Disk Encryption: Not as Safe as Once Thought

Disk Encryption is a common technique used by people to protect private data on laptops and computers. Disk Encryption scrambles all data on the hard drive making it unreadable to those who do not have have the correct key or password. Many operating systems, such as Windows Vista, Mac OS 10, and Linux currently employ their own disk encryption software in hopes to provide more secure features for users.

Unfortunately, a new kind of attack that requires physical access to a computer can be used to render these encryption programs entirely useless. This type of attack is referred to as a "cold-boot attack" and takes advantage of computers that are currently powered on or in sleep mode. An uncommon fact that many people are unaware of is that RAM data gradually fades when the power is cut spanning from a few seconds to a few minutes.

This exploit gives the attacker time to read the RAM data, extract encryption, passwords, and any other data that is currently being stored in the ram. The RAM can also be physically removed and placed into a different operating system or laptop to allow a program to decrypt the data. Attackers can also extend the time of data decay by cooling of the memory chips with over the counter products such as canned air commonly used for cleaning keyboards with dust.

This exploit leaves many popular disk encryption methods insecure, and leaving laptops most vulnerable to these types of attacks. Individuals and businesses that commonly use laptops need to pay closer attention to the physical security of their laptops to prevent this type of attack from happening.

Worlds Cheapest Laptop only $130

The company Impulse has brought a whole new meaning to a cheap mini notebook. Impulses NPX-9000 laptop is the worlds most inexpensive laptop, with a price of only $130. No word on where you can buy this laptop yet, but the specs pretty much show that no one in their right mind would want a laptop this cheap.
The specs:
• 400 MHz MIPS CPU
• 7” Analog Screen
• 128MB SDRAM
• 1 GB Flash Memory
• Linux O.S
• 80 Key English Key Board
• Made in China (Of Course)

I think I have a computer in the basement that runs better than this thing, but hey for the bargain price of only $130 what can you expect.

Acer Aspire One

Every day you see more and more mini-notebooks pop up on the market saying that they are more powerful and versatile, yet more expensive. Well Acer has entered the market with a new approach by building a simple yet solid miniature notebook with the cost of only $379. The notebook is following the trend for mini notebooks by putting a Linux operating system on the computer instead of XP or Vista. This is really almost a necessity for today’s mini notebooks due to the fact at how much Vista slows down your computer and XP being phased out by Microsoft. The notebook comes in a variety of glossy fingerprint resistant colors white, blue, pink and black.

Now if you are looking for the smallest and lightest notebook you can find well this is definitely one of the best ones out on the market in size and weight. The Aspire One measures in at 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches and weighs just 2.2 pounds. The Aspire One provides an easy-to-use access to the internet and the Aspire also comes standard with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connection. This laptop is perfect for a traveler wanting to have an easy to use light and portable laptop to access the internet while on the go.

10,000 Laptops Lost Each Week At Airports

Bringing a laptop to an airport seems to be a bad idea according to a new survey. Close to 637,000 laptops are lost each year at airports across the U.S. The survey claimed that most of the laptops were lost close to security checkpoints.

Here are the staggering numbers the survey reported.
“Close to 10,278 laptops are reported lost every week at 36 of the largest U.S. airports, and 65 percent of those laptops are not reclaimed, the survey said. Around 2,000 laptops are recorded lost at the medium-sized airports, and 69 percent are not reclaimed.”

With these numbers so high why would you want to risk flying with your laptop when you can have a laptop rental delivered straight to your destination. There is no hassle involved at all and plus you do not even have to carry the laptop through the airport because it will be delivered straight to you at your business meeting. Visit rentourlaptops.com to find the right laptop rental for you.

Popular Laptop Rentals

Technology Travel Agent, Jessica Keeton, reports that Acer Laptop Rentals are becoming more frequent. In fact, they are at a close second compared to HP Laptop Rentals. The performance that Acer laptops bring to the table make them a popular rental. Pricing also plays an important role when choosing a laptop rental. Acer delivers on that point with affordable prices. Acer laptops make good traveling notebooks, with all your basic needs and even more. Get one for your next business trip or convention.