Tag: heat

Disconnected computers can be hacked

wargames-hackerFor years the most basic method of super security for a computer was to unplug it from the network or internet.

However a team of security experts from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have discovered a new method to breach air-gapped computer systems.

Dubbed “BitWhisper” the hack enables two-way communications between adjacent, unconnected PC computers using heat.

According to a paper penned by Mordechai Guri, computers and networks are air-gapped when they need to be kept highly secure and isolated from unsecured networks, such as the public Internet or an unsecured local area network. Typically, air-gapped computers are used in financial transactions, mission critical tasks or military applications.

According to the researchers, “The scenario is prevalent in many organisations where there are two computers on a single desk, one connected to the internal network and the other one connected to the Internet. BitWhisper can be used to steal small chunks of data (e.g. passwords) and for command and control.”

BGU’s BitWhisper bridges the air-gap between the two computers, approximately 15 inches (40 cm) apart that are infected with malware by using their heat emissions and built-in thermal sensors to communicate. It establishes a covert, bi-directional channel by emitting heat from one PC to the other in a controlled manner.

By regulating the heat patterns, binary data is turned into thermal signals. In turn, the adjacent PC uses its built-in thermal sensors to measure the environmental changes. These changes are then sampled, processed, and converted into data.

“These properties enable the attacker to hack information from inside an air-gapped network, as well as transmit commands to it… Only eight signals per hour are sufficient to steal sensitive information such as passwords or secret keys. No additional hardware or software is required. Furthermore, the attacker can use BitWhisper to directly control malware actions inside the network and receive feedback.”

 

Servers become central heating units

171879main_LimbFlareJan12_lgA German company is building a cloud which puts servers in people’s houses in exchange for the free heating.

Cloud&Heat is a cloud infrastructure company that has started distributing its servers to people who want to store them in exchange for free heat in their homes or offices.

Customers pay to have a Cloud&Heat fire-proof cabinet installed in their homes or offices which is about the same as a standard heating system. Cloud&Heat pays for the electricity and internet service the cabinet needs and the owner gets to enjoy free heat and hot water. Plus Cloud&Heat has some clever fixes in place.

Now that would be great if it was not for that annoying thing called summer. However, apparently if the servers do heavy data processing when no one needs the heat, the system stores hot water in a “buffering tank.” Cloud&Heat cabinets can also vent outside in the spring and summer.

One of the downsides is the matter of security, because anyone’s data could be in anyone else’s house at a given time. Cloud&Heat said that all of its data is encrypted and only its employees can open the cabinets.

Swap noise for a ginger afro

silentpowerThe Silent Power PC has swapped  its noisy electric fans in favour of a copper afro.

In place of a conventional fan, the unit uses an open-air metal foam heatsink that boasts an enormous surface area thanks to the open-weave filaments of copper. It looks like a Brillo Pad, or that the unit secretly wants to audition for the lead role in a 1970’s version of Shaft.

The Silent Power creators say that the circulation of air through the foam is so efficient in dissipating heat that the exterior surface temperature never rises above 50° C.

The rest of the kit is conventional enough. It has an Intel quad-core i7-4785T 2.2 GHz processor, 8 or 16 GB of RAM, Nivida GTX 760 graphics card, and the usual array of USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI, DVI, and audio ports, along with Windows 8.1 as standard

But the whole thing is kept fanless by using a copper base, which is in direct contact with the CPU and GPU via thermal paste, forms the top of the chassis and absorbs heat and releases it evenly to the copper foam on top.

The difference is that its heat dissipation is 500 times greater than that offered by conventional fin-type heatsink systems and is more than sufficient to maintain adequately low operating temperatures. The CPU and GPU are on the top of the stack, rather than in the bottom of the case to help keep it cool.

It is not a big machine either – Just 6.2x 4x 2.75 inches. It does need an external power supply but you have to lose something when you get that small.

Installed in the machine is a sensor that the team says can detect movement to wake the unit up from standby as the user approaches. Conversely, if the user leaves the proximity of the device, the sensor detects the lack of movement and automatically locks the system.

The machine is only a prototype, German startup Silent Power is running its own crowdfunding campaign with a goal of €45,000 (US$60,000) to get the unit into production.

Pre-ordering of one of three versions of the PC for $930 gets you the base 8 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD version. If you splash out $1,030 you will get the 26 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD model and the top of the range $1,550 model will have 16 GB RAM, 1,000 GB SSD PC. Of course, you will have to wait until spring of 2015 to pick it up.