[gentoo-user] Re: yubikey

[James <wireless@tampabay.rr.com>]

Stefan G. Weichinger <lists <at> xunil.at> writes:


> Anyone using that (with gentoo) ?
> Experience? I consider getting one to test and use it ..

> Stefan

I do not know where to start, so I just try to simplify things
Near Field Communications, are a very bad idea, if you care
about security. (ybikey) is based on NFC. In fact, it is compatible
with RFID. So, you should know that millions of locations
have RFID loops established, so that if you pass through the loop,
folks can "OWN" your RFID (NFC) device information. The semiconductor
companies have all established "back doors" into their hardware
offering, for various reasons. There is a matrix of what owners
of the loop antennae installations can gain access to depending
on who they are, how much they pay, and which "nation states"
they "play ball" with.


Here in Floirda the most infamous RF loop antennaes are installed
on the (toll) roadways:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SunPass

http://cybersecurity.mit.edu/tag/near-field-communication/

Many tables found in restuarants have RF* loop antennaes built into
the table, and folks purchasing these tables are not even aware
of them. They are difficult to detect.


Digital information gathering is a few decades old.
Signal Intercept (RF*) is over 60 years old and very, very
successful. Most of that technology is clasified. There are many satelittes
capable of picking up RFID signals, generated terrestrially, above the
atmosphere.


Using RF* to secure anything is like pulling down your panties
at a Frat party full of horney teenage males. It's not a question
of if, but what you are going to "exchange energies with" !

However that said, there are passive RF  back doors built into most
devices that cost over $20.00 usd now adays; so I guess it
does not really even matter ?

http://www.mouser.com/applications/rf_energy_harvesting/

caveat emptor.

James