Do you use free WiFi at coffee shops like Starbucks? Two words: Be careful!

There is a new Firefox extension called FireSheep, developed by Eric Butler, that is making many people a little nervous. The free FireSheep extension employs a packet sniffer which lets the user steal unencrypted cookies from popular websites like Twitter or Facebook as the cookies are being sent over WiFi. The extension shows all the found identities on a sidebar in the browser and allows the user to immediately double click on your account identity and use it as if they were you.

Although the extension was supposedly created as a demonstration of the flaws in current Internet security, many are crying foul. Firefox is not blacklisting this add-on though as it does allow one to test their system for vulnerabilities.

What is FireSheep?

When logging into a website you usually start by submitting your username and password. The server then checks to see if an account matching this information exists and if so, replies back to you with a “cookie” which is used by your browser for all subsequent requests.

It’s extremely common for websites to protect your password by encrypting the initial login, but surprisingly uncommon for websites to encrypt everything else. This leaves the cookie (and the user) vulnerable. HTTP session hijacking (sometimes called “sidejacking”) is when an attacker gets a hold of a user’s cookie, allowing them to do anything the user can do on a particular website. On an open wireless network, cookies are basically shouted through the air, making these attacks extremely easy. -codebutler

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The Minimalist™ 4 for iPhone 4 by TRTL BOT

Have you ever wanted to go out and not have to bring your wallet with you? Wouldn’t it be just swell if you could just bring only your cell phone?

With The Minimalist 4 for iPhone 4 by TRTL BOT, you can do just that.  The iPhone 4 case is convenient and allows you to carry up to 3 cards while securing and protecting your cell phone. And the best part–it’s made from recycled plastic (take that Captain Planet!).

Wallet replacement iPhone 4 case made from recycled plastic

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