All Narfed Up photography and words by Bryan Villarin

Notebooks

Wireless security for new notebook users

In Internet, Laptop, Notebooks, Security, WiFi on 16 January 2008 with 1 comment

My cousin, Narissa, just got a laptop for Christmas and asked me about wireless security. I figure now is a good time to revisit this because she’s probably not the only one that received a notebook for the holidays. Fortunately, she’s thinking about security; most people probably just connect to open wireless access points without a second thought. Very scary.

For wireless connectivity at home, I’ve been using a Linksys WRT54GL (hacked with DD-WRT) since July 28th, 2006. (link)

If you don’t want to use DD-WRT, make sure you’re using WPA security with a good password. I recommend Steve Gibson’s Ultra High Security Password Generator. People might scoff, but I don’t think I’m easily hackable.

When you’re out, you’ll need to either pay for a connection that’s available or find a free hotspot. You can also buy a Wi-Fi card from a provider, like Verizon, but you probably don’t rely on your laptop that much to justify the cost.

I stay secure wirelessly with the power of DD-WRT, PPTP, and VPN. That means that no prying eyes can see what I’m doing.

If that’s too difficult to grasp (which it is for me, even though I got it to work), HotSpotVPN or PublicVPN probably would be best suited for you. (via GRC Security Now! Podcast #10) Those aren’t free, but fairly inexpensive.

Also, prevent getting a branded notebook bag which screams, “I’m new and important - steal me!” I bought a SleeveCase from Waterfield Designs (SFBags.com), which then goes in my inconspicuous Jansport backpack or my Jack Bauer messenger bag.

Timbuk2 also has a wide variety of notebook bags, which I’ve heard are excellent.

By the way, do you notice that laptops are called notebooks now? They run way too hot to sit on your lap for long periods of time, hence the technical name change.

Am I overly paranoid by worrying about people sniffing wireless packets? Have you thought about wireless security before reading this? Where do you buy non-branded notebook bags?

Disclaimers: I’m not affiliated with Linksys, HotSpotVPN, PublicVPN, WaterField Designs, Timbuk2, or Jansport. However, I’m using an Amazon affiliate link for the Linksys router.

Laptop got stolen

In Laptop, Notebooks, Security on 14 December 2007 with no comments

Actually, it wasn’t mine. It was James‘. He had a Macbook Pro.

It happened in San Gabriel, off N San Gabriel Blvd and E Hermosa Dr. We were at a Christmas party. He left it on his front seat, inside his notebook case. The thief broke the front window and took it. We were inside for over two hours, so we couldn’t hear it.

Another friend had his stolen from his trunk a few months ago.

If you want more peace of mind, buy a STOP Security Plate. It prevents theft in three ways:

1. Equipment is affixed with a patented, permanent, bar coded security plate.
2. The plate is impossible to remove without defacing the equipment casing.
3. If removed, a permanent tattoo remains etched into the device.

For equipment recovery, there’s the patented STOP Security Plate and the permanent tattoo.

What’s the recovery rate? 8 out of 10 items that are reported lost. (see “Recent Recoveries“)

Are you convinced?

Security Tracking of Office Property (STOP)

Note: I’m not affiliated with the company.

Which notebook warranty?

In Laptop, Notebooks on 5 September 2006 with 3 comments

A couple friends have asked about notebook recommendations. Which one is best for them? What do they need? Questions like that. I haven’t figured out is notebook warranties - which one do you get?