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Companies could use 'intermediate' web security certificates to spy
A certificate authority (CA) is a trusted entity that issues electronic certificates (duh) to verify identity on the Internet. They're a key part of secure communications online -- and thus super important. Then there's intermediate CAs, signed by a root CA, making certificates for any website. However, they're just as powerful as those root ones. Worse still, there's no full list for the ones your system trusts because root CAs can make new ones whenever it wants, and our computers will trust 'em immediately. This is a problem when companies get their hands on them, although they could have legitimate reasons for using an intermediate CA within their own networks.
Sony offers sneak peek of new LA store - no fooling (video)
You might see a bunch of fake news on the internet tomorrow, but considering what we've seen of Sony's new LA storefront, we're fairly certain this isn't a prank. That's right, Sony's launching a newly branded retail store in the City of Angels Friday, and from the look of things, it spared no expense. The 4,200-square foot space is the first to ditch the Sony Style moniker for the simpler Sony Store, and while the aesthetics are decidedly minimal, the experience is anything but. As you might expect, the shop offers demos of a slew of devices; it's packed full of everything from VAIOs to ray modelers to 3D Handycams, and it's also rocking a fully loaded home theater setup called "The Cube." Considering the outfit's been looking to up its retail cred, we'd say the new spot has the stuff to do the job, even if that bright white modular look does seem strangely familiar. If you're in the LA area, you can check out the new digs starting tomorrow -- if not, hit up the guided video tour above.
PlayStation 3 used to hack SSL, Xbox used to play Boogie Bunnies
Between the juvenile delinquent hordes of PlayStation Home and some lackluster holiday figures, the PlayStation has been sort of a bummer lately, for reasons that have nothing to do with its raison d'etre -- gaming. That doesn't mean that the machine is anything less than a powerhouse -- as was made clear today when a group of hackers announced that they'd beaten SSL, using a cluster of 200 PS3s. By exploiting a flaw in the MD5 cryptographic algorithm (used in certain digital signatures and certificates), the group managed to create a rogue Certification Authority (CA) which allows them to create their own SSL certificates -- meaning those authenticated web sites you're visiting could be counterfeit, and you'd have no way of knowing. Sure, this is all pretty obscure stuff, and the kids who managed the hack said it would take others at least six months to replicate the procedure, but eventually vendors are going to have to upgrade all their CAs to use a more robust algorithm. It is assumed that the Wii could perform the operation just as well, if the hackers had enough room to spread out all their Balance Boards.[Via ZD Net]
Take a virtual tour of Infinite Loop
Join TUAW as we go on a weekend road trip to Apple's campus at 1 Infinite Loop. No, not really, but we can always take a virtual visit to Apple HQ thanks to Google Maps Street View, now that Google has finally completed their street level photography of Infinite Loop. This allows you to see the buildings in their full grandeur. Unfortunately, you cannot visit the legendary Apple Company Store. To start your virtual road trip, click here.
DirecTV blesses Palm Springs, California residents with locals... in SD
Just over a month ago, whispers started swirling that Palm Springs, California residents could expect locals through DirecTV in mid-January. Right on cue, the satellite provider has delivered, as the aforementioned citizens now have access to PBS, ABC (KESQ), CBS (KPSP), NBC (KMIR), FOX (KDFX) and Telemundo (KUNA). Unfortunately, it seems that they're only available in MPEG4 SD (and The CW is sorely absent, too), but here's to hoping that forthcoming D11 satellite launch can provide those residing in the desert with a touch of high-definition.
GameStop opens inaugural tournament center
GameStop has finally found a way to exploit those pesky loiterers through its latest PR initiative to open a new class of hybrid retail locations. No, corporate hasn't altered its strategy from making green to 'going green,' rather these new super structures will feature a "tournament center," in addition to a standard retail store, where the usual kiosk crew is no longer an obstacle, but the star attraction. San Jose will serve as the testing ground for the new tournament series where the first of these combination stores opened today with 24 networked gaming stations, each equipped with a plasma display. Competition will be hosted "most weekends" starting with a Madden tourney on Saturday. Winner takes home goes next door for a $1,000 GameStop shopping spree. Losers wait for winner in the parking lot.
GTA-made-'em-do-it 'Nut Cases' gang leader sentenced
The alleged leader of Oakland street gang the Nut Cases was sentenced to 75 years to life by Alameda County Superior Court on Friday. Gregory Colbert and five others, who entertained a puzzling fixation with Planters' Mr. Peanut and enjoyed hazy sessions of Grand Theft Auto III, have been linked to a series of murders and armed robberies that terrorized Oakland in late 2002, and lasted until the Nut Cases were rounded up in January 2003.San Francisco Chronicle's continued coverage of the case suggests that the Nut Cases imitated the violent acts they'd repeatedly carried out in the virtual world of GTAIII. It's unclear if this "explanation" was offered up during the trial by the defense. But, if GTA could actually induce violent sociopathic behavior, then we'd have a worldwide crisis on our hands. We're talkin', like, tens of millions of Nut Cases![Via GamePolitics]
da Vinci robot creators being sued by Caltech
It's no secret that doctors ought to have a good bit of insurance on their side due to the flurry of medical malpractice (and similar) lawsuits that hit hospitals and surgeons everyday, but you know things are rough when robotic MDs get taken to court as well. Intuitive Surgical Inc., the creators of the da Vinci system for robotic surgery, has been sued by the California Institute of Technology, which claims that the system "infringes four patents held by the university." Obviously, Intuitive's CEO called the suit "outrageous and without merit," but the Pasadena school is nevertheless "seeking an injunction" and repayment for "damages." What's notable about the case, however, is where it was filed, as Tyler, Texas is quite a long ways from both institutions, but attorney's in the know have called the Lonestar State "a haven for patent pirates." Of course, there are rulings out there that are finally leaning the way of the tech firms at hand, suggesting that "obvious patent laws" should be relaxed somewhat, but it seems that even this probably won't mess with Texas. Nevertheless, let's just hope one of those lawyers doesn't end up under a (disgruntled) da Vinci knife one day.[Via RobotGossip]
It's official: San Francisco to get free WiFi blanket courtesy of Google / EarthLink
Ah Google, where would we be without you? Instead of answering that, we'll just say that the search giant (and future world dominator?) has landed yet another smile-eliciting deal, and this time it's the San Franciscans getting the spoils. While the deal between the city of San Francisco and Google / EarthLink has been brewing for quite some time, city officials have (finally) "finalized a contract that will enable EarthLink to build a citywide wireless network and allow Google to provide free internet access." With an estimated one million or so folks to benefit from the implementation, things are looking good if you've been itching for everywhere-WiFi and happen to live in SF, and while EarthLink still plans on offering a "fee-based premium service," Google is looking out for the little guy by dishing out the free stuff. Apparently, no hard pricing figures nor rollout dates have been set just yet, but things should start moving along relatively soon if Google has anything to do with it, as a statement released by the company stated its intent to "to see the service go live as soon as possible" -- now that's what we're talking about. [Warning: PDF Link][Via CNET]
Volkswagen crafts electrophoretic bumper sticker, road rage imminent
Volkswagen is making absolutely sure that it doesn't fall behind the curve with regard to technology, as its Electronics Research Laboratory in Palo Alto, CA is hard at work on an electrophoretic bumper sticker. While this creation may not go far in producing more aerodynamic vehicles or burning less fuel, the novelty factor is high nonetheless. The company states that its sure-to-be-popular add-on is a "wafer-thin, highly flexible foil that can display text and images like a computer monitor," and envisions drivers of the future letting fellow roadsters "know how they're feeling as moods change." While we can't imagine the tell-tale sticker having much good to say while stuck in rush hour traffic (or just after being pulled over), it's just one more distraction to keep from paying attention to what matters most.[Via CNET]
