July 24, 2005
Computer Hacking and Unauthorized Access Laws
From the National Conference of State Legislatures, here is the complete State guidelines to computer hacking and unauthorized access. For each state, the law differs but it is definitely a worthy resource to browse if you ever wondered where your legal rights lay. Note that this says nothing about federal laws that you tamper with such as the CFAA.
Also another warning. Looks like the site is a bit dated (09/04/02)
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
July 01, 2005
Crosswalk hacking
Some pedestrian hackers called Cross Anytime have brute-forced and gained some insight on how the crosswalk systems work. Used mainly by politicians and city officials, these commands are given to the crosswalk signals from the "infinite Don't Walk" to the "Instant Walk". Apparently there are two different types of systems but both have this next hack in it.
The most popular hack, which works on most models, is the "Instant Walk." Three short clicks, followed by two long, one short, two long, and three short; turn any crosswalk signal from "don't walk" to "walk" with a matching change in the traffic signals.
I'm curious as to if this actually works.
Via BBSpot
Posted by darkmoon at 11:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 23, 2005
FBI raid database hackers
LexisNexis, a data broker and competitor of ChoicePoint was hacked. FBI raids in California, Minnesota, and North Carolina of people suspected in involvement with the hacking.
Jason Hawks, 23, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told the newspaper: "They busted down the door and ran at me with guns pointed in my face."
Via BBCNews
Posted by darkmoon at 12:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 05, 2005
PSP UMD isos
Apparently the PSP uses ISO9660 format on their UMDs. There won't be any burning to UMD discs any time soon since Sony has said they will not be releasing burners. But here's to breaking hardware DRMs through reverse engineering and providing progression learning how things work.
For those very engenious individuals, there will probably soon be the beginnings of a PSP emulator. Joyous.
Posted by darkmoon at 10:53 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 02, 2005
How to make a G5 cube
How to make a G5 Cube. Apple has never made one, but someone had too much fun hacking apart a G4 and recreating everything down to the logo.
Will probably take some expertise handy work and some knowledge of Japanese unless you're lazy and want to pump this through Babelfish.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 05, 2005
FBI crack WEP key in 3 minutes
FBI demonstrated at an ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) meeting recently that it is possible to crack a WEP key in three minutes.
Personal note: NOW? WEP key cracking has been simplistic for ages. What's even more amusing is that they did the three minute crack by kicking off an authorized user from the network to collect the packets. They might have gotten into the network in three minutes, but with that many reauthentications from the authorized user, that would red flag to any system administrator. BAD way to hack. First rule of hacking: if you're going to break into a network, make sure that you're not detected. Idiocy.
Then the FakeAP gimmick was stupid also, since by the screenshot, I can eyeball which was a good network. FakeAP is a fun program, but if you don't name the fake access points well, it chooses names and keeps throwing out similar ones. A better way is to create evil twin effects with a hostapd. Note that they're using a GUI also, even though kismet and all wireless cracking tools are written in CLI. Obviously, speed is not an issue with the government and they're not in tune with the hacker criteria of having console windows. Looks like KDE in fact. Ew.
Only thing that I can claim at least the FBI do get somewhat. They used Linux.
Posted by darkmoon at 03:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 03, 2005
Pimp My Shuffle: Retro-wireless headphones
This is a quick howto with pictures on taking a iPod shuffle and integrating it into some retro MURA SP-503 headphones. Anyone with some soldering skills and a little bit of electronic skills can handle this amusing hardware hack.
Via PimpMyShuffle
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 02, 2005
DIY Videoblogger
Ever want your own teleprompter but they real ones are too expensive? Running a vlog but it looks unprofessional with you reading from a piece of paper?
Now ... with a laptop and some plastic CD cases, and $39.99 for some software, you too can have your own teleprompter!
Or you can create a little more expensive one here.
Engadget < VideoBloggerPlasti-Prompter
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 01, 2005
Hack your iPod to hold 300G!
Have an older generation iPod and don't feel like junking it for the new fangled 60G iPhoto? Follow this hardware hack to create a 300G iPod with a 3.5 inch drive.
This tutorial shows how to disassemble the iPod and how to build the adapter to fit a IDE 3.5 inch drive. It also goes over how to format the drive so the iPod software can read the drive.
hackaday, ForeverGeek < Command-Tab
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 31, 2005
Howto make webcam see infrared
Here is a tutorial that shows how to make a Sweex USB webcam see infrared. Only thirteen steps with a filter. It should work with other webcams also, seeing that it's only a filter hack.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 05, 2005
MilesTag - DIY LaserTag
This takes a lot of hardware hacking and some very ingenious electronics. Just by looking at the parts involved and the system used to build this system, I can tell that it definitely beats out any commercialized system out in the market currently (with the exception of the M.I.L.E.S. system by the military). Love those PIC processors!
Miles Tag, gives the schematics and the parts on howto build your own system.
Forget cowboys and indians, kids. Build your own real laser-tag system that is way better than getting bruised up by paintballs!
And like all lasertag systems, this uses IR instead of actual lasers.
Posted by darkmoon at 02:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 26, 2005
iPod hacking due to acoustic computing
Via BoingBoing:
Some months ago, an enterprising hacker accomplished a key hack in the eventual opening of the iPod: Nils Schneider reverse-engineered the iPod's firmware. This means that hackers now have the means to move data off of and onto the iPod at will, but more interesting is how he accomplilshed it. He figured out how to get the iPod to convert its firmware to a series of squeaks (essentially, to play it like a piece of music) and then converted the music back into software.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 23, 2005
Increasing the distance on your Linksys USB bluetooth adapter
This is an older tutorial, but comes with pictures and more fun. This is a hardware hack that will definitely void your warranty. So proceed at your own risk! This will allow you to attach any suitable Bluetooth antenna and be able to connect your device to this USB adapter from a significantly larger range.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 18, 2005
World's first cell phone glove
Jason Bradbury did a bit of bluetooth hacking and took apart a BT headset and put it into a glove. Yes, you read that correctly. G-L-O-V-E. Can we say Inspector Gadget?
Placed inside the glove's open knuckle the switch is activated by me flexing my wrist. With a flick of the wrist I can answer an incoming call; with two flicks re-dial the last number. And by holding it open (a mere extended kink of the wrist) I can voice dial. That's right people - VOICE DIAL!
Via Jason Bradbury
Posted by darkmoon at 03:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 15, 2005
DIY Cruise Missle
This guy is building a $5000 Cruise Missle from scratch. Now, I don't have five thousand dollars just sitting around to waste, but this definitely would be one rocketry project that would be absolutely fantastic to play with. Payload not included of course!
Posted by darkmoon at 07:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 14, 2005
PStwo harddrive added?
Some hardware hackers claim that they have figured out how to add a harddrive to the slim Sony Playstation 2. Is it possible?
Not for the faint at heart, but looks fun. I'd rather install this one for the regular Playstation 2 [warning of language].
Personal note: I might play with the Playstation 2 (regular) install seeing that I have about thirty plus games that I would like to keep but spinning those CDs/DVDs really scratch up the discs. So many fun projects, so little time.
Posted by darkmoon at 09:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Hardware hacking: Playing with Onstar
Here is a tutorial on hacking OnStar. Takes a bit of electronics knowledge and a lot of time. Not my cup of tea since I wouldn't know what to do with a hacked OnStar box, but definitely looks somewhat intriguing.
Posted by darkmoon at 03:23 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 09, 2005
Brushed iPod modification
The brushed iPod mod looks nice, and when you have a three hundred to five hundred dollar mp3 player, the last thing you want is a sweaty palm print on the back of the player. While the usual disclaimers of what you do with your iPod is your own problem, the note needs to be pointed out that if yours is scratched up, it might be time to try this. Look here and here. Also, if you attempt this mod, it needs to be pointed out that this does NOT void your warranty with Apple. Scrub away!
Via Newslang and BrushediPod
Posted by darkmoon at 11:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 07, 2005
The Schmoo Group pwnz domains
Schmoocon finished today. And The Schmoo Group released an exploit that has no current defense. SSL certifications mean nothing. With this exploit, any browser will be vulnerable to middleman snooping attacks.
Workaround for Firefox
1) about:config
2) disable network.enableIDN
All browsers that support IDN (International Domain Names) are effected. A feature championed by Verisign. Internet Explorer not effected since it does not follow the common standard.
See the effects here. Advisory here.
Via BoingBoing < Schmoo
Posted by darkmoon at 02:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Taking over wifi routers
This is another example of the poor engineering in the world of WiFi. Here, a Slashdot reader points out the WiFi in Boston's South Station that is running on default passwords.
Personal note: This goes back to my personal opinion that most IT people have no clue what they are doing when it comes to WiFi. I have personally run into more than enough people in the world of WiFi, that do not understand how radio waves work. Yes folks, there is something called "INTERFERENCE". And you do share spectrum in the ISM bands. Why people do not realize this simple fact is beyond me since this is exactly the same when it comes to network engineering. Perhaps they never learned Networking 101 in their certification courses.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
iPod Shuffle RAID
When you have six hundred dollars to blow, and have nothing better to do, create a iPod Shuffle RAID! This guy creates a 4G RAID with 4 iPod Shuffles and a USB2.0 hub.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:09 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 05, 2005
Hacking the FBI public e-mail system
There was a hacking of the FBI public e-mail system. Non-sensitive information comes across that system for press releases and other information that the government agency uses to communicate to the public. Another backlash of bad management as the agency deals with many critiques of waste in upgrading their computer systems.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Howto install internal wireless into a laptop
Sure you could go and buy a PCMCIA card and be done with it. And perhaps the range of the internal antenna is not as large as you would like it. But wouldn't it be better to not have a jutting piece of plastic on the side of your laptop?
Tom's Hardware has a guide to help you install that internal wireless card.
YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
* A mini-PCI slot
* An internal antenna
This is basically a setup for those laptop manufacturers that provided the hookups, but wanted you to pay more for the internal wireless and you really just didn't want to pony up the extra $$$.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 02, 2005
Overclocking the Mac mini
Must have uber leet soldering skills, but some guy has already gone ahead and taken his 1.25Ghz Mac mini and overclocked it to 1.42Ghz. Apparently there are clock speeds for 1.50Ghz and 1.58Ghz, but issues of stability occurred at 1.50Ghz.
You mean you don't want to attach this to your Mac Mini for 1.58Ghz??
Posted by darkmoon at 02:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 01, 2005
Google Hacking Database
The Google Hacking Database is a database of all the things that you can find on Google. From a Christian hacker named Johnny.
Forever Geek < Johnny.ihackstuff
Posted by darkmoon at 02:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 28, 2005
DIY Apollo Guidance Computer
Ever want to build an AGC (Apollo Guidance Computer)? Well now you can with the help of John Pultorak's plans and project guides. This pet project created a replica of the 1964 prototype Block I AGC and only took him four years! Now you can build one too!
Engadget < BoingBoing < Block I AGC Replica
Posted by darkmoon at 01:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 26, 2005
DIY night scope
Build your own night scope.
Posted by darkmoon at 07:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 23, 2005
CarolinaCon 2005 June 10-12th Raleigh, NC
Hosted by the NC2600 group, this is hosted at the Amerisuites Hotel in Raleigh, NC. Still a ways out, but definitely should be looking forward to some good things happening in the Triangle area. Not much information as of yet.
Via CarolinaCon
Posted by darkmoon at 09:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
LayerOne Conference April 23-24, 2005 Pasedena, CA
LayerOne is having a call for papers. Last year these subjects were presented:
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- CryptoMail: mail encryption for all.
- Life Hacks and Hacked Lives
- How the DMCA is Threatening to Strangle Reverse Engineering and the Future of Interoperability
- Visual Deep Packet Inspection
- A User-Centric Distributed Social Software Architecture
Via LayerOne
Posted by darkmoon at 09:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 18, 2005
Verizon dumb your Motorola v710 down? Perhaps this will help
Hacker dakev went ahead and posted some very useful and interesting guides for the Motorola v710. After Verizon went ahead and claimed that any photos that you take with your phone is the property of Verizon until you move them off through their pay-service. Obviously a class-action lawsuit has been filed in their direction. Note that you are on your own if you brick your phone. Insurance is probably a good idea. Unfortunately, no one has figured out the whole Bluetooth hack yet.
Engadget < Hacking Verizon's v710
Posted by darkmoon at 11:34 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 16, 2005
Overclocking your calculator
If you have ever used a TI for other than mathematics, you'll notice that they're fairly slow at their processing (ahh.. the days of Tetris..) Never fear! You can now overclock your calculator! Interested? Look here. Brought to you by Hack a day.
Posted by darkmoon at 09:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 15, 2004
So-called "Hacker" sentenced to nine year sentence
While Slashdot covers it here, there was an incorrect assumption made about Kevin Mitnik. The man in question was part of the trio that did active wardriving (connecting to networks and breaking them instead of the passive type that is legal) and trying to steal credit card numbers from a Lowe's hardware store that had an insecure WiFi connection. The Slashdot article claims that Kevin Mitnik served a 5.2 year sentence, but Mitnik did not get charged with a sentence until June of 2004. The sentence was for 22 months, but he had been incarcerated since February of 1995. Other facts can be found at Free Kevin Mitnik.
Personal note: I still would have liked to see Kevin Mitnik disappear into the confines of the NSA. The guy was very intelligent and in all intents and purposes would serve our government being a security specialist than out in the real world. While he commited what most hackers call a "crime of curiosity," it was nonetheless a crime.
As for the Lowe's guy, he got royally screwed. He got more time than drug dealers and gang bangers that do MDKs. Tough break.
Posted by darkmoon at 09:33 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 03, 2004
SCO web defacement
This is old news, but for those that never saw the amusing picture, here it is.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:38 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 26, 2004
Hacking road signs in FL
A couple days ago, there was some news about in FL, there was a roadside sign that was hacked. This is similar to the Boston subway station sign that was hacked a while back about "Pretty girls don't ride the subway". Amusing that hacking has been taken to a new level (or new niche market if you will). Here is the photo edited by the NBC affiliate. Article from Engadget.
Posted by darkmoon at 12:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack