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The Study of Physical Hacks at DefCon

Posted by Zonk on from the old-ways-are-the-best-ways dept.

eldavojohn writes "DefCon usually focuses on electronic security, but Saturday a talk was held that focused on possibly the oldest form of hacking — lockpicking. As software security becomes better and better, the focus may be shifting towards simple hacking tips like looking over someone's shoulder for their password, faking employment or just picking the locks to gain access to the building where machines are left on overnight. From the article: 'Medeco deadbolt locks relied on worldwide at embassies, banks and other tempting targets for thieves, spies or terrorists can be opened in seconds with a strip of metal and a thin screw driver, Marc Tobias of Security.org demonstrated for AFP ... Tobias says he refuses to publish details of 'defeating' the locks because they are used in places ranging from homes, banks and jewelers to the White House and the Pentagon. He asked AFP not to disclose how it is done.' I'm sure all Slashdot readers are savvy enough to use firewall(s) but do you know and trust what locks 'physically' protect your data from hacks like these?"

11 of 299 comments (clear)

  1. Protection by SaidinUnleashed · · Score: 5, Funny

    >>do you know and trust what locks 'physically' protect your data from hacks like these?"

    I know I weld my doors shut nightly. You should too!

    --
    Shiny. Let's be bad guys.
    1. Re:Protection by KingJ · · Score: 3, Funny

      I know I weld my doors shut nightly. You should too!

      I tried that with my wooden doors, didn't work out too well...
      --
      I rent game servers, see my homepage for more information
    2. Re:Protection by mcpkaaos · · Score: 4, Funny

      Using doors for physical security is so 90s. I keep my servers suspended over an open pit of RIAA lawyers.

      --
      It goes from God, to Jerry, to me.
    3. Re:Protection by maeka · · Score: 3, Funny

      How do you resist the temptation to let the servers drop?

  2. Locks are pretty much useless by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Because doors are riddled with 0-day exploits in the frames and hinges. With even a small vehicle, you can exploit a stack-overflow in the frame, popping the entire door out. DOS attacks against hinge pins can also be used to completely bypass a lock.

  3. Re:"Hacking" by multisync · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm reminded of Ralph Macchio asking Mr. Miyagi what kind of belt he had in the Karate Kid. Mr. Miyagi's answer:

    "Canvas. JC Penny. Three ninety-eight. You like?"

    --
    I don't care why you're posting AC
  4. If its anything like hacking.. by g0dsp33d · · Score: 3, Funny

    There's probably a door around back that is standing open.

    --
    lol: You see no door there!
  5. Locks are easy by reboot246 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Locks are easy compared to trying to unhook her bra with your left hand in the dark.

  6. Re:Backstop that lock... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    100% of unarmed people are unable to repel boarders with arms Make that 99.9%, you forgot Chuck Norris.
  7. Re:Backstop that lock... by dwarfsoft · · Score: 3, Funny

    Not forgetting those that just want to steal your sign...

    --
    Cheers, Chris
  8. Re:Backstop that lock... by Filip22012005 · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's only illegal near spawn points.

    --
    When the policeman of the tie, rule you violate, hello punishment of the kitty?