Chat GPT

I asked Chat GPT how someone could improve their digital footprint; here was the reply… Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and consider using a password manager to help you ge...

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Dec 31, 2022
Security Mirage

The feeling of security and the reality of security don’t always match, says computer-security expert Bruce Schneier. In his talk, he explains why we spend billions addressing news story risks, like the security theater now playing at your local airp...

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Aug 09, 2022
CTF Prize Winners

Hi All,Hope you are well. I would like to announce the prize winners for the recent CTF we ran. Congratulations to the following people who have been chosen to receive a prize.FortARoomedsullenArcanebansheeRgpottingerBobbieyouruncleI will be in touch...

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Apr 04, 2022
CTF is now finished

Hi All,A good number of people have now managed to complete the RGU CTF - well done. I hope you found it interesting and fun. As such, the CTF is now closed to new participants and the winners of the prizes will be contacted soon.Remember, the CTF wi...

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Mar 23, 2022
RGU CTF 2022 is live

Dear All,The CTF is now live and can be accessed using the link below. CTF 2022Remember, while the CTF is live you can email and ask for a few hints if you get stuck. The email address to use is rgu.ctf.help@gmail.com and will be checked a few times...

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Mar 18, 2022
RGU CTF Instructions

Dear All,We are finally ready to launch our mini CTF. Before we do, I have recorded a short video explaining how to use TryHackMe and get started with the CTF.CTF Instruction videoThe CTF will go live tomorrow morning (18/03/2022) and will remain liv...

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Mar 17, 2022
RGU Capture The Flag

Good evening all,Thank you for registering to take part in the RGU CTF. Registration for the CTF is now closed to new participants, but the good news is your name has been added to the list of participants.The next email you receive will include deta...

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Mar 08, 2022
Switch to Linux for better privacy?

I am a long time user and advocate of Linux. I use it daily in my teaching, and have long expounded the many security and privacy benefits that come from using the operating systems. The problem is, for the average user, it can be daunting thought to...

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Nov 12, 2021
The Psychology of attack and defence

A fascinating video by Perry Carpenter about the Psychology of attack and defence In the video Perry explains the art and science behind deception. Also, how threat actors use this knowledge to exploit vulnerabilities in human psychology to target en...

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Oct 26, 2021
Are you leaking your Social Media Fingerprint?

There is a well known vulnerability in many web platforms that allows a potential attacker to determine the online platforms you are signed up to and are currently logged into. The exploit is pretty simple and actually easy to fix, however, most comp...

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Oct 26, 2021
Amazon Sidewalk: Is it safe or should I opt out

Amazon recently announced the launch of a new service: Amazon Sidewalk which appears to have caused quite a stir. The tech giant has come under fire for the way it has rolled out the new service, amid concerns regarding user privacy and security. Let...

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Jun 23, 2021
Is it safe to use a browser's built-in password manager

I read an interesting article about Password Managers written by Tavis Ormandy, a well known researcher working on Google’s Zero-Day project. The article considered whether it is better to use the intrinsic password manager already built-in to your w...

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Jun 15, 2021
Teens, Tech and Mental Health

The Oxford Internet Institute (University of Oxford) published the findings of a study this week which investigated the impact of technology on mental health in adolescents. The study investigated engagement with smartphones, social media and televis...

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May 12, 2021
Sound of Silence: A Digital Interpretation

This week I listened to the Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel. Recorded in 1966 the song uses strong imagery of light and darkness to describe how peoples ignorance and apathy was destroying their ability to communicate with one another. Intere...

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Apr 01, 2021
Reduce your Digital Footprints to improve Privacy

This week I have been teaching one of my favourite topics Social Engineering. If you are not familiar with the topic, social engineering is the act of abusing human psychology to take advantage of a persons natural tendencies and emotional reactions...

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Mar 20, 2021