NerdGrind - How-to Computer Help - Tutorials - Tech and Gadget News » security

Fluorescent-Powered Spy Cam

Nerd Grind — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:10:42 +0000

NEC has come out with a new wireless security cam that simply attaches to a fluorescent light. With built-in 802.11b WiFi capabilities to stream its images back to a PC, Big Brother will be watching your every move.

Neutron Scatter Camera

Nerd Grind — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:19:53 +0000

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a "neutron-scatter" camera in the ongoing problem of national security. The camera can detect almost any radioactive material even if concealed like in a cargo container.

Low Res Man!

Nerd Grind — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:52:59 +0000

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…Low-Res Man! Lifesize sculpture created by Thomas Broome. We’re not sure exactly what resolution he is, but he’s made out of 1cm acrylic glass cubes.

It’s too bad Broome hasn’t made a version that walks; you could use it to drive security-camera watchers nuts.

Science to Predict Terrorist Intentions

Nerd Grind — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 15:23:01 +0000

Computer and behavioral scientists at the University of Buffalo are developing a system that studies faces, voices, bodies and other biometrical data to predict terrorist intentions.

"The goal is to identify the perpetrator in a security setting before he or she has the chance to carry out the attack," says Professor Venu Govindaraju.

The project was recently awarded $800,000 by the National Science Foundation to create this system. "We are developing a prototype that examines a video in a number of different security settings, automatically producing a single, integrated score of malfeasance likelihood," adding that the system will incorporate machine "learning" capabilities, which will allow it to adapt over time.

"Human screeners have fatigue and bias, but the machine does not blink."

Vein-Reading Mouse

Nerd Grind — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:33:18 +0000

Yes, you read that correctly – a mouse that reads veins, not fingerprints or irises or some other body part.

This USB mouse from Fujitsu uses their PalmSecure scanner plus some Windows compatible software to authenticate you (or your arm) by your veins.

Corsair’s Flash Drive Innovative and Flawed at Same Time

Nerd Grind — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:10:57 +0000

I can dig the hardware security and PIN mechanism of the Corsair "Flash Padlock,", along with its reasonable pricing of $29.99 for 1GB and $39.99 for 2GB. What I can’t dig quite as much is that I’ve ruined a few USB ports myself by accidentally pushing down on a plug. So, the idea of typing in the PIN while this things plugged into (what I believe are rather fragile) USB ports gives me the willies. Unless it’s a really light tough that’s required, or you have room to how with two fingers (you know, one underneath providing support) I’ve be worried about the wear and tear.

Biometric Entry System

Nerd Grind — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:49:55 +0000

eKey’s Biometric Entry System allocates different tasks to your various fingers, along with a camera and intercom. Your first finger controls the door lock, scanning your second finger will arm/disarm the security system, and your third finger will send a distress signal. Imagine, if you will, that you are being held at gunpoint. Using that middle finger to send the emergency call just seems appropriate.

Finally, a Non-Lethal Weapon that Looks Lethal – Avurt’s IM-5

Nerd Grind — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:27:51 +0000

The Avurt IM-5 is kind of like mace on steroids. Rather than shooting out a non-lethal dose of electricity, this device that actually looks like a gun fires up to five rounds of "PAVA" powder (I couldn’t find a definition for this, but it sounds nasty) at the target. This powder creates a cloud around your attacker that causes severe stinging in the eyes, nose, and throat. It has a range of 40 feet with a built-in laser sight, making it far more effective than standard mace or pepper spray. Available today for $299.99 in multiple colors (yes, including pink), and comes with 10 practice rounds. Real rounds cost $39.99 in packs of 10.

More Minority Report Tech with Panasonic Iris Scanner

Nerd Grind — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 19:01:37 +0000

I can’t think of any recent sci-fi movie that’s predicted as much near-term technology as Minority Report. First, there are all the touch-screen technologies with finger wagging and hand waving and such for arranging and accessing information. Now, Panasonic’s gone and developed an iris scanner that doesn’t require the scanee to concentrate on any given area. It uses a number of digital cameras to locate the iris and scan it, then identify the individual in only two seconds. A lot of practical applications, of course, like security checks and such, but I can’t help imagining walking through a mall and having my name called out. Just a little creepy, while also being pretty cool.

Voting in California

Nerd Grind — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:05:18 +0000

I am all for anything that makes the voting process easier, but is it wise to go with a flawed system? Oh wait, we are talking about California and "powers-that-be."

A review showed significant security flaws, which made the state impose new security measures. However, researchers trying to hack into the machines found vulnerabilities in each of them

In Diebold machines, "we were able to discover attacks for the Diebold system that could compromise the accuracy, secrecy, and availability of the voting systems," the report stated.
Hart software and devices "appear to be susceptible to a variety of attacks which would allow an attacker to gain control," the report said, while it was found that attacks on Sequoia machines "can be carried out without any knowledge of the source code."

But California Secretary of State Debra Bowen has cleared the Diebold, Hart, and Sequoia voting terminals for use anyway.

NerdGrind - How-to Computer Help - Tutorials - Tech and Gadget News » security

Fluorescent-Powered Spy Cam

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Neutron Scatter Camera

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Low Res Man!

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Science to Predict Terrorist Intentions

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Vein-Reading Mouse

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Corsair’s Flash Drive Innovative and Flawed at Same Time

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Biometric Entry System

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Finally, a Non-Lethal Weapon that Looks Lethal – Avurt’s IM-5

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More Minority Report Tech with Panasonic Iris Scanner

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Voting in California

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