Category Archives: Computer Security

Boycott Amazon until they come clean about recent data breach

Early on November 21, 2018, I along with an undetermined number of other Amazon customers received the following email from Amazon: This breach notification lacked most of the information expected to be included in a breach notification from any reputable company, including: How was the information disclosed? For how long was the information accessible? How… Read More: Boycott Amazon until they come clean about recent data breach »

“Cash App” from Square fails the basic competence test

TL;DR After less than 24 hours of using the “Cash App” from Square, I conclude that the people who built, maintain, and support the app are incompetent, and it has therefore earned on my list of apps and services I will never use again. I have removed the app from my phone, and if anyone… Read More: “Cash App” from Square fails the basic competence test »

This is what happens when you let monkeys with keyboards design your email templates

You know how sometimes you encounter something that is so terrible and appalling that you feel you just have to tell other people about it? Well, for me, today is one of those days. But look, I’m a nerd who writes email software and likes to write raw HTML. If the terms “SMTP” and “MIME”… Read More: This is what happens when you let monkeys with keyboards… »

Resorting to legal action against Netgear

As I wrote recently, Netgear introduced a severe bug into their router firmware around seven months ago, making all newer firmware releases since then unusable for many router owners. In the intervening time, numerous severe security holes in their routers have been publicized and patched by them. However, those of us who are running into… Read More: Resorting to legal action against Netgear »

I wish I’d listened to past me’s advice to never again buy a Netgear router

Almost 11 years ago, back in August 2007, I opined passionately here on my blog, “Why I will no longer buy from Netgear“. Alas, I recently failed to heed my own advice, and I’m sorry to say that the results have been somewhat predictable. Last September, I found myself in need of a new router… Read More: I wish I’d listened to past me’s advice to never… »