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Time Machines, Computer Memory, and Brute Force Attacks Against Smartcards
An anonymous reader writes "IEEE Spectrum reports on a method that exploits the decaying contents of unpowered computer memory to create an hourglass-like 'time machine' that rate limits brute force attacks against contactless smartcards and RFIDs. The paper takes an odd twist on the 'cold boot' attack reported four years ago at USENIX Security. Not quite as cool as a hot tub time machine though. "
Full paper (PDF).
Sorry to burst your little bubble there, but America has spiralling debt, high unemployment and a stagnating economy because it is no longer productive on a global stage.
For many years we got fat and rich with merchant bankers who added pseudo value by moving money about in the global economy, and by being the central world bank thanks to the convenience of the rest of the world using US dollars as an intermediary currency.
But we fucked that up. We didn't know, or didn't care while the rest of the world pissed their money up against the wall lending it to us so we could buy McMansions. Now, without an ever increasing credit market, there is no money coming in. We've lost the last couple of real export industries we had.
America just isn't any better than anyone else in the world at doing anything of value. We used to be innovators, now China, India and Ireland innovate. We used to be a finance hub, now London, Hong Kong and Singapore are too. We used to make stuff. Now you can't even make an iPad without China's help.
The only reason why we aren't as fucked up as Europe is because we can print money and inflate ourselves out of debt.
Our leaders are pointing the finger at Europe to distract the masses from the fact that we are in almost as bad a position as them. And good on them, we need all the positive sentiment we can get in your markets at the moment. Even if it is just ignorant optimism.
You can blame Obama, but, as you saw when you elected him - changing our leader won't solve the structural problems that exists. Only by waking the fuck up and either lowering our standard of living to match the lower national income - or swallowing our pride, learning to become good at something, and WORKING for a living will we increase our employment figures.
You want to know the really dirty little secret about Indian outsourcing? If I could hire an Indian for exactly the same price as an American, I'd hire the Indian. They are more passionate, more driven and have a better work ethic than the fat lazy, self-entitled locals.
Just look at Australia. Anyone on a half decent income in Australia pays about 38% tax. That's after a 30% company tax, a 10% sales tax and payroll taxes.
They have huge healthcare costs, huge social policies, but they're richer than us - why? Because they're still exporting something.
The cost base isn't our issue, and our 'socialist' policies are nothing compared with the rest of the western world.
The problem is, if America were a potential employee, we'd be that fat lazy bum who used to be great at college football, but is now, basically, unemployable.
The rest of the world loves Obama, he's the best leader we've had in years - he knows America needs to be aware of it's place on the world stage. You guys hate him, because he oversold himself - but if you've learnt anything (and oh how obvious it is that you haven't) learn this - Our leader ain't your problem mate - you are.