Calling Any and All High-Tech Criminals

I would like to chat via e-mail or phone with any high-tech criminal who has, or knows how to successfully substitute a biometric credential for the proper one stored on a smart card for physical or logical access to a variety of concerns, such as ATMs, computer networks, and hard assets. No bloody need to reveal your identity (of course) as I do not have any interest in compromising your identity.

My e-mail to use for this project is snipped-for-privacy@tpromo.com and my cell number can be obtained from my web site at

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if you look on a bit.

Kind Regards,

Al Colombo, trade journalist

Reply to
Al Colombo
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You figure there are "high-tech criminal types" lurking in *this* Group?? Other than Robert, I don't know of anyone that's "high-tech" *and* an ex-con here... :-))

Reply to
Frank Olson

Perhaps Robert is more able than most believe he is :-).

Reply to
Al Colombo

Yea, but when he gets out he'll be the one laughing :-)

Reply to
Al Colombo

Why don't you call Dennis Kozlowski? He won't be doing much for at least eight years or so...

Reply to
Nomen Nescio

Dennis is going to spend his time writing new ADT ethics class manuals....

Reply to
Allan Waghalter

Not sure I follow you, Robert. Please explain.

Thanks,

Al

Reply to
Al Colombo

Perhaps you might someday write one article where you didn't need help from the IB.

Reply to
Robert L Bass

I would like to give you antoher piece of information.

Security specialist still consider that entering passwords through a keypad is still the best method for high end security. Yes... I too have heard of "glitches" in the biometric access control. All systems must have "tolerances" to allow users to enter certain regions using biometric systems. For example: what happens if I have a litle scratch from the cat on my finger of which I have programmed the biometric system? All biometric device manufacturers would mention of a "tolerance" and that the system will also accept the scratch.

But for password entry systems the code is locked in our head. Unless a technology is developed to read our brains, a high tech criminal cannot get a hold of the password unless we tell them. I know of many ATM's (Automated Teller Machines) in Europe that have remotely been fitted with a device on the entry of the card reader, supported with a CCTV system looking directly at the keypad. Once a user comes along and enters his/her card the small card reading device picks up the card number. Then it is backed by the CCTV system and wala... You have a new credit card number that you can add to your database.

As a warning please check the region where you place your card. Make sure that the entry is not covered by another device. Make sure that the CCTV system does not see your keypad directly.

As long as you you keep your access codes in your head there is very little chance that your code could be hacked. I've seen heaps of Hollywood junk where look for the oil residue of finger prints on the keypad. They are able to "compile" certain numbers or characters from the pressed buttons. Remember to give a different password for each user and change the code every now and then. This posibility would be overcome this easily. We have an access control keypad on our front door that only functions during office hours. If a high tech criminal tries to look for residues on the keypad he/she would see that every button has been pressed. Not forgetting that the system gives off an alarm to CS if a wrong code has been entered more than 2 times.

To prevent high tech criminals from entering your premises you must keep in mind that you cannot prevent an entry with electronic security equipment. All security equipment is used just to warn staff on site. If you wish to prevent unwanted entry you must setup physical structures outside of the premises. Barbed wire fences, walls, proper locks, etc.

I could go on for hours but the main point is to prevent (not just warn) an unwanted guests before they even approach your fancy biometric readers.

Good-luck.

Reply to
Okitoki

Frank your totally correct... Mixing two technologies is always the better.

But I wouldn't go around and mix a six digit access code system with biometrics. Instead use a simpler system such as proximity. I know from experience that the longer it takes for someone to access a region, the more vulnerable the system is to be by-passed (like placing a fire extinguisher in front of the door so it doesn't close!!). It would take on average a 3-5 seconds for you to punch in the right code. it would take another 5-10 seconds for using the biometric system. If we consider the maximum times (generally this is true for more non-technology lovers) it would take a good 15 secs to access a region. What happens next. They go along and try to by-pass the system. Even if the access controller has a buzzer, in the end they would go and cut the buzzer out, damaging the unit and finally crashing the system just because they used a scissor!!

Developing security solutions requires patience and good preperation. You must always keep in mind that if the company has not used or is not used to using high tech equipment, the system should be planned to be expandible, but the initial integration should be very simple. If you go around to get big bucks from an installation with lots of stuff that won't be used... This is not good for reference. Because approximatly 2

- 3 weeks later when you go back to the site you will see that the system is not working or is not being used.

Anyway as I said... I could go on like this for days... So I better shut up...

Good luck all!

Reply to
Okitoki

A combination of the two technologies you mentioned would work better IMO. Fingerprint reader coupled with a six digit access code. The touch-pad by Hirsh where the numbers switch locations after every use so someone standing behind/beside you can't observe the code is even better. I had one woman complain that she had to look at her cell keypad every time she wanted to go to the staff room so she could remember the number sequence to punch in.

Reply to
Frank Olson

I'd suggest you take a course in journalistic integrity if I thought you could fill out the application without assistance from the newsgroup.

Reply to
Robert L Bass

Robert, I have no idea what you are talking about, but you are about the only person on the planet who has ever called my journalistic integrity into question. I think you misunderstood the intent of the comment I made last September. It was not meant in a negative way. If that's not it, then why would you say something like that in a public forum?

Al

Reply to
Al Colombo

He's been a dick his whole life, Al. In 1999 when Bass started his bullshit with me (Milford Alarm license fiasco) you suggested I ignore it. In 1999 Bass considered you the greatest thing since sliced bread. As the years passed, and as Bass' stories have been exposed as bullshit, he has lashed out at everyone other than Campbell, and Rory. Here we are 7 years later and the same shit is happening but with a new target. Now he's taking a shot not at your integrity, but at your assisting veterans, and soon to be anything that may be hurtful to you. The integrity part is par for the course because we've all been accused of being underhanded, and incompetent. I'd swear the integrity slam is a signature he has saved on his computer with a blank for the name. Anything this leech has ever learned about you will now be used to fuel his hate. He's the sole reason people here don't OPENLY discuss their business, post under their real names, or even shoot the shit about any business contacts. He's a cowardly child who spouts off from behind a keyboard yet would be the first one to call the police if you broke a foot off in his ass.

While the group would be better if he left I personally hope he stays here forever because his wacko posts are comical, but that's only because I get to reply with vulgarity (my forte). Ah so I am selfish. Take my advice........ pay the shitbag no mind. Just consider the source.

BTW, email the link to your vet site please.

Thanks,

Tom Fowler

Al Colombo wrote:

Reply to
Mr.Double-sided tape

I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding, Tom. I appreciate your concern. How are you doing and what are you up to? Hope you are well.

Al

Reply to
Al Colombo

It'd be nice if you would quote Al :)

Reply to
Mark Leuck

Other than being addicted to Ben & Jerry's Everything But the Ice Cream (it's like candy coated crack), and being glued to the idiot box when Most Haunted is on I am doing great Al thanks for asking. I checked your website and I think it's great. If there's anything I can do to help please let me know. I'd post a link on my website but you'd have to walk me through it. As for the misunderstanding, the only thing that happened is Basshole realized he put his foot in his mouth bigtime so he's trying to backtrack. Hopefully he refrains from further flames involving you, and the yeomanlike work you're doing.

Best of luck,

Tom

Al Colombo wrote:

Reply to
Mr.Double-sided tape

Reply to
Mr.Double-sided tape

If it was my foot, I'd call the cops first. I'd want it back! On second thought... Considering where it was "lodged", I think I'd settle for a plastic one.

Reply to
Frank Olson

I doubt very much he would call the police.

With an ass that size, he wouldn't even know you were hopping behind him on one leg. You'd have to send him an emergency telegram to let him know your foot was stuck, before the next dump.

OHHHHHH the humanity!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply to
Jim

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