tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68957624316081942672024-03-19T17:24:17.787+08:00Velan's BlogAbout my line of work in IT & cybersecurity. <br><br>Email : velanr@gmail.com <br>Twitter : https://twitter.com/velanrVelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-28772101377480741792019-06-06T11:44:00.002+08:002019-06-06T11:45:17.823+08:00Group Policy editor for commonly used group policy control items in Windows 10 The following tool can help Group Policy editor for commonly used group policy control items in Windows 10 .<br />
<br />
Please refer GitHub URL : <a href="https://github.com/velanr1980/GroupPolicyEditor1">https://github.com/velanr1980/GroupPolicyEditor1</a><br />
<br />
The GPO objects covered are as follows :<br />
<h6>
<ol>
<li>Enable/Disable Firewall (Domain profile) - HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\DomainProfile</li>
<li>Enable/Disable Firewall (Standard profile) - HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\StandardProfile</li>
<li>Group Policy refresh interval - HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System -Name GroupPolicyRefreshTime</li>
<li>Group Policy refresh time offset - HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System -Name GroupPolicyRefreshTimeOffset</li>
<li>No Autorun option enable/disable - HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoAutoRun</li>
<li>Disable Cortana in Windows 10 Searches (Only applicable for Windows 10 Home, Professional & Enterprise)</li>
<li>Disable Windows Store (Only applicable for Windows 10 Professional & Enterprise)</li>
<li>Screen saver activation, with password, and timeout setting<br />
</li>
</ol>
</h6>
Please also find Powershell script equivalent of this program in the Github repository (file name : group_policy_win10_v2.ps1).<br />
This Powershell script covers same features/GPO objects as the CLI EXE
program in the GitHub repository, and can also be used for group policy objects changes. <br />
License and copyright applicable.
<br />
<br />
<i>Note : <br />
a) This was tested in Windows 10 Professional Edition environment , and
should work on Windows 10 Enterprise Edition (and WIndows 2016) as well.<br />
b) This program will NOT work for Windows 8.1, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows XP.<br />
c) It is designed for local GPO of Windows 10 (local profile), and NOT for domain level GPO objects.<br />
d) This CLI EXE program is designed to edit registry settings, so please run it in adiministrator mode.<br />
</i>
<br />
<br />
I did not include a USAGE manual , as it is easy & straight forward to use.
Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-57808569409835240332019-05-10T06:06:00.001+08:002019-05-13T21:08:47.563+08:00How to disable Outlook attachment preview feature<br />
One of the main ways malware spreads these days is via Office documents and macros. Some malware are known to utilise bugs in Adobe Flash and macros, and use Office documents to invoke those bugs and cause infection.<br />
<br />
The attachment preview feature in Microsoft Outlook can also expose the user to malware, by unknowingly running preview of the malware Office attachment, and cause the malware infection to start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/email/guides/outlookpc/clientattach/attachoutlook4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="567" height="166" src="https://warwick.ac.uk/services/its/servicessupport/email/guides/outlookpc/clientattach/attachoutlook4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Fortunately , the attachment preview feature can be disabled in Outlook.</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>I have created a simple console tool (C# EXE file) to help change this setting in registry.</b><br />
<b>I have also provided below the registry setting that needs to be changed to disable it.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Or, you can simply go to the Outlook settings to disable it:</b><br />
<i>i) In Outlook , go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings, and then select Attachment Handling.<br />ii) To turn off all attachment previewers, click Turn off Attachment Preview and click OK.</i><br />
<br />
This tool helps enable / disable email attachment preview function in Microsoft Outlook.<br />
It is useful as it can help eliminate malware execution by attachment preview of malware infected Office documents/macro via unpatched Office/Adobe Flash bugs.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u><b>Please note the following :</b></u><br />
<b>a) The registry script & C# tool below works on Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2013 & 2010 only. It does not work on Microsoft Outlook 365.</b><br />
<b>b) The C# tool below works on Windows 7 & Windows 10 PCs, and should be "run as administrator".</b><br />
<b>c) It requires Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 or above. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Registry setting to disable Outlook attachment preview :</u><br />
<br />
<i>Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00<br /><br />[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\outlook\preferences]<br />"disableattachmentpreviewing"=dword:00000001<br /><br />[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\15.0\outlook\preferences]<br />"disableattachmentpreviewing"=dword:00000001<br /><br />[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\14.0\outlook\preferences]<br />"disableattachmentpreviewing"=dword:00000001</i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>You can download the C# tool here:</b><br />
File name : <a href="https://1drv.ms/u/s!AlQHQdEmt5y9h5d6tIutgdD49HjSYw">Outlook_disable_attachment_preview.exe</a><br />
MD5 checksum value :761716ed7ab1bebb197aa5f84a0625e7<br />
<br />
<br />Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-47825330130933073122016-12-03T07:04:00.002+08:002016-12-03T07:08:00.934+08:00A concern for decentralisation ... and shadow ITI read with interest about the article <i>"Confirmed: Cloud no longer purchased or managed just by IT"</i> from <a href="http://www.computerworld.com.my/resource/applications/confirmed-cloud-no-longer-purchased-or-managed-just-by-it/" target="_blank">ComputerWorld Malaysia</a>.<br />
<br />
It just shows a concern I have about the growth of shadow IT , and IT dept decentralisation.<br />
<br />
<b>When I say shadow IT</b>, I mean that certain IT related roles & jobs (IT services , IT systems setup & deployment, data storage , etc) are being taken & done by individual departments, without IT department consultation or knowledge.<br />
<br />
<b>When I say decentralisation</b>, I mean that certain departments are taking the role of running certain systems ( example : cloud based applications, online ERP system , online office productivity & collaboraiton solutions ) from the IT department , thus decentralizing IT services.<br />
<br />
<b>Why the concern? The concern is simple.</b><br />
<br />
When other departments run IT solutions on their own, they just want to use it to get their work done. They do not look into various aspects <b>WHICH INCLUDES</b> :<br />
<br />
a) Compliance to ISO27001/2/3 or Information Security management standards, and good IT management and governance (etc COBIT).<br />
b) Evaluation (features , requirements, suitability to users , support given, emphasis on security, infrastructure requirements & feasibility)<br />
c) Third party assessments ( IDC, Gartner, products reviews, etc )<br />
d) Product lifecycle & upgrade cycles .<br />
e) Comparison between various vendor offerings, and possible internal IT & cloud solutions provided by parent companies / HQ (features, deliverables, cost).<br />
f) Return on investment of product (ROI) and fulfillment inline with company business goals.<br />
g) Compatibility with existing IT systems (if not it will become a silo system).<br />
<br />
<b>..............And the list goes on.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">These aspects are usually evaluated and filtered by the IT department.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">If these are not evaluated, they could end up giving more cost (or risk) to the company, and not getting what you want with the money spent.</span><br />
<br />
And if something goes wrong, or there was an data loss / security incident, or there is incompliance, they fall back to the IT department, who had no role in it, in the first place. <br />
<br />
This can create additional workload for IT department, in terms of troubleshooting, compliance and compatibility integration of this new system to the current IT systems. More of often than not, business owners would want data from the new system to be integrated with existing IT systems, which may not be readily compatible. Not only that , in the case of incidents of data loss , leakage, or security breach , IT department would need to do investigations and countermeasures, which includes additional costs.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>In the article, it is mentioned that <i>"84 percent of respondents now also believe the IT department should be responsible for helping other lines of business to drive innovation and must set the strategic direction and be accountable for security"</i>.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
If so, how can IT department be accountable for something they were not involved in?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The solution is simple :</b> In driving towards innovation and business goals, it is important to have IT department on board ,<b> <span style="color: black;">all the way, not half the way</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Based on the article "</b><a href="https://hbr.org/2008/07/it-centralization-or-decentral" target="_blank"><b>IT Centralization or Decentralization? - Harvard Business Review</b></a><b>" , it mentions that <i>"Decisions rights define who makes what decisions about IT. In allocating rights, a loose rule of thumb is that line managers should have authority over what services are delivered and IT should have authority over how the services are delivered."</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
Put it simply, business related departments should state what services are required , and IT will handle how it is delivered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>In the article "</b><a href="http://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/opinion/Following-both-sides-of-the-decentralized-vs-centralized-IT-debate" target="_blank"><b>Following both sides of the decentralized vs. centralized IT debate - SearchDataCenter</b></a><b>", there is some good points in the debate between a centralized & decentralized IT. Centralized IT benefits includes (i) to meet centralized compliance requirements, (ii) reduces data processing costs by server consolidation by merging systems and virtualization, (iii) reduces hardware and software costs through bulk purchases & discounts, (iv) centralized functions and reduces redundant IT staffing, & (v) cost effective maintenance. All this can lead to faster & effective service delivery, under one authority , that is IT.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
All in all, despite the growth and automation offered by cloud platform solutions , centralized IT dept is <b>STILL</b> the way to go in the long term.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Reference :</b><br />
a. Confirmed: Cloud no longer purchased or managed just by IT - ComputerWorld Malaysia - <a href="http://www.computerworld.com.my/resource/applications/confirmed-cloud-no-longer-purchased-or-managed-just-by-it/">http://www.computerworld.com.my/resource/applications/confirmed-cloud-no-longer-purchased-or-managed-just-by-it/</a><br />
<br />
b. IT Centralization or Decentralization? - Harvard Business Review (July 2008) - <a href="https://hbr.org/2008/07/it-centralization-or-decentral">https://hbr.org/2008/07/it-centralization-or-decentral</a><br />
<br />
c. Following both sides of the decentralized vs. centralized IT debate - SearchDataCenter - <a href="http://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/opinion/Following-both-sides-of-the-decentralized-vs-centralized-IT-debate">http://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/opinion/Following-both-sides-of-the-decentralized-vs-centralized-IT-debate</a>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-41143799739803901942016-11-20T00:10:00.003+08:002016-11-20T08:11:37.637+08:00The antivirus has failed ....... a survey opinion, and points on countermeasures.I was reading in shock , concerning this article <a href="http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/antivirus-fails-to-stop-ransomware/">"Antivirus Fails to Stop Ransomware 100% of the Time"</a> from InfoSecurity Magazine website.<br><br>
It seems , in general IT survey opinion , that antivirus on all times, fails to contain the ransomware infection. It also states that the firewall, the anti-malware , the email filtering and security awareness also were not good at repelling ransomware.<br><br>
Also worth noting is that despite the attacks, the companies involved did not alter / countermeasure much on the ongoing threat.<br><br><br><br>
<b>Points I would like to note here :</b><br><br>
a. I have always highlighted that cybersecurity requires proactive measures, to be successful. Constant improvements & monitoring with regards to latest threats, and updated security awareness campaign to all staffs, is crucial. <br><br>
b. In my field of work, I did not leave it to chance for my antivirus & email filtering solutions to stop the ransomware threat. I did some extra measures, that is typical & latest ransomware file types were manually blocked in the email filters, as well as filename patterns & keywords. This is despite the email filter scannning was able to detect the ransomware on their own, given the chance. Those extra measures provided another layer of protection and assurance from ransomware penetration.<br><br>
c. Other extra measures were tightening/removing the USB drives usage, as it is also another vector for ransomware infection. Latest antivirus solutions have features to control & limit USB drives capability, to stop USB based infections.<br><br>
d. Also , autorun.inf and program execution from USB drives can be disabled by either using the antivirus solution policies, or Active Directory security group policies. This can stop auto execution of any programs (legitimate & malicious), and allow time for antivirus solution to scan he USB drive and contain any threat.<br><br>
e. Contants bugs and vulnerabilities patching is a must.<br><br><br><br><br>
I strongly believe that proper expertise in fixing the gaps and flaw is necessary, as strong knowledge can really help make good countermaeasure solutions. Knee-jerk fixes does not solve the problem, and I believe that is what was done by these companies. <br><br>
<blockquote><b colour="blue"><b size="12">"</b>Proper deployment , constant monitoring , patching and daily updates , for combination of proven firewall/IPS & email filters & antivirus solutions can certainly go a long way in putting ransomware infections to a stop.<b size="12">"</b></b></blockquote>
<br><br>
<b>Prevention is better than cure .......</b><br><br><br><br>
<b>
Reference :</b> <br>
<a href="http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/antivirus-fails-to-stop-ransomware/">http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/antivirus-fails-to-stop-ransomware/</a><br>
<a href="https://blog.barkly.com/ransomware-attacks-bypassing-antivirus">https://blog.barkly.com/ransomware-attacks-bypassing-antivirus</a><br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-76723011746902608852013-10-20T18:41:00.001+08:002013-10-20T18:50:34.289+08:00My Upgraded Samsung Galaxy SII<p dir=ltr>I had problems with my Samsung Galaxy SII , where any incoming or outgoing calls will have strong static sound and I cannot hear the other side. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I needed to send my SII for repairs since it is still under warranty.  I logged the case at the Samsung Malaysia website and got a call the next day to send my phone to Samsung mobile service centre at LowYat plaza 4th floor.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I sent the SII there and was repaired within 2 working days. Service was fast and friendly,  no complaints.  But I got a pleasant surprise. ...</p>
<p dir=ltr>The service centre said the issue forced them to replace the smartphone mother board with latest SII board. The latest board ran on Android Jellybean 4.1.2 !</p>
<p dir=ltr>Wow I got a hardware and OS upgrade  !</p>
<p dir=ltr>My SII is now smoother & faster, less OS RAM memory footprint and more user RAM by 100MB, and smooth UI effects . I loved it.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The camera is faster too. My SII feels like a new smartphone!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Thank you Samsung!</p>
Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-1605313261565704142013-07-21T20:07:00.001+08:002013-07-21T21:37:51.608+08:00TuneIn radio app for Android<p>I installed the TuneIn radio app for my Android Samsung Galaxy SII so I can listen to local radio stations when I am abroad.</p>
<p>Its such a cool app. I love it. Clear sound. <br>It has choices of over 70,000 radio stations worldwide and also includes podcasts. <br><br><br>I have tested the radio delay , the delay between actual broadcast time and broadcast time in the app, and it is about 1 minute delay , which is not bad.<br><br>Screenshot below shows I am tuning in to a local<br>Malaysian radio station .<br></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl6zJyl533oBqXm511PJJEhcQAWkfz5earUJ0l1KoYdgRufbHFgOAaV6a-DaiVX__N61AsGNXyRF1WmikyFbWFwY0JVRkfYmTUD8l0DfTCWR6zmyVa34o-6M_zLp2TKTFMtWVEIfb7BpS/s1600/Screenshot_2013-07-21-20-04-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl6zJyl533oBqXm511PJJEhcQAWkfz5earUJ0l1KoYdgRufbHFgOAaV6a-DaiVX__N61AsGNXyRF1WmikyFbWFwY0JVRkfYmTUD8l0DfTCWR6zmyVa34o-6M_zLp2TKTFMtWVEIfb7BpS/s640/Screenshot_2013-07-21-20-04-56.jpg"> </a> </div>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-9739789025515472282013-05-25T15:37:00.001+08:002013-05-25T15:37:28.096+08:00About Htc One & Samsung Galaxy S4<p>I want to pour it out........ HTC One smartphone is cool and all...... It was a good competitor to Samsung Galaxy S4 . But the 4MP camera on HTC One is the only reason I am against it and prefer S4. Why HTC put in a 4MP camera ? </p>
<p>It should at least have 8MP or more......... Its a letdown.</p>
Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-53980675828076749492013-04-24T20:20:00.001+08:002013-04-24T20:22:47.581+08:00Truecrypt HDD encryption case study<p>Wow..... The security from HDD encryption ensures your data is protected from prying thiefs.</p>
<p>The below screenshot is taken from Wikipedia search of the term 'Truecrypt'.<br>
</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUim0sNgolMsgRuS3Hb56FR2n7-CXnfxJ4V-pOuYDPgBN3MjQmMZn_Y7x1Ti5j7Oq2gYwG8Mman0-Jwe1YCLuRfYgxxcActLaBxEhjk_Otc8wvj393G8fPcHXR_9-yw0AH7qxJFd5jaiyq/s1600/Screenshot_2013-04-24-17-08-58.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUim0sNgolMsgRuS3Hb56FR2n7-CXnfxJ4V-pOuYDPgBN3MjQmMZn_Y7x1Ti5j7Oq2gYwG8Mman0-Jwe1YCLuRfYgxxcActLaBxEhjk_Otc8wvj393G8fPcHXR_9-yw0AH7qxJFd5jaiyq/s640/Screenshot_2013-04-24-17-08-58.jpg' /> </a> </div>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-63844503488549110212013-04-03T13:26:00.001+08:002013-04-03T13:26:39.828+08:00Bitmeter OS bandwidth speed measurement<p>I have tried using Bitmeter OS Android app to measure a Streamyx UNIFI fibre 10Mbps line. It seems to be accurate, since it is run from an Android app from my Samsung Galaxy SII.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMIzbi-l4KtWqqfjE6up9VF8HXWaRDcJpP0nJ1_iA5haBALXHXd-f35muoTnTQguZguntqjZmEhfUSRecQqnsseQbjiXIgjNtm1Ih73knTv_T101N2CBK-juDmiH_dKY-rwMpaWXKbao2/s1600/Screenshot_2013-03-25-14-54-30.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMIzbi-l4KtWqqfjE6up9VF8HXWaRDcJpP0nJ1_iA5haBALXHXd-f35muoTnTQguZguntqjZmEhfUSRecQqnsseQbjiXIgjNtm1Ih73knTv_T101N2CBK-juDmiH_dKY-rwMpaWXKbao2/s640/Screenshot_2013-03-25-14-54-30.jpg' /> </a> </div>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-39985181195641197312012-07-26T23:20:00.002+08:002012-07-26T23:30:02.064+08:00High internal memory usage in my Samsung Galaxy Ace...ouch!<table border="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="yellow"><span style="color: green;" type="calibri">Topic : High memory consumption of Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br>
OH BOY! <br>
I always had a problem with my Samsung Galaxy Ace phone , with it's internal storage memory to be precise (not to be confused with the device RAM).<br>
The internal storage memory ( which is 181MB in size) is used to store app programs data and code, other than the SD card storage. <br>Most apps store the data in this memory area, although some apps give option to store in SD card.
<br>
The PROBLEM WAS, this memory usage keeps increasing slowly, eventhough I uninstalled some apps. Even after that , it goes more than 150MB , max 181MB !<br>
As a result , the phone GUI response slows down. It takes several seconds just to switch screens or exit an app. One example, just to open the Messaging SMS screen , it takes 10~12 seconds !<br>
It got into my nerves...... <br>
I had to reboot the phone just to get it back to normal , everytime !<br> But that would not last long, so frequent reboots became a norm.........<br> I had to uninstall my Whatsapp several times, as well as other favorite apps like eBuddy and Angry Bird.<br>
<br>
I have searched the Internet for a solution, but there is was no bulls-eye solution.......<br>
After going to through many trials and tribulations, EUREKA !<br>
The problem was the app cache ! <BR>
I went through the all the apps installed in my Galaxy Ace, I noticed that:<br><br>
<b>a. The Gmail app cache took 10MB<br>
b. The Youtube app cache took a whopping 30MB !<br>
c. The builtin Android browser had cache 14MB </b><br>
<br>
Next thing I did? CLEAR ALL THOSE CACHE! <br>
After all , usage reduced from 150MB+ , to around 100MB.<br>
The phone was smooth all the way after that...... no more slow response !
<a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php" title="Smiley">
<img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif" alt="Smiley" border="0"></a>
<br><br><br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/?action=view&current=ace1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/ace1.png" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>Memory usage at 111MB (after memory cache clearing). Previously it went above 150MB !</div><br><br>
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<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/?action=view&current=ace2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/ace2.png" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>Go to "Memory Usage" section in Settings to see which apps using memory plus cache in detail....</div><br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/?action=view&current=ace3.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/ace3.png" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>Go in each app one by one and checked it's cache usage....</div><br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/?action=view&current=ace4.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/ace4.png" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>Youtube app memory usage .... previously the cache was 30MB. It emptied to zero after pressing "Clear Cache" button ! The cache uses the internal memory as storage.</div><br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-90127692427773934422012-04-17T00:07:00.000+08:002012-04-17T00:21:20.793+08:00Mozilla Firefox SQLite database records user browsing history<table border="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="yellow"><span style="color: green;" type="calibri">Topic : Mozilla Firefox 10.0.1 history user database, Mozilla Firefox sqlite database, Mozilla Firefox user browsing forensics, Mozilla Firefox SQLite database engine </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br>
I remember reading an article about Mozilla Firefox and how IT forensics use the SQLite database within Firefox for user's web browsing history (CyberSecurity eSecurity bulletin, Vol 23, Q2/2010 - http://www.cybersecurity.my/data/content_files/12/725.pdf). For all of you, the Mozilla Firefox in your PC has a SQLite database which records all user activity, and all user profiles too. These activities include browsing history, login details ( if saved), forms input history , cooking, bookmarks and so forth. A lot of info !
<a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php" title="Smiley">
<img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif" alt="Smiley" border="0"></a>
<br><br>
I thought of checking out Mozilla Firefox (latest version 10.0.1 as of today) in my PC for such database, and yes there is !<br> I used SQLite Manager add-on for Firefox to browse the contents of the databases.<br><br>
<b>Details:</b> <br><br>
a) Database location - "C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\xxxxxxxx.default" (Windows 7)<br>
b) Tool used - SQLite Manager : Add-on for Firefox<br>
c) Total databases - 12 databases (see screenshot below)<br>
d) Database under review - places.sqlite (see screenshot below)<br>
<br><br>
You can just browse the databases for various info such as Bookmarks info, Visited URL info, Visit history info, and Form input info. Do take note that the time format
in these databases is not in a user friendly form. Use the SQL queries below to get the date/time in GMT format.<br><br>
<b>I ran the following SQL commands to get info on my browsing history <br>(in database places.sqlite):
<br><br>
i) SELECT datetime (moz_historyvisits.visit_date/1000000,"unixepoch"), moz_places.url FROM moz_places, moz_historyvisits WHERE moz_places.id = moz_historyvisits.id<br>
<i><u>Gets info on the history of visits</u></i><br><br>
ii) SELECT datetime (moz_places.last_visit_date/1000000,"unixepoch"), moz_places.url , moz_places.title FROM moz_places<br>
<i><u>Gets data/time, URL and page title of all recorded web sites visits</u></i><br>
<br></b>
As you can see ( based on the screenshots below), there is a lot of information about your web browsing history that you can get from these databases. This can help in terms of forensics... or monitor if your roommate is using your laptop without your knowledge !<br>
<br>
You can also use certain tools to analyze these tables, such as FoxAnalysis Plus ( see reference below ).<br><br>
<b>What a world we live in .......</b><br><br>
<br>
<b>Screenshots of Mozilla Firefoz SQLite database contents ( database places.sqlite )</b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=firefox10databaselist.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/firefox10databaselist.jpg" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>List of databases for Mozilla Firefox, 12 databases in all....</div><br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=firefox10history.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/firefox10history.jpg" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>SQL query to see browsing history using SQLite Manager for Firefox....</div><br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=firefox10places.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/firefox10places.jpg" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br>SQL query to see total browsing history (last visited) with page title using SQLite Manager for Firefox....</div><br><br>
<br><br>
<b>References</b>
<br>
CyberSecurity eSecurity bulletin, Vol 23, Q2/2010 <br>
http://www.cybersecurity.my/data/content_files/12/725.pdf <br>
<br><br>
SQLite Manager : Add-on for Firefox<br>
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/sqlite-manager/<br>
<br><br>
FoxAnalysis Plus<br>
http://forensic-software.co.uk/foxanalysis.aspx<br>
<br><br>
Firefox Forensics<br>
http://www.machor-software.com/firefox_forensics<br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-33069251312532744682012-03-05T22:24:00.003+08:002012-03-05T22:32:41.140+08:00Windows 8 Consumer Preview sneak peak<table border="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="yellow"><span style="color: green;" type="calibri">Topic : Windows 8 Consumer Preview sneak peak </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br>
I had the chance to download & try out the Windows 8 Consumer preview , running it as a virtual machine using a VMWare Player v4.0 <a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php" title="Smiley">
<img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif" alt="Smiley" border="0"></a>
<br><br>
Feast your eyes for the below screenshots.... I would say there is heavy integration of social media for this Windows edition !<br><br>
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<br> <B>Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots</B></div>
<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=WIN8_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/WIN8_2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500"></a>
<br> <B>Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots - comes with Internet Explorer v10, not released yet....</B></div>
<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=WIN8_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/WIN8_3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500"></a>
<br> <B>Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots - Apps full list</B></div>
<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=WIN8_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/WIN8_4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500"></a>
<br> <B>Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots - Apps full list</B></div>
<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=WIN8_5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/WIN8_5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500"></a>
<br> <B>Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots - Power, brightness, Network... and Notification?</B></div>
<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=WIN8_6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/WIN8_6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500"></a>
<br> <B>Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots - I see a special "Share" button....</B></div>
<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=WIN8_7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/WIN8_7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="border: 0px black solid;" width="500"></a>
<br> <B>Windows 8 Consumer Preview screenshots (notice that there is no Start button.....)</B></div>
<br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-41293201760984763222012-01-29T07:44:00.002+08:002012-01-29T07:53:25.393+08:00Comparison of Samsung Galaxy SII and Samsung Galaxy Note<table border="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="yellow"><span style="color: green;" type="calibri">Topic : Samsung Galaxy SII versus Samsung Galaxy Note </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br>
My friends ( not IT savvy types ;-) ) sometimes ask me about Samsung Galaxy Note, and what's the hype about. They also ask me what is the difference between Samsung Galaxy Note, and Samsung Galaxy SII. So, I made a comparison table below to help explain the differences.<a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php" title="Smiley">
<img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif" alt="Smiley" border="0"></a>
<br><br>
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<br> <B>Comparison table of Samsung Galaxy SII and Galaxy Note <br>References : Wikipedia<br>(click to enlarge)</B></div>
<br><br>
As you can see, the Samsung Galaxy Note is designed as a tablet/smartphone to be carried anywhere , and offers a stylus interface for quick notes & sketches on the go.<a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php" title="Smiley">
<img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif" alt="Smiley" border="0"></a>
<br><br><br>Refer to below link for details :<br><br>
<a href="http://www.compare-cellphones.org/Samsung-GALAXY-Note-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S-II">Compare Cell Phones : Samsung Galaxy Note vs Samsung Galaxy SII</a>
<br><br><br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-90719372615014920482011-12-14T22:29:00.000+08:002011-12-14T22:38:18.143+08:00Android market share rising .... as of Oct 2011 (US only)<table border="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="yellow"><span style="color: green;" type="calibri">Topic : US Android market share rising , US iOS market share , US RIM market share </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br>
Article summary, as of October 2011 (US only) :<br>
a. Android market share = 53%<br>
b. iOS market share = 29%<br>
c. RIM Blackberry market share = 10%<br>
<br>I am happy ....... because ANDROID RULEZZZ !!!<a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php" title="Smiley">
<img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif" alt="Smiley" border="0"></a>
<br><br><br>Refer to below link for details :<br><br>
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/shocker-android-grew-us-market-share-after-q2-ios-was-static/">Engadget : Android leads US market share, iOS may have stopped growing, RIM is still falling</a>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/12/npd-dec-2011.jpg" border="0" alt="Engadget" width=500 style="border: 3px black solid;">Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-85440882258804174232011-12-12T12:34:00.001+08:002011-12-12T12:40:09.415+08:00Tango video call software (move over Skype !)<table border="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="yellow"><span style="color: green;" type="calibri">Topic : Tango video call software, Tango mobile, Tango desktop, Tango for Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My father-in-law introduced me a very cool video call software for smartphones. It is called Tango. It is available in the Android Marketplace , and also for IPhones.<br><br>
The way it works is similar to Skype, but :<br>
a. It depends on phone numbers to register users in the Tango contact list ( future email ID suppport is in the works )<br>
b. It uses your Internet connection (3G, WIFI, etc) to make video calls<br>
c. It supports a lot more Android phone models compared to Skype. Skype <font color=red><b><u>does not</u></b></font> support video calls on my Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 (only voice calls), but Tango does support video calls , via my rear camera. Have to use a mirror to see the screen as this phone has no front screen camera. In fact Tango runs on any Android smartphones with camera(s).
<br><a href="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php" title="Smiley"><img src="http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/tongue.gif" alt="Smiley" border="0"
/></a><br><br>
I really love this software. It is very user friendly and works on my Samsung well. I am planning to use it on a regular basis, as my video calls are not restricted to my laptop !<br>
The Tango software now also comes for Windows desktop PC & laptops with cameras.<br><br>
Check the links below for details !
<br><br>
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<a href="http://www.tango.me" target="_blank">TANGO website</a>
<br><br><br>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1VT4S5nc89w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-3112446985598130532011-12-09T07:36:00.001+08:002011-12-09T07:54:39.961+08:00New Facebook app for Android - new version 1.8<table border=0 cellpadding=5><tr><td bgcolor=yellow><font type=calibri color=green>Topic : Facebook for Android app update - v1.7.2 to v1.8</font></TD></tr></table>
<br>
As of yesterday , the Facebook for Android has been updated with the following features :<br>
a. new user interface , similar to Facebook Touch (http://touch.facebook.com).<br>
b. sidebar links on the left , frequent links on top.<br>
c. New layout allows checking messages & notifications without interruption to current news feed reading.<br /><br>
<br>
As far as I am concerned , the new updates are cool, and it gives more flexibility to the content without interrupting my current read. I always liked the Facebook mobile touch site (http://touch.facebook.com) , so this is a welcome addition for me !
<br />
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=facebookapp18.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/facebookapp18.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<br>
<br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-76019687610356972282011-12-01T23:22:00.001+08:002011-12-01T23:34:42.676+08:00Trying Windows Phone OS on your phone .... free !<table border=0 cellpadding=5><tr><td bgcolor=yellow><font type=calibri color=green>Topic : Try Windows Phone OS on your Android or IPHONE phones</font></TD></tr></table>
<br>
Here is a interesting way to see how Windows Phone OS 7.5 looks like in your phone .. using your browser !<br>No need to install any software, your browser will open the site and the page consisting of the Windows Phone GUI will show as if you are using a Windows Phone !<br /><br>
<br />
In short, just go to "<a href="http://m.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/demo/index.html">http://m.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/demo/index.html</a>" and see the magic , as long as your browser support HTML5. Take note that the demo site is designed for touchscreen phones.<br>
<br>See link below for more details :<br><br>
<a href="http://mynokiablog.com/2011/12/01/video-windows-phone-on-iphone-4s-and-samsung-galaxy-sii-try-windows-phone-on-your-browser/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Video: Windows Phone on iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy SII. Try Windows Phone on your browser!</a>
<br>
<br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-83026194200165997752011-11-15T22:56:00.001+08:002011-11-15T22:59:43.301+08:00Gartner's Q3 2011 smartphone figures : Android first, Symbian second !<table border=0 cellpadding=5><tr><td bgcolor=yellow><font type=calibri color=green>Topic : Gartner report for smartphones , Q3 2011</font></TD></tr></table>
<br>
The below link shows the Gartner report for smartphones, dated Q3 2011.<br /><br>
<b><font color=red>In summary</font></b> , based on the Gartner report below, Android & Symbian leads the pack, eventhough Apple Iphone IOS been pushing to go up the ladder.
<br />
<br>
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/gartners-q3-2011-smartphone-figures-samsung-on-top-globally-a/">Gartner report for smartphones , Q3 2011</a>
<br>
<br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-63591687820621743732011-10-29T00:19:00.000+08:002011-10-29T00:23:15.667+08:00Gartner report for Mobile Data protection , September 2011<table border=0 cellpadding=5><tr><td bgcolor=yellow><font type=calibri color=green>Topic : Gartner report for Mobile Data protection , September 2011</font></TD></tr></table>
<br>
The below link shows the Gartner report for Mobile Data protection , dated September 2011.<br /><br>
<b><font color=red>In summary</font></b> , based on the Gartner report below, McAfee & Sophos leads the pack in terms EPP (endpoint protection platform) & MDP (mobile data protection) , and cosolidation of EPP & MDP into one single package.
<br />
<br>
<a href="http://www.gartner.com/technology/media-products/reprints/sophos/sophos_1_2627061957.html">Gartner report for Mobile Data protection , September 2011</a>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imagesrv.gartner.com/reprints/215800/215848/215848_1.png;pvafa3fb4545e9283d" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="410" width="400" src="http://imagesrv.gartner.com/reprints/215800/215848/215848_1.png;pvafa3fb4545e9283d" /></a></div>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-40769878963932201142011-10-09T15:36:00.000+08:002011-10-09T15:53:50.760+08:00Samsung GT-S5830 update to Android Gingerbread version 2.3I have read in Android Advices website last month (http://androidadvices.com/) , about an Android Gingerbread update from Samsung for it's Galaxy GT-S5830 phone. The phone was shipped with option upgradable to the latest Android Gingerbread OS v2.3 . I was eagerly waiting for the update as I observed that the current Android Froyo OS v2.2 has the following weakness. I was hoping Gingerbread will fix all this. :<br><br>
a. Sometimes lagging in GUI response.<br>
b. Seems to consume battery power a lot, especially when WIFI is switched on.<br>
c. Sometimes screens goes blank and become unresponsive, and this forces me to do a soft or hard reboot. This usually happens when there is several third-party apps running at the same time.<br>
d. Messaging (SMS) is becomes slow when there is a lot of SMS conversation threads, and sending SMS takes about 10 seconds sometimes. Also , there is a few seconds delay , when you press the home button on your phone to go to home screen from the Messaging (SMS) screen.<br>
e. Taking screenshots by pressing the home + power button together , ONLY works on the home screen & does not work on other screen views.<br>
<br><br>
I checked for any updates yesterday night (6/Oct/2011) using the Samsung Kies software. Ah at last ! The update is here. Without wasting time I proceeded with the update.<br><br>
Model : Samsung GT-S5830<br><br>
<font color=green>
<b>BEFORE UPDATE</b><br>
Android version : 2.2.1<br>
Kernel version : 2.6.32.9-perf<br>
Build number : FROYO.DXKC1<br>
<br>
<b>AFTER UPDATE</b><br>
Android version : 2.3.4<br>
Kernel version : 2.6.35.7-perf-CL562111<br>
Build number : GINGERBREAD.DXKPD<br>
<br>
Note : The above OS info can be seen in "Settings" -> "About Phone" menu
<br></font><br>
Ah yes. My phone is now running Android Gingerbread ! <br>
I noticed the following improvements on my phone after the update:<br>
<br>
a. Phone GUI is smoother , faster transition from menu to menu, or to home screen.<br>
b. Messaging (SMS) is now fast, sending SMS is now fast.<br>
c. So far the phone screen <u>does not</u> go blank and become unresponsive.Need to monitor on this.<br>
d. I can now take screenshots on ANY screen view by pressing the home + power button together.<br>
e. Battery power consumption has slight improvement (lasts longer), but still drains when using WIFI extensively switched on.<br>
f. The screen fonts is now more pleasant & rounded. I am not sure what is the font type.<br>
<br>
Check out below for the related links and the update screenshots using Samsung Kies :<br><br><BR>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 1
<br><br>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 2
<br><br>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 3
<br><br>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 4
<br><br>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 5
<br><br>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 6
<br><br>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 7
<br><br>
<a href="http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/?action=view&current=kies8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z456/velanr/My%20Tech%20Chat/kies8.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=400></a><br>STEP 8
<br><br><br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-59173056374652976552011-10-07T00:16:00.004+08:002011-10-07T00:17:45.137+08:00Great & free Android apps.....Here are links to some wonderful great Android apps details, for users of Android (newbies too!):<br><br>
CIO.com Blogs : 8 Essential Android Security Apps<br>
<a href="http://www.cio.com/article/675084/8_Essential_Android_Security_Apps">http://www.cio.com/article/675084/8_Essential_Android_Security_Apps</a><br><br>
CIO.com Blogs : 15 Best Google Android Apps for Newbies -- All Free <br>
<a href="http://www.cio.com/article/669913/15_Best_Google_Android_Apps_for_Newbies_All_Free_">http://www.cio.com/article/669913/15_Best_Google_Android_Apps_for_Newbies_All_Free_</a><br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-65535294604688972372011-10-07T00:08:00.002+08:002011-10-07T00:11:56.807+08:00Android Security : Best practices summary (rev 3)
This is the third revision of my summary of best practice for increasing security for your Android phone.
<br />I would recommend this to all Android users.
<br />
<br />a) Switch off WIFI when not in use. This is to reduce chances of attack , and saves your battery consumption.<br><font color=yellow>Believe me it saves battery power a <b>LOT.</b></font><br> My Samsung Galaxy Ace would last only 1 day when used heavily with WIFI internet access, but it lasts 2 days when the WIFI Internet access is not much used and is switched off when not being used.<br><br>
<br />b) Switch off Bluetooth when not in use. This is to reduce chances of attack via anonymous Bluetooth connections from other phones. Users will suddenly be prompted that someone you don't know , wants to connect to you via Bluetooth, once allowed it infects your phone with virus/malware. I had a lot of this attack on my Nokia phone.<br><br>
<br />c) Install only authorised & signed apps from Android Market. This can be done by unticking "Unknown Sources" option in the Settings -> Applications settings menu. It makes sure you are downloading only signed apps from the Android Marketplace ONLY, and blocks other third-party marketplace sources.<br><br>
<br />d) Install mobile antivirus software ( example : Lookout Mobile Security, AVG Mobile Antivirus ). The two examples are good antivirus software for the Android phone which scans apps , content & SMS. A must-have.<br><br>
<br />e) Implement a screen lock password for your Android phone. Use complex password to make it difficult to guess ( alphanumeric, upper/lower case ). You also use the initials of a sentence you like as a password . Example : <b><font color=red>I love the way you look tonight , my darling</font></b> - take the first letters of the sentence as the password --><b> iltwyltmd</b><br>
<br />f) Implement a SIM card password for your SIM card<br>
<br />g) <font color=red>Do not root your Android device.</font> If you are rooting your smartphone, you're significantly reducing your device's existing security safeguards. <br>
<br />h) Customize locked home screen with Owner Info. This will enable any good samaritan who have found your lost phone, to contact you. See the article link below on how to do this.<br><br>
<br />
Reference :<br>
CIO.com Blog : Android Security: Six Tips to Protect Your Google Phone<br><br>
<a href="http://www.cio.com/article/675129/Android_Security_Six_Tips_to_Protect_Your_Google_Phone">http://www.cio.com/article/675129/Android_Security_Six_Tips_to_Protect_Your_Google_Phone</a><br>
<br />Note : this post will be updated when required.<br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-50240565565875407992011-10-06T23:47:00.002+08:002011-10-07T00:12:40.385+08:00Security flaw in Android OS - 6/Oct/2011I often read articles in CIO.com, and here is an article on 2 recent Android security flaws, <font color=red><u>very serious ones too</u></font>. It concentrates on 2 specific flaws :<br><br>
<font color=red><b>Security Flaw 1 :</b></font><br>
Type : Unauthorised access to user data (emails, SMS data, GPS info, last-visit history, phone logs & phone numbers)<br>
Affected : HTC model smartphones (Android)<br>
Source : HTC tool from recent software update<br><br>
<font color=red><b>Security Flaw 2 :</b></font><br>
Type : Unauthorised lock/password bypass of smartphone - gain access to all phone data physically<br>
Affected : AT&T's version of the new Samsung Galaxy SII smartphone<br>
Source : Android OS security (specific source unknown)<br>
<br>
I really hope Google give some serious attention to Android security in future updates & releases , as this OS has very good potential.<br>
<br>
Reference :<br>
CIO.com Blogs : Major Android Security Flaws Spotlight Growing Mobile Threat<br>
<br>
<a href="http://blogs.cio.com/smartphones/16535/major-android-security-flaws-spotlight-growing-mobile-threat">http://blogs.cio.com/smartphones/16535/major-android-security-flaws-spotlight-growing-mobile-threat</a><br><br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-71155806030593430442011-09-10T22:38:00.000+08:002011-09-10T22:45:45.745+08:00Android Security : Best practices summary (rev 2)This is the second revision of my summary of best practice for increasing security for your Android phone.
<br />I would recommend this to all Android users.
<br />
<br />a) Switch off WIFI when not in use. This is to reduce chances of attack , and saves your battery consumption.<br><font color=yellow>Believe me it saves battery power a <b>LOT.</b></font><br> My Samsung Galaxy Ace would last only 1 day when used heavily with WIFI internet access, but it lasts 2 days when the WIFI Internet access is not much used and is switched off when not being used.<br><br>
<br />b) Switch off Bluetooth when not in use. This is to reduce chances of attack via anonymous Bluetooth connections from other phones. Users will suddenly be prompted that someone you don't know , wants to connect to you via Bluetooth, once allowed it infects your phone with virus/malware. I had a lot of this attack on my Nokia phone.<br><br>
<br />c) Install only authorised & signed apps from Android Market. This can be done by unticking "Unknown Sources" option in the Settings -> Applications settings menu. It makes sure you are downloading only signed apps.<br><br>
<br />d) Install mobile antivirus software ( example : Lookout Mobile Security, AVG Mobile Antivirus ). The two examples are good antivirus software for the Android phone which scans apps , content & SMS. A must-have.<br><br>
<br />e) Implement a screen lock password for your Android phone. Use complex password to make it difficult to guess ( alphanumeric, upper/lower case ). You also use the initials of a sentence you like as a password . Example : <b><font color=red>I love the way you look tonight , my darling</font></b> - take the first letters of the sentence as the password --><b> iltwyltmd</b><br>
<br />f) Implement a SIM card password for your SIM card<br><br>
<br />
<br />Note : this post will be updated when required.<br><br>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895762431608194267.post-80516013440825858522011-09-10T22:21:00.000+08:002011-09-10T22:22:38.064+08:00Best Social Media ToolsI found this article to be interesting :<BR><BR>
<a href="http://www.mrsays.com/best-social-media-monitoring-tools/">MRSAYS.COM : Best Social Media Monitoring Tools</a><BR><BR>Velanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573886173221981868noreply@blogger.com0