While on Vacation in Brazil, I decided to see what Google’s Public DNS performance was like compared to that of OpenDNS, while abroad. I’d heard OpenDNS was faster in the US, and Google overseas. While ICMP reply times are certainly not the only indicator of performance, it’s safe to say they are a very big one. Here are the results: (more…)
Archive for the ‘Internet’ CategoryOpenDNS vs Google Public DNS, AbroadFriday, November 12th, 2010Real-World Security Measures from Facebook and VisaWednesday, November 3rd, 2010While traveling on vacation, I experienced who real-world security measures, neither of them having to do with the TSA. The first was having my credit card declined in an airport in Houston. I’d used it the previous day in Boston and Vermont, and I guess that was enough to raise their suspicions. Although it was mildly inconvenient, I was able to finish the transaction a minute later with another card, and I recognize the fact that this was a security measure designed to protect not only the card company, but myself from fraudulent charges. This is not unlike having a computer account locked after too many invalid logon attempts.
Given the alternatives of having unauthorized charges on my credit card or having my Facebook account compromised, I’d much rather endure an occasional minor inconvenience. Google Dumps Windows (At Least, Unofficially)Friday, June 4th, 2010This Financial Times article reports that Google, without question one of the Internet’s strongest influences today, has decided to ditch Windows and move employees to Macintosh and Linux PCs. This move is reportedly largely due to the January hacks on Google and many other corporations, allegedly originating from China. Windows has a long-standing perceived history of having a worse security track record than its competition, and a large part of this comes because it’s simply the largest attack surface. Not surprisingly, the same thing that makes it the most widely developed-for platform for applications keeps it the highest profile target for malware and security exploits as well. I applaud this move toward security and productivity. I don’t think it will be a easy task for Google, but I believe it will be worth the effort in the long run. Does your company need to consider switching away from Windows? Safe Browsing Tip: Mozilla Plugin CheckMonday, May 24th, 2010The Mozilla project recently expanded their popular and successful (and free) Plugin Check service to support non-Mozilla browsers. So now, not only does this service, which scans your browser’s settings for outdated plugins, e.g., Adobe Flash Player, work with Firefox, but also with Opera, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and even, to a limited extent, Microsoft Internet Explorer. Given that unpatched client software, especially operating systems, browsers, and browser plugins, remain the top cyber-security concern today, everyone should stop what they’re doing and go to Mozilla Plugin Check right now. Google Drops Internet Explorer (IE) 6. So Should You.Thursday, February 11th, 2010Last week, I received this in an email from Google:
It’s about time, and not just for those reasons. (more…) ABA Recommends Dedicated PC for Online BankingFriday, January 22nd, 2010Earlier this month the American Bankers Association (ABA) has issued practical, simple advice which could dramatically enhance everyone’s online banking security. And, I predict, it won’t make any difference because people are unlikely to do it. (more…) What the Google/China Hack Means to YouSunday, January 17th, 2010Friends and listeners to the Fresh Ubuntu Podcast will know that I frequently raise concerns about Google and the information that it acquires about all of us. My concerns normally are along the lines of “just imagine what Google can do with all of that information.” However, I’ve never brought up what could be an even bigger concern: “What if someone else were to get a hold of all of that information?” (more…) |
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