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Chemists craft molecular keypad lock
While the folks behind the AACS could probably use a few pointers about constructing a sufficient lock of their own, a group of scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovat, Israel have crafted a molecule-sized "keypad lock" that "only activates when exposed to the correct password, a sequence of chemicals and light." Organic chemist Abraham Shanzer and his colleagues suggest that their invention could "lead to a new level of safeguards for secret information," but we tend think the infamous hackers of the world would inevitably crack the code. Nevertheless, the molecule -- dubbed FLIP -- houses a core linker that mimics a bacterial compound that binds to iron, and attached to it are two molecules that respectively can glow either blue or green. Using three "buttons," which just so happen to be an acidic molecule, an alkaline compound, and ultraviolet light, the lock can be "opened" if given the right sequence of chemicals and light, and there's a grand total of two noticeable results possible. Interestingly, the researchers have insinuated that their creation could be used to recognize "when certain sequences of chemicals (like harmful toxins) are released in the body," but we haven't heard a 10-4 from the US Army just yet.[Via Yahoo, thanks, Antonio H.]
How to hack DVD case security locks
First up, we think it's worth making it clear that by linking and writing about this guide we're not advocating that you go out and steal DVDs from your local retailer. With that out of the way, we've got to give slyfox117 over at instructables a bunch of kudos for figuring out how to gracefully remove a red security DVD lock: our typical method for removal after a store clerk forgets to take it off is to viciously tear the box apart. Using nothing but magnets (one of which slyfox extracted from an old hard drive), a bit of wiggling, and some carefully applied pressure, slyfox found it was possible to remove the lock and gain access to the contents of the case. He also has plans to find a way of opening full size anti-theft cases. Before you argue that the likeliness of a clerk forgetting to remove one of these precludes the need for such a how-to, might we remind you of our Lockdown series of posts? Remember kids, exposing weaknesses forces companies to be active about improving the security that should have been stronger in the first place.
Pulling the old switcheroo: changing console region
Some Wii owner over in New Zealand decided he was fed up with his country's lack of VC games and did something about it. In changing his region from the aforementioned New Zealand to the UK, he unlocked several VC titles that were unavailable before. We know what you're thinking and before you go trying it out, know that this does not work on Japanese and US consoles. Bummer ...
Finger vein scanner will unlock your door
We're not really sure why a good ol' fingerprint reader wouldn't do the trick (oh, wait), but apparently Sumitomo and Hitachi decided what the world really needs is a finger vein reader to lock and unlock doors. While this exact technology is certainly not brand new, this particular implementation seems to be. From what we can tell, you place your fingertips on the reader, and presto, the door unlocks, assuming your veins match its stored list of 10 authorized patterns. According to Plastic Bamboo, it'll cost ¥150,000 ($1,280) -- but, at that price, we'll stick to the tried-and-true analog deadbolt method.
Pick locks with interesting new TIFF homebrew
This is certainly one of the weirder homebrew projects I've heard of. Using the libtiff exploit we've come to be so familiar with, SG57 has created a tool that allows anyone to open a Master Lock. It takes advantage of a logarithm that was cracked back in July 2005, and Master Lock may have changed their formula since then. However, there's a ton of locks out there, and chances are, they're not new. If you really need to go through Little Timmy's gym locker, this might be for you.[Via DCEmu]
The Lockdown: The Targus iPod Lock, or, a modicum of security
Noted security expert Marc Weber Tobias contributes a new column, The Lockdown, exposing the shoddy security you may depend on. Targus is offering what they call a "mobile security lock" that they claim is a perfect "solution" for the millions of iPod owners who are hoping to keep their music players secure from theft. After evaluating the device from three different perspectives, I was not quite sure exactly what the "solution" was that they were describing, so I requested an interview with their Director of United States Marketing, Al Giazzon. Targus agreed, in part to respond to the Lockdown analysis of the Defcon CL Armored computer lock. I offered them a chance to talk about their philosophy on both of these products and to comment specifically on what I had described as Defcon CL design deficiencies. They also reviewed my video prior to the interview. The interview will come shortly, but in this article, I will analyze their latest product offering, the Targus iPod Lock, and summarize what I thought were key points of the interview regarding this product. I think you will find the discussion quite interesting and may shed some light on how Targus defines "security" in the context of protecting computers and small handheld devices, but for now we should discuss and expose the security in this product as well.The Mobile Security Lock for the iPodThis is a small (2.75-ounce) device that consists of a docking connector that is secured with a three-digit combination lock. It is connected to a retractable 2.5-foot wire that terminates in a lightweight carrying case. Functionally, the idea is that the dock will be inserted into the iPod connector and the cable extended and wrapped around something that is immobile. Two release buttons, one on each side of the locking mechanism, must be simultaneously depressed in order to retract the two metal pins that project into the base of the internal iPod connector. Once the combination wheels are spun and locked, the side buttons cannot be depressed, thus making it impossible to easily withdraw the dock. The design is similar to a notebook lock; the iPod is tied to something that cannot be carried away.
Secure-It's Pod Safe keeps your iPod locked down
We don't know whether we should laugh or cry (or both) at the apparently booming market for keeping iPod-swipers at bay. Sure, some last-resort options for protecting your iPod while strolling are a bit comical, but the folks at Secure-It obviously think that guarding your iPod is a rather serious affair. Not to be confused with the oh-so-closely named PodSafe or the numerous alternative lock-down solutions out there, the Pod Safe attempts to be a "stylish" portable locking security case for your nano, video, or fourth-generation iPod. Composed from "high impact PolyCarbon strengthened ABS material" (i.e. can be easy demolished with a hammer -- along with the iPod it contains), the Safe sports a four-digit user-changeable passcode to keep thieves guessing. A steel cable loop is there to latch your precious media player to your desk, briefcase, bicycle, or possibly your wrist, should you so desire. This lock doesn't hinder any playback functionality of the iPod, so even stolen units would operate, but the fun wouldn't last long for thieves considering the sole charging port is under lock and keycode. We see this unit more as a theft deterrent system than an all-out personal security guard for your 'Pod, but if your neck of the woods is seeming a little sketch, you can apprehend a Pod Safe for $39.95.[Via Popgadget]
O2 makes reviving locked phones a little easier
If you've ever found yourself facing a locked phone asking for its PUK code, you know that you're kinda in a bind when that happens. Typically you need to call your carrier, wait the standard 3.44 minutes for a rep to answer, provide some identifying information so they know you're who you say you are, and you get your code. Phone thieves, rejoice: O2 is now offering PUK codes through its website to anyone providing little more than a phone number. Granted, very few people actually lock their SIMs down with a PIN and PUK, but for those that do on O2, your safety margin just got a little smaller.[Via textually.org]
Password protect those bullets
We've been loosely following the biometric firearm scene for a couple years now, but this might well be the first time we've heard anything about password protection for your bullets. It's only a patent application as of right yet, but inventor Herbert Meyerle dreams of a day when guns have a system for firing rounds by means of a burst of electromagnetic energy, which could only be activated if a password entered into the handgun matches a password embedded in the cartridge of bullets. If that sounds a little roundabout, that's because it probably is; why fiddle with passwords -- which, once activated, wouldn't prevent your gun from being used against you before the password times out -- when biometric firearm verification makes so much more sense? As soon as you're not holding that gun, it just won't work. Or, you know, you can always hit up the swords to plowshares thing, whatever mode of gun safety does it for ya.[Via New Scientist]
Kensington's MicroSaver products lockdown your laptop
In the past, Kensington's security solutions have been far from infallible, but they're hoping their new line of locks will raise the bar when it comes to thwarting would-be laptop snatchers. The MicroSaver uses a carbon-tempered steel cable and traditional locking mechanism, while the MicroSaver DS adds a "nearly impenetrable multi-disc locking mechanism" to make sure only the person with the key can get your device off your desk. If you don't want another key battling your gadgets for pocket space you can opt for the combination lock, which simply requires a 4-digit code to open. Prices range from $40 (for the combo version) to $70 (for the Twin model that'll secure two machines at once), which seems like a reasonable price to pay for the privilege of knowing your brand new Superman-themed desktop replacement will be safe and sound while you're gone.
Targus Desktop Security Lock for iPod
With so many people carrying around expensive iPods in their pockets or storing them in their desks, it's little wonder that an industry has sprung up around protecting those valuable little players from theft: even clothing designers like Thomas Pink are trying to get in on the action. And now yet another solution has been announced -- this one from accessories manufacturer Targus -- that promises to keep your precious 'Pod locked down to any stationary object by gripping the dock connector with a combination lock, and not releasing it until you enter the code or someone saws through the galvanized steel cable. "Coming soon" for $30 according to Targus' website, the "Desktop Security Lock for iPod," (no idea why they didn't shorten it to "the iLock") is probably a decent solution for travelers or those whose co-workers have sticky fingers; for round-the-clock peace-of-mind, however, you still can't beat the go-anywhere PodLocker, which always keeps your DAP on your person and forces muggers to rip through your clothes if they want to make off with it.[Via The Gadget Blog]
