3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday.
1. What appears to be the easiest way to get an A?
Hint:
Answer: an easy to install keystroke logger (post break & enter) may be all you need to learn your professor’s computer password and change your D to an A. Of course, the timing has to be right (once the D is submitted to the registrar, you might be SOL, unless you also bug the registrar’s system) and you might have to deal with the authorities down the line. That is exactly what a former, unlucky Purdue University student (and an accomplice) did and what happened. Academic institutions, that have not done so already, might want to consider upping the ante sooner rather than later when it comes to cybersecurity. Read the details here.
2. What is the latest domain name shake-down that has the Senate Commerce Committee (SCC) all riled up?
Hint:
Answer: the SCC has urged the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (known to most as ICANN) not to approve the suffix “.sucks” for use in websites. In addition to its disparaging connotation, it is viewed as a mechanism to push established and reputable companies to fork over huge sums of money, as a protective measure, to ensure their names will not be attached to “.sucks.” Read more here.
3. For all you peanut butter lovers out there, besides tasting great, what superpowers might this protein-rich superfood possess?
Hint:
Answer: scientists may be closer to predicting when a volcano will erupt by determining when refrigerated peanut butter begins to melt. Volcanologists equate the state of magma with that of peanut butter. When it comes to magma, rising temperatures indicate the potential for eruption. That jar of JIF may have finally earned its stripes. Read the story here.