How Fast Can Your Password Be Cracked?

When I teach my computer security class, I show an example of how much difference using a longer or more complex password can make in terms of total number of attempts required to break a password using automated brute force methods that simply try all possible combinations against a password.  You can see the table here.

I came across a post by Internet standards expert, CEO of web company iFusion Labs, and blogger John Pozadzides.  He knows a ...

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AVG Internet Security Garners Awards Again

AVG Internet Security was ranked third out of a field of twenty top security products in a recent PCWorld Labs review in the May 2010 issue of their magazine.  It also as one of twenty security products out of a field of 60 entrants to receive the VB100 award from Virus Bulletin magazine.

We continue to use AVG ourselves and recommend this product to our clients.  It combines features that we appreciate the most:  it is effective at blocking, finding, and ...

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WyzGuys Awarded AVG Silver Partner Designation

Here at WyzGuys we have been recommending and selling AVG security products to our clients since November 2007.  Yesterday we received notification that we are AVG Silver Partners, because of our commitment to the product and thanks to our clients, who for the most part have accepted our recommendations and purchased AVG products for their own small business and personal computers.

AVG continues to be our favorite.  Always ranked in the top 5 security software products, we like it for the ...

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The Value Proposition

“Service. Price. Quality.  Pick any two”

Someone in a company I used to work at had written this old bromide on the white board in the conference room. Thinking like this is slowly killing this company.

They are a major national and international distribution company in their market space, and have been in business for over 100 years, with sales branches all over the world, and distribution centers strategically located throughout the US.

  • Their stock price has fallen from a higher price, and ...
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The Internet – Leveling the Playing Field

I wrote this piece a couple years ago and it was posted on my previous blog on Windows Live Spaces.  I’ve been indulging myself reviewing some of my older articles, and this one I thought was worth reposting.

I have been quietly, and at times not quietly, in awe of the Internet for some time.  I am a fan.  An enthusiast.  I may be and evangelist.  Why?  Well…

1 I can become an instant expert on any subject.  My profession is computer ...

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The Monster In the Closet – That 12 Year Old Server!

OK – As a budding capitalist, I am all in favor of saving a buck and dropping it to the bottom line.  But I keep running across clients with very old servers running their critical line of business and accounting applications.  I am talking about servers built in the last century.  A combination of the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset coupled with some jaw dropping replacement costs that can be in the tens of thousands of dollars ...

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Bluetooth Security – Who Knew?

Bluetooth is a useful wireless service that falls under the category of “Personal Area Network” or PAN.  This provides wireless functionality to mice, keyboards, headset and earpieces, and game controllers.  It also provides for computer to computer file transfers, a feature most people don’t know about or use.

But a hacker could use your Bluetooth connect to connect to your PC and browse around you files looking for backing information or credit card numbers.  They can also access Bluetooth enabled devices ...

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My First Time Podcast

My good friend and business associate, Troy King, owner of PCR Tech, invited me to be a guest on his weekly Friday podcast this week.  Check out podcast #48 at his web site.  We had a terrific wide ranging discussion starting with web filter with openDNS, and covering the FaceBook password scam, the future of Google in China, Android vs. Blackberry and iPhone, the 25th anniversary of the first .com domain name, the reanimation of the Commodore platform, ...

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Facebook Password Reset Confirmation Emails Are Fake

I have been receiving emails allegedly from Facebook Support with the Subject line of Facebook Password Reset Confirmation! Important Message. There is an attachment you are supposed to open. DO NOT OPEN IT. This whole email is fake. Go to your Facebook account and try your existing password. See – it still works!
Don’t fall for this phishing attack.

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Securing Your Wireless Network

For people running home or small business wireless networks there are a few tips that can help you run your wireless access point more securely.

  • Don’t let everyone use your network.  A wireless access point will work out of the box, just power it up and plug it into your DSL or cable modem.  Unless part of your business model involves providing free WiFi for your customers, this is a bad idea.  You should follow the directions of provided with your ...
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