How Hackers Actually Steal Passwords, How Close You Live to a Nuclear Bomb, and the Zero Waste Problem
This week we test what it takes to generate zero waste for 30 days, discover how criminals actually steal passwords, discover where nuclear weapons are in the world, and find jobs with the best perks.
How hackers really steal your passwords
With the exception of social engineering , which is a very convenient way to steal credentials, most passwords are not stolen by simple dictionary attacks or super-sophisticated hacks. In fact, it’s much easier than you might think, especially when it comes to databases that haven’t been properly processed and hashed.
This video from DNews explains how attackers really get your passwords and how you are especially vulnerable if you use simple passwords, popular passwords that everyone uses, or easily guessed passwords. In fact, as soon as someone gains access to the password database, they simply check it for already hashed passwords that are known and decrypted long ago. So a password like “password123” or even “passWord123!” there are already well-known hashes, and if this hash is found in the database, it is a compromised account to take, no brute force required. Of course, the solution here is salting and hashing password databases, but the video goes into more detail. Check it out – and then change your password to something you don’t know . And get a good password manager while you do it. [ Via DNews (YouTube) ]
Have you ever taken a job just for the benefits?
If you’re lucky enough to land a job with benefits, chances are it’s something as simple as free coffee in the break room and maybe an employee discount program with some select retailers or something. But this thread on Quora asks an interesting question: Have you ever taken a job just for the sake of benefits?
I mean, some jobs have great perks – Google is known for this expansive campus filled with cafeterias and eateries that serve all kinds, as well as on-campus rest and workout facilities, all free for employees (and in some cases, their families.) Or maybe get a job at the stadium to watch your favorite team play for free, or in the arena to get access to concerts. Of course, many perks are designed to keep you at work as long as possible, but there is no denying that these perks are great. This answer in the thread made me chuckle:
Growing up in Italy, my husband loved bread so much that he literally wouldn’t leave it for a family dinner. In Italy, bread is bought fresh every morning for lunch and dinner.
My mother-in-law sent him to work as a delivery boy for a local baker. Problem solved!
To this day, he only loves a few slices of salami on good Italian ciabatta bread.
But the question remains. And you? Have you ever taken a job just because of the benefits it offered, even if those benefits were minimal? [ via Quora ]
Could you get rid of the trash in 30 days?
Given that the average American produces about four pounds of trash a day , it’s pretty tough to try and produce zero for thirty days , but Buzzfeed’s Auri Jackson has tried and learned a lot along the way. She learned how to adapt, what the stakes would be if we didn’t recycle, reuse, and repurpose more of the things we bring home and otherwise just throw out the trash, and she also learned how much of a privilege that was in and of itself. even try to solve this problem , since the most affordable and readily available food comes in packaging, and products like fresh food are sold without packaging but are more expensive.
The full five-minute video of her challenge is fun and fun to watch, but it’s also a little eye-opening and goes against the whole “one man really can’t do anything” mentality that’s so widespread right now. … In the end, all we have is ourselves to change the world for the better. [ via Buzzfeed (YouTube) thanks Boing Boing ! ]
How close do you live to a nuclear bomb?
So, how close are you to a nuclear bomb? Well, if you live in the southern hemisphere, congratulations, you are probably quite far from it. But given that 80% of the world’s population lives in the northern hemisphere, chances are that you are relatively close to it, especially if you are reading this from the United States, Europe or somewhere in Russia.
This video from Real Life Lore shows where many countries, including the United States, tend to store their nuclear weapons and mines, and this is only on land, and beyond what is publicly available information. It is also worth bearing in mind that many countries store significant quantities of nuclear weapons on submarines and other launch platforms at sea in classified locations. In the end, depending on where you live, you are either very close – mainly if you live in Europe or western Russia, or much further away, as in the United States.
That’s all, although said that it is less you live close friend now and whether you live near the city on the nuclear target list, right? [ via RealLifeLore (YouTube) ]
Live camera of an eagle from Southwest Florida
How about beautiful birds early in the week? Featuring a nest of bald eagles in southwest Florida, this live camera is nice to look out of the side window or picture-in-picture mode, and cool enough to be relaxing and distraction-free, but it might still interest you a little. … keep an eye out from time to time. Super cold and also a new chick in the family.
Watch it from YouTube above, or see alternative cameras and information on birds, feeding times and more on the Eagle Cam homepage. Have a nice week! [ via EagleCam ]
If you have thought-provoking stories, interesting podcasts, eye-opening videos, or anything else that you think is perfect for Brain Buffet, share it with us! Email me , leave it as a comment below, or send it in any way convenient for you.