am doing this. First off this is for educational purposes only and to help you understand how vulnerable you really are with a WEP encrypted network. So don’t be a jackass and use this newly founded knowledge for anything illegal.

I started not to write about this topic knowing that someone might take this information and use it for the wrong reasons. However the good far out weighed the bad, besides there are so many tutorials on how to crack WEP all over the Internet using this very same method.

Cracking WEP can be done with free software and a cheap Wi-Fi adapter, chances are you don’t have the tools needed for this job. Heres what you need to crack WEP.

1. You are going to need a wireless adapter that’s capable of packet injection, most likely you do not have one. I got mine from Amazon which is on sale now for $39.00, the model I purchased is a Alfa AWUS050NH USB adapter, pictured above. If you don’t like the one I have there are tons of resources on the Internet for getting aircrack-compatible adapters. If you think that yours might be one that will work check out this Tutorial: Is My Wireless Card Compatible?

2. A BackTrack 3 Live CD. Download a copy of the CD and burn it, or load it up in VMware to get started. BackTrack 4 pre-release is available but I would stick with what we know works which is version 3.

3. A active WEP-enabled Wi-Fi network with a strong signal and hopefully with users connecting and disconnecting their devices from the network. The busy network while you harvest the data to run the crack, the better your chances of success.

4. This is an ten-step process that requires typing in some long commands and waiting around for your Wi-Fi card to collect data in order to crack the password. Having a little patience will go a long way here.

To see the step by step instructions for cracking WEP Password, check out this YouTube video.

The Fiery Source » Security

Video: How To Hack Wireless

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