Stealing USB
USB drives are great, but I'm always afraid of losing one. And because I'm horrible
at synchronization, I'm never quite sure where the most recent version of my
favorite file is stored.
I have other reasons for my annoyance. For one, USB drives let end users steal
data -- a big deal for bigger companies with sensitive info. And USB drives
can be a target for hackers, as Centennial
Software just pointed out.
USBDumper lets hackers copy images from USB drives, which could be passwords,
the latest corporate financials, music, family photos or smut. (What's on your
USB? Post below or let me know at know at [email protected].)
Here's
the source of the tool (you must be able to read French). Here's
a video from the security site WatchYourEnd.com showing how the tool works.
ScriptLogic Closes USB Gaps
Desktop
Authority 7.5, just being wrapped up by ScriptLogic, has new ways to lock
down USB ports and drives based on policies set by IT. For instance, the tool
could let the CEO attach and store anything he or she wants, but can stop Joe
Dirt in the mailroom from copying the latest sales projections or burning the
latest Slayer single.
Longhorn Edges Closer
There's a new
test version of Longhorn, and I for one am semi-excited. No, I probably
won't download it and run the thing through its paces; that's your job. (Report
back on Longhorn by posting below or writing me at [email protected].)
The new test version (it's apparently a CTP based on beta 2 -- whatever that
means!) is supposed to be quicker and more stable. I am ready to be impressed
by Longhorn (when it ships in a year or so), as I am generally impressed by
Redmond's server tools. Maybe that's because there is real competition in the
server space, so Microsoft has to be on its game.
MS CRM Exec Exits and Relaunches
Often, when a Microsoft exec leaves, the company is scarcely able to conceal
its anger. Chairs are thrown, nasty comments made and revenge likely plotted.
Jon Lauer, who helped build the channel for MS Dynamics, including Dynamics
CRM tools, seems to have left on more or less awesome terms. It could be because
his
new company focuses on Dynamics CRM!
RSA and EMC: K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes RSA products in an EMC baby
carriage. (If the metaphor is a horrible as it sounds, blast the author at [email protected] or post below.
I promise to publish your most cutting comments!)
In any case, EMC
is wrapping up its $2 billion-plus buyout of RSA Security. I'm curious if
EMC will keep the RSA brand separate, as it does with VMware, or have the gumption
to compete openly with Microsoft in the security market -- an area Redmond is
fixing to take over.
About the Author
Doug Barney is editor in chief of Redmond magazine and the VP, editorial director of Redmond Media Group.