March 2nd, 2009
UK is about to witness one of the biggest upgrades to have ever taken place in its broadband history. Virgin Media has announced that it plans to restructure its broadband services from May of this year. The new packages on offer would be a massive upgrade from what the company is offering to its customers currently. A large portion of Virgin’s broadband business comes from the basic or entry-level users who have been provided 2Mb packages. However, the company is going to take the broadband speeds to the next level and this would include shifting the existing 2Mb users to the much faster 10Mb service. Virgin Broadband is likely to benefit significantly from its new portfolio of services by roping in new customers and of course, the users would benefit from higher bandwidths. The increased bandwidth would translate into users gaining access to high-speed applications such as online gaming. The provider insists that this is a part of their plan to support the government’s ‘Digital Britain’ endeavour. Virgin Media has already arranged to ensure that the new services on offer do not face any implementation problems. Neil Berkett, Virgin Media’s Chief Executive, stated that their entry-level packages for broadband users would now offer speeds that will easily beat the competition in the market. This is not surprising since the company would be among the first to offer a range of broadband services with an option of 10Mb, 20Mb or 50Mb. He further added that the migration of basic users to the 10Mb category was ample proof of the provider’s dedication to quality services and the ability to exceed their customers’ expectations.
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July 3rd, 2008
Cracking Passwords
————
Cracking Passwords is one of the key components in
performing a security assessment is the acquisition of user
account information and cracking of the account password.
There are many methods and tools that can be used to crack
passwords, however, you must first retrieve the information
to crack. And once again, there are many ways of acquiring
the account information. This article will illustrate one
method of acquiring user account information using a
combination of social engineering and open source tools. We
will then briefly go over a particular cracking method and
tool.
Handing Over The Keys To The Kingdom
————
On one particular occasion, we were instructed by a client
to do what ever it took, within legal means, to walk out of
their building with the network user account information. We
were introduced to one of the Sr. Engineering staff as a
consultant working on a new Anti-Virus solution. We asked
the Engineer to show us around the server room and he
happily did so. While we were talking, we asked him if he
would mind if we ran a specialized virus checker on one of
the Windows domain controllers, and he readily provided us
with console access. The disk we were using was labeled to
look like it contained anti-virus tools. In reality, it
contained a modified version of a program called “pwdump”.
The moment we ran the script, a bunch of information came up
that indicated that their systems memory was clear of any
known virus. What was really happening was all domain
account information and the corresponding password hashes
were being dumped to a file on the disk. We rapped up our
tour and walked out of the building with everything we
needed.
Windows Password Cracking
————
When we returned to our office, we imported all the user
account information in a distributed password cracking
system (Multiple servers performing password cracking at the
same time). Within approximately 30 minutes we had cracked
70% of account passwords. The remaining accounts took
approximately two days.
An example of what this Windows account information looks
like is:
jdoe:1152:A5C67174B2A219D1
The jdoe accounts password is represented by its hashed
equivalent “A5C67174B2A219D1″. This string of number and
letters, when deciphered, is “CrackMe”. You can test this
with the tool I am going to introduce you tool in the next
section of this article. Without going into all the
technical details about how the cracking takes place, this
type of deciphering is basically done by trying to match up
the hashed password over time and a bunch of iterations.
When you take the word “CrackMe”, and hash it, it produces
the string of numbers and letters (A5C67174B2A219D1). So
what you are really doing is matching that string, then
making the assumption that they human readable version is
“CrackMe”.
How To Generate Password Hashes
————
First and foremost I must warn you that the tool I am going
to point you tool is very powerful and could cause you
problems if you are not careful with it. You must agree to
hold me harmless if in fact you decide to download and use
this tool. This tool, called Cain & Abel or
(http://www.oxid.it/projects.html), is the Swiss Army knife
of cracking and does a lot more than just that.
Once it is installed on your system, you can go to the
“Tools” menu and choose “Hash Calculator”. In the “Text to
Hash” box type “CrackMe” without the “”’s and hit calculate.
Look at the Type “LM” and you will see the hash from above
of “:A5C67174B2A219D1″.
This tool as a great password cracking program and we use it
quite regularly. And as I said, it does a lot more than just
cracking so be careful with it.
Conclusion
————
As I stated in the beginning of this article, there are many
ways to obtain account information and many more ways to
decipher it. In this case, we physically walked out of an
office building with everything we needed. Shortly after
cracking all the accounts we were able to use their remote
access system to gain entry into their internal network as
an administrator. There are also ways of capturing user
account information using man-in-the- middle attack
techniques, remote social engineering, and phishing just to
name a few.
The bottom line is, make your passwords complex, and change
them as often as you can
You may reprint or publish this article free of charge as long as
the bylines are included.
Original URL (The Web version of the article)
————
http://www.defendingthenet.com/newsletters/CrackingPasswords.htm“>Cracking Passwords
About The Author
————
Darren Miller is an Information Security Consultant with
over sixteen years experience. He has written many
technology & security articles, some of which have been
published in nationally circulated magazines & periodicals.
If you would like to contact Darren you can e-mail him at
Darren.Miller@ParaLogic.Net. If you would like to know
more about computer security please
visit us at http://www.defendingthenet.com
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June 29th, 2008
The notebook computer market has gone from strength to strength in recent times. Taiwan, which is the foremost manufacturing country of laptops is having trouble with the demand at present. Laptops have just been a phenomenal business to follow. There has been no slip in sales. It’s a market which is also difficult to keep up with it respect of of technology because its developing all the time.
More brands are realising that gaming laptops is becoming big enough niche to go after. Because of the increased production and quick changes it means major components are cheaper in price than then once were. Performance is also improving and gaming on laptops is becoming more adaquate for gaming by those who need to move around. These days the vast amount of gaming laptops are not even big, chunky and noisy. Desktops are greater in size and use greater amounts power so no matter how good gaming laptops have become desktops will always run faster. Gaming laptops are the yardstick of performance for the laptop computer market and it will be interesting to see how the approaching technology fairs.
Performance portables are generally custom built to the customers specification. I’m partial to the notion that high quality brands go into a few custom laptops. The advantageous thing is that you do not end up forking out for unecessary additions you do not require. Lets face facts. You most likely aren’t like the masses and so normal laptops won’t suffice. Custom built laptops serve everybody despite their specialist requirements. Companies who sell custom laptops traditionally offer a more personal and local support too. Yet again a futher coudos to custom built notebooks.
The prospect of upcoming notebook computers looks exciting. The current trend along with those discussed looks to be cheap ultra portables. The Eee just made a new niche division. People need thin, super light devices yet they also want them to have enormous screens. If you employ slightly less powerful components then I reckon this is extremely possible even today. Guessing from what is occuring it looks like we will begin seeing ultra portable gaming systems. Though laptop technology follows plans theres forever going to be a gadget that transforms all that.
Rizeon sell some of the best laptop computers at this point in time.
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June 3rd, 2008
It is amazing how fast we go from one computer to the next, needing more memory, more speed, but never finding enough. It is this demand that keeps the computer world humming along well past many other products on the market. Each new model that comes out has a new feature, a new gadget to go along with it. But, what type of computer do you need is the real question. To answer it, we need to explore what we use these fast running machines that have taken over our lives so quickly.
For many, it’s the computer’s programs that we need so vitally. Programs are what make our lives easier after all and having the perfect ones to organize, design, and basically work for us is just the way of the world these days. Some programs run with higher demands for memory and internet capabilities. In order to have that, yes, we need yet another fast moving machine to sit on the desk.
Other features that have become vital to computers in our lives include the wireless industry. Remember the thrill we all had years ago when the first wireless phones came out? Now the trend is for wireless keyboards and adding a wireless mouse doesn’t hurt either. Others include features for burning CD’s and watching DVD’s. There are probably hundreds of additional features not listed here.
Even more important has become the overall look of the computer. Just as televisions have, computers have slimmed down monitors with LCD screens that make images clearer and more real life. The demand is huge for laptops that can be carried from place to place often being thinner than most people’s daily planner.
Encompassing all of this, it is up the each individual to determine his or her needs in a computer. Just like anything else within our lives, we all want the biggest and the best. But, it can be costly to have all of these features. Instead, chose the ones that fit your needs the most. Then comparison shop for the right company. Computers are a way of life, there is little doubt of that. To keep up to date, you might want to head over to that internet warehouse full of potential computers for your desk. Hey, you might even get to build your own!
Mike Perry
Computers Directory
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April 30th, 2008
Frozen Food Age magazine reaches a critical subset of the grocery market consisting of frozen food retailers, wholesalers, brokers, manufacturers and managers of public refrigerated warehouses and refrigerated rail/truck lines. Frozen Food Age targets decision-makers and buyers within the vital $22 billion frozen food industry and holds a dominant leadership position within its category. The current issue includes an import profile of Home Run Inn Pizza’s selection of PRONTO North America’s ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) System. The author of the article, Thomas R. Cutler, leading manufacturing journalist, looks at how the mobility functionality in the ERP system allowed Home Run Inn to be one of the most success frozen pizza manufacturers.
Pronto North America, Inc. is widely recognized as the authority in technologically driven business solutions and process management. Utilizing innovative implementation techniques and tools, Pronto North America generates increased performance, service, efficiency, and accountability.
Pronto North America is the North American Master Distributor of PRONTO-Xi, a comprehensive software system allowing manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to effectively manage all phases of their business. Far beyond just another Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, PRONTO-Xi’s financial and distribution applications are unique and have provided maximum return on investment for a wide variety of organizations since 1976. From PRONTO Production to PRONTO Advanced Warehousing; from PRONTO Planning to PRONTO Quality Management System (QMS); from PRONTO Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) to PRONTO Forecasting Management, the cross-section and breadth of integrated elements addressed by PRONTO-Xi is unmatched in the marketplace and justifies its natural leadership role as the best fully integrated business software solution.
Pronto North America
www.prontoerp.com
Tom Verzi
952-942-5858
# # #
About the Author
Professional Marketing Firm
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April 13th, 2008
Would you like to capture more sales with your web site,
sales letters, and other promotional messages? It may not be
as difficult as you think. Here are 5 proven tactics you can
apply to energize your sales copy — and increase your sales
volume.
1. REPLACE GENERALITIES WITH SPECIFICS
Look for general statements in your web pages and sales
letters. Replace them with specific statements.
For example, a general statement like, “Our clients get more
sales”, is dull. Replace it with “Most new clients enjoy at
least a 23 percent increase in sales within 60 days” to
create excitement. This motivates prospects to sign up now
so they can start enjoying that 23 percent sales increase.
IMPORTANT: Make sure your specific statements are accurate
and believable or your credibility will be challenged.
TIP: If something sounds too good to be true your prospects
will assume it’s not true and they won’t buy. Understate any
specific claim that sounds exaggerated …even if it is
true.
2. SHORTEN PARAGRAPHS, SENTENCES AND WORDS
Long paragraphs and sentences bore your prospects. It causes
them to lose interest before getting to the end of your
message. Short paragraphs and sentences are easier to read.
They hold your prospect’s interest.
Divide long paragraphs into shorter paragraphs of 7 lines or
less. Break up sentences longer than 18 words into 2
sentences. And look for long or uncommon words you can
replace with commonly used words. For example, replace words
like “originate” with “start” or “receive” with “get”.
3. CONVERT PASSIVE WORDS AND PHRASES INTO ACTIVE ONES
Your sales letter or web page must build the prospect’s
desire for your product or service then motivate them to
place an order. It must also hold their interest and keep
them emotionally involved through the entire process or you
won’t get the sale.
Active, stimulating words and phrases keep your prospect
involved and interested in reading your sales copy. Look for
dull passive words and phrases you can eliminate or replace
with active ones. For example, change a phrase like “…it’s
practical and inexpensive” to “…it’s fast, easy and you’ll
save $99″
4. GET RID OF HUMOROUS REMARKS
Humor can be effective in some media — but not in written
sales messages. It distracts your prospects by interrupting
their mental focus on your message. This distraction can
cause you to lose some sales. Get rid of any humorous
remarks in your web pages and sales letters.
SUGGESTION: Replace your humorous remarks with real life
stories from customers describing how they benefited by
using your product or service. Real life stories add human
interest and draw prospects into your message. Humor
distracts their attention away from your message.
5. INCLUDE A MOTIVATING “P.S.”
Most prospects glance at the beginning of your web page or
sales letter then jump to the end before reading anything in
between. Take advantage of this and put something at the end
of your message to stimulate their interest. Create it as a
“P.S.”
For example, use a “P.S.” to emphasize your offer, highlight
a deadline or to dramatize a significant benefit. All of
these will pull the prospect into your message.
Use these 5 proven copywriting tactics to energize your
sales copy. Your web pages, sales letters and other
promotional messages will immediately start producing more
sales for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob Leduc retired from a 30 year career of recruiting sales
personnel and developing sales leads. Bob recently wrote a manual for small business
owners titled “How to Build Your Small Business Fast With
Simple Postcards” and several other publications to help
small businesses grow and prosper. For more information…
mailto:BobLeduc@aol.com?subject=Postcards
Phone: (702) 658-1707 (After 10 AM Pacific time)
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April 10th, 2008
DVD rental clubs are online stores that provide high quality DVDs for rent. They have a large selection of videos, charge a nominal monthly fee and usually deliver the DVDs to the customer’s home. Since the membership is monthly, the customer can keep the DVD for a number of days and watch the movie without a specific time limit. Many websites offer free shipping both to and from the customer.
Advantages of DVD club membership are rental prices are less expensive than online rental stores, and all rental clubs provide the flexibility of returning the DVD at the customer’s convenience.
DVD rental clubs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that the customers can place orders whenever they want. An extensive list of movies that have been released in the past two to three decades can be found on the website and are easily accessible to all members.
Members have a free hand in rental clubs. Clubs take feedback and suggestions like adding movies customers would like to watch but are currently not available in the club store. Most clubs value the customer’s input in selecting movies that might be hard.
Joining a DVD rental club is a good idea if you have children. Kids get easily bored, and rental clubs offer a variety of DVD games that are delivered on order and picked up when the customer is ready to return the DVD.
All in all, joining a DVD rental club is a good option for those who do not enjoy watching a movie with within a given period of time or do not wish to pay extravagant prices for a DVD they would only watch a couple of times.
DVD Rentals provides detailed information about DVD rentals, DVD rental clubs, DVD rental reviews, and more. DVD Rentals is affiliated with Free Movie Downloads.
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April 3rd, 2008
To pass your CCNA exam and earn this coveted certification, you must understand the details of port-based authentication. This knowledge has a great deal of value in production networks as well, since this authentication scheme is regularly implemented. Let’s take a look at this particular CCNA skill.
Consider a situation where you have a server that will be connected to your switch, and you want the port to shut down if a device with a different MAC address that that of the switch attempts to connect to that port. You could also have a situation where you have someone who has a connection to a switch port in his office, and he wants to make sure that only his laptop can use that port.
Both of these examples are real-world situations, and there are two solutions for each. First, we could create a static MAC entry for that particular switch port. I don’t recommend this, mainly because both you and I have better things to do than manage static MAC entries. The better solution is to configure port-based authentication on the switch.
The Cisco switch uses MAC addresses to enforce port security. With port security, only devices with certain MAC addresses can connect to the port successfully. This is another reason source MACs are looked at before the destination MAC is examined. If the source MAC is non-secure and port-based authentication is in effect, the destination does not matter, as the frame will not be forwarded. In essence, the source MAC address serves as the password.
MAC addresses that are allowed to successfully communicate with the switch port are secure MAC addresses. The default number of secure MAC addresses is 1, but a maximum of 132 secure MACs can be configured.
When a non-secure MAC address attempts to communicate with the switch port, one of three actions will occur, depending on the port security mode. In Protect mode, frames with non-secure MAC addresses are dropped. There is no notification that a violation has occurred. The port will continue to switch frames for the secure MAC address.
In Restrict mode, the same action is taken, but a syslog message is logged via SNMP, which is a messaging protocol used by Cisco routers.
In Shutdown mode, the interface goes into error-disabled state, the port LED will go out, and a syslog message is logged. The port has to be manually reopened. Shutdown mode is the default port-security mode.
Port-based authentication is just one of the many switching skills you’ll have to demonstrate to earn your CCNA certification. Make sure you know the basics shown here, including the action of each particular mode, and you’re on your way to CCNA exam success!
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages.
You can also join his RSS feed and visit his blog, which is updated several times daily with new Cisco certification articles, free tutorials, and daily CCNA / CCNP exam questions! Details are on the website.
For a FREE copy of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA” and “How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the website and download your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam questions every day! Get your CCNA study guide from The Bryant Advantage!
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