An interesting article describes how scientists are using a single beam of photons to create a “secure” data line, as opposed to lasers, which emit many streams. How having a single beam helps make it more secure, I’m not quite certain. I would guess that if you could intercept one beam of photons from a laser, it would be possible to intercept the single one as well.

The security of information depends on the properties of light that is used to transmit data. Laser beams which are used at the moment send billions of photons, making it easy for hackers to steal some of them and break the code, said Rabeau.

Despite their efforts, this won’t stop people from writing their passwords down beside the sending or receiving computer at either end. The weakest link of the chain is often the people involved, not the technology. That’s not to say it isn’t susceptible to attack, but unfortunately all the advanced technology in the world can’t stop the power of a Post-It. [via digg]

Schneier on Security (RSS)
I’d like to start off with a blog that keeps me informed of current events, covering security and (recently) terrorist related activity with a level-headed, rational, and logical perspective. Bruce Schneier, cryptography expert and founder of Counterpane Internet Security, posts his thoughts to his weblog, Schneier on Security. When the media hypes up events, I can always count on his blog to dismantle the story and examine everything with a critical eye.

Adtunes (RSS)
I can never collect enough music and I’m always on the hunt for new and different artists. Luckily, Adtunes.com keeps me updated with music from various TV commercials and promotions. Quite often I discover a new favorite via their site which I would never have discovered without their help.

Daring Fireball (RSS)
A hugely popular blog, John Gruber’s Daring Fireball is a Mac/Apple site with well-researched, thoughtful, and humorous content. I always enjoy reading John’s newest comments on my computing platform of choice.

PosterWire (Atom)
Because I’m also interested in graphics, I follow PosterWire.com to keep up on new movie posters. They offer some interesting insight to the art which goes into creating the posters, the marketing behind them, and the movie industry buzz at large.

Error10 (RSS)
Error10 contains some odd Mac error messages — ones you wouldn’t see under normal circumstances. White not particularly useful, they make you chuckle and wonder how such a thing could have happened.

I also subscribe to all the standard Mac blogs such as MacNN, MacCentral, MacMerc, The Mac Observer, and AppleInsider. Other technical sites include Xbox-Scene, Engadget, Ars Technica, and PHPDeveloper. What blogs do you follow?

While I’d like to keep this a Mac-oriented site, I can’t help but chuckle at how fast technology gets cracked. Case in point: Several days ago, Microsoft launched their Windows Genuine Advantage program which ensures that only real, licensed copies of Windows can receive updates. Pirated copies of Windows will only be able to get patches up to the launch of the WGA program, but will be left behind from future updates. Not anymore.

It’s always a bad idea to tout your product as uncrackable. Doing so is nothing more than a big, blinking, neon sign attracting talented individuals to try their best to break it. I can’t think of a piece of technology yet that hasn’t been cracked in some way. Anyone? Xbox, PSP, TiVo, and software activation of all sorts have been cracked…

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.

Now I hate walking even more.