GPS Satellite Outage Retriever

Technorati Tags: GPS,NANU,satellite outage

Note: (added Oct 2009)

This service is now hosted on an AGI web server here: http://adn.agi.com/SatelliteOutageWebservice/GPSSatelliteOutageService.asmx

With a demo application available here: http://adn.agi.com/SatelliteOutageWebserviceExampleApp/

...and you can use PRN 32....

Original post:

I'm working on a demo app that let's you see what outages there were for the GPS constellation. It's not bug-proof, especially if you choose PRN 32, but give it a try. Let me know if you have ideas to make it better.

GPS Satellite Outage Retriever

The satellite outage data comes from XML-based satellite outage files (SOFs) produced by the Air Force. The data is parsed through AGI's component technology, using the Navigation Accuracy library methods for processing the SOF files. The SOF file contains data on outages from 1998 to the present. Whenever a new NANU is produced, the SOF file is updated to include the new outage information. Much more data is contained in the SOF file that is presented in this demo app, including NANU numbers, NANU references and the type of NANU for the outage.

Disk Encryption Attacks

If you use Windows BitLocker, Apple's FileVault or the TrueCrypt product, take heed.  A new attack show how the data stored in your RAM can be read - sometimes for hours - after you computer is off.  Scraping your RAM is easy once a thief has your hard drive.  Computers that are on, or in the sleep mode are particularly affected.

The basic idea is that these encryption tools keep a copy of the key stored in memory so that on-the-fly encryption/decryption can occur.  By scraping the RAM (see video to learn how), an attacker can easily gain access to the key in memory and unlock all encrypted data.

One point to remember if you use these types of tools.  The tool is not the end of your responsibility when it comes to protecting data.  First, you need to be aware of how the tool works. In this case, it's extremely important to know that the tool stores the key in memory.  Secondly, you need to be aware of how attacks may occur.  If someone is looking over your shoulder in a public place - what can you do?  Suppose your laptop is stolen, do you often leave it in sleep mode?  Physical security is just as important as the tools you use to protect your data.  Don't assume the tool is doing the job for you - it's just an assistant.

If you've got a quick message to encrypt, see my encryption page.

Energy - of a different kind

I've long been a fan of Robert Bruce - his insight to the inner world is second to none in modern times. And his new book Energy Ways shows his skill once again. If you've never heard of Robert Bruce, if you are a complete skeptic regarding energy phenomenon, you need to see this book. I've always been what I call a willing skeptic - someone with an open mind - but I need to see/experience to believe. After reading and trying some of Bruce's methods, I'm convinced of one thing - something is going on here! His simple examples start you off and within a few minutes your experiencing what he's describing in the book. Feet tingling with energy, hands buzzing, it was quite real.
Congrats Robert - an excellent book. I look forward to practicing more!