Showing 1 - 8 of 8
Think twice before going with Huawei
Life, James Hein, Published on 28/04/2021
» The Chinese firm Huawei is in the limelight again for allegedly snooping on the Dutch prime minister's phone calls, with the information used to track down Chinese dissidents. This was a while back and it only came to light now because back then the Dutch were worried about exposure. Huawei was able to do this because they have core components in the Netherlands' mobile network. The result was that Huawei employees could not only listen in on any conversation but also identify those in the conversations across their 3G and 4G networks. Even today, the Chinese have admin-level access due to the network management outsourcing deal. Huawei strenuously denied any wrongdoing but those thinking that their 5G Huawei networks will be safe might want to rethink this or look very carefully at the access granted under the contracts.
Think twice before going with Huawei
Life, James Hein, Published on 28/04/2021
» The Chinese firm Huawei is in the limelight again for allegedly snooping on the Dutch prime minister's phone calls, with the information used to track down Chinese dissidents. This was a while back and it only came to light now because back then the Dutch were worried about exposure. Huawei was able to do this because they have core components in the Netherlands' mobile network. The result was that Huawei employees could not only listen in on any conversation but also identify those in the conversations across their 3G and 4G networks. Even today, the Chinese have admin-level access due to the network management outsourcing deal. Huawei strenuously denied any wrongdoing but those thinking that their 5G Huawei networks will be safe might want to rethink this or look very carefully at the access granted under the contracts.
Transpacific cable is cut, for now
Life, James Hein, Published on 16/09/2020
» In light of the problems between the USA and China, and that those in power in Beijing want to grab data from US networks, Google and Facebook have dropped plans to build an undersea cable between the US and Hong Kong. The new target limits the landing points to the Philippines and Taiwan and now excludes Hong Kong. The HK section of the cable is built but will not now be activated due to a national security agreement between the US and Google and Facebook. I will predict that if Joe Biden wins the next US election this decision will be revisited.
Limiting discourse, leaking borders
Life, James Hein, Published on 19/06/2019
» It is difficult to ignore the latest moves by social media providers like YouTube to change their terms and conditions so as to block individuals and groups they don't like. The shift from an open platform, where all ideas are welcome, to one more concerned with the window of discourse is disappointing, and points to the huge pressure being applied by a small number of special interest groups, mostly via advertisers. The really sad part of this is that there are already indications that Minds, a supposed open alternative, is already censoring content, so for the moment at least I need to withdraw my recommendation for that platform.
A work around for Microsoft's landmines
Life, James Hein, Published on 04/07/2018
» The law in the European Union that I mentioned in the last article was passed as expected and the response from many quarters has been savage. At the time of writing it has yet to be ratified but it has seeded confusion in the online world as to what will be allowed and what won't. It could end up being a subjective nightmare but that is what you get when you are run by a group of essentially faceless bureaucrats in Belgium. I don't think we have heard the end of this one.
Networking ain't easy-PC
Life, James Hein, Published on 05/11/2014
» When it comes to all things IT, networking is not my strong suit.
The Blu-ray blues
Life, James Hein, Published on 19/03/2014
» It's a few years on and where are we with Blu-ray? Years ago Beta was the best option and VHS won the war, while a few years back HD-DVD was the best option and Blu-ray won, primarily because Sony didn't want to lose another format battle. Years later, Blu-ray still has had only a minor impact on the market. DVDs are still going strong, as new Blu-rays are still too expensive and consumers aren't really using them as a storage medium like they are DVDs. Some places do use Blu-ray storage farms, but they are few and far between.
The symptoms of a virus, but not a virus?
Database, James Hein, Published on 04/08/2010
» What is the definition of a virus? Or, for that matter, malware? My definition would be something that stops you doing what you want to on your computer or something that has been placed on your computer to cause damage or to use your computer in a way you have not approved or intended. It is also a program that resists your efforts to remove it. Now of course there may be some security software or organisationally applied software that falls under this definition so let's focus on your home machines for the purpose of this definition.