When a Name Server looks up a domain for the IP address, it stores the information into the cache so it doesn’t have to look it up every single time a request is made. For example, if someone looks for www.nishv.com the DNS server will look up the domain and stores the IP address 72.52.178.35 into the cache for a given time so it doesn’t have to look up that domain again for a given period of time.

DNS cache poisoning (also known as DNS cache pollution) is a maliciously created or unintended situation that provides data to a DNS Server that did not originate from authoritative DNS sources.

It happens when an attacker sends malicious data in response to a DNS query. For example, DNS query for www.nishv.com can be redirected to another website.

This method is taking the phishing scam to another level, you might be visiting your bank’s website but without you realising it, you will actually be putting in all the login information into some hackers servers which made it look exactly like the bank’s website. Yes, this is very serious!

How do you patch it?

On the client side (we are talking about Microsoft Windows here), your machines should have been patches automatically if you set the Auto-Update option. If not, I recommend you check the available updates and patch it as soon as possible.

If you use a DNS Server, my recommendation is to use the following command to figure out whether it has been patched or not. If it is not, STOP using it and have a look at this post on OpenDNS for more info.

Use the following DIG command on UNIX

and you should get a result similar to this…

Or something like this…

If you don’t get GREAT or GOOD and gets something like POOR, you should immediately stop using it.

If you manage that DNS server, patch it or decommission it!

This is how to check on Windows

Open up command prompt by going Start –> Run –> CMD or on Vista typing CMD on the Start Search box

You must see the GREAT or GOOD, if not your DNS Server is compromised.

You can see Dan Kaminsky’s presentation below…

Popularity: 6% [?]

I have just got myself a Logitech MX Air Gyroscopic mouse. I haven’t spent this much amount of money on computer mice for quite some time (Maximum I have spent was around £50 for my MX 700). I have been trying to find a good replacement for my Logitech MX 700, and MX 1000 was discontinued, my preference was towards the MX Revolution till I saw MX Air.

Logitech took a whole new approach when it comes to the design of this piece of gadget. First of all, the MX Air does not look like a typical computer mouse but it looks very much like a remote control. Since this mouse can be used as a 3D mouse, the design of such traditional mouse wouldn’t be suitable to be held on one’s hand.

I have tested this on Windows Vista Ultimate and when it comes to installations, there wasn’t any need for driver install. I had to just plug in the USB stick in and the mouse started to work without any prior configuration. Having said that, I did later install the Logitech Software and fully configured it to utilize its full functionality.

The gadget itself does look a bit weird compared to other mice. It fits very well in the hand and that includes using it as a 3D mouse.  Also there is no scroll wheel but it is equipped with a vertical trackpad which does the function of a scroll wheel and it is extremely accurate in the air. While on the air, it can be used for controlling music or video, holding down the Volume button and swinging the mouse to one side or going up/down (depends on the custom setting) will change the volume.

I have been using this mouse for about a day now and I have yet to find out any fawns in it. Based on that I would definitely give it 5 stars.

Popularity: 6% [?]

HTC Kaiser has an issue when it comes to charging using the in-car charger using the cigarette lighter. It displays as the device is being charged but it doesn’t actually charge the device.

The root cause of the problem is the wiring of the mini-usb port on the Kaiser itself and HTC decided to swap it around; thus it shows the device being charged but it fails to give the power needed for the battery to charge.

As far as I can see, there is neither a software issue nor a hardware issue with the device itself.
Most of the in-car chargers are equipped with the standard wiring and HTC has decided to swap them around.

There are two possible solutions to this problem. I am going to emphasise on the straight forward solution than the long winded one because the second solution involves a technical approach.

Symptoms:

Device charges fine using AC charger.
Device charges fine when connected to a PC using the USB connector provided with the device.
Device charges fine using the in-car charged when its Turned OFF. (To turn the Device OFF, press and hold the ON/OFF button for 10 Seconds)

Device does NOT charge when it is ON using in-car charger, but it displays the device being charged.

Solution:

Buy an HTC branded in-car charger.
Swap the wire around on your current in-car charger. I am not going to go into details here but I will post a guide shortly.

Conclusion:

I am 99% sure using an HTC Branded in-car charger from Expansys will solve the problem. If that doesn’t solve it, contact HTC support.

Popularity: 5% [?]

This is a common error generated by Windows Defender when the Windows Defender Service cannot be started. The fix is rather straight forward…

Go to Start -> Run Type in services.msc

Make sure Windows Defender Services is running, if it is not, manually start it.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, download and install Windows Defender from Microsoft.

If you are trying to Disable Windows Defender, follow this URL below…

Popularity: 17% [?]