Irene create for change in climate. hurricane irene create by us. We change climate and than come hurricane.
the hurricane center inform about hurricane.
The scale of hurricane irene, which could cause more extensive damage along the Eastern Seaboard than any storm in decades, is reviving an old question: are hurricanes getting worse because of human-induced climate change?
he short answer from scientists is that they are still trying to figure it out. But many of them do believe that hurricanes will get more intense as the planet warms, and they see large hurricanes like Irene as a harbinger.
While the number of the most intense storms has clearly been rising since the 1970s, researchers have come to differing conclusions about whether that increase can be attributed to human activities.
“On a longer time scale, I think — but not all of my colleagues agree — that the evidence for a connection between Atlantic hurricanes and global climate change is fairly compelling,” said Kerry Emanuel, an expert on the issue at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Among those who disagree is Thomas R. Knutson, a federal researcher at the government’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, N.J. The rising trend of recent decades occurred over too short a period to be sure it was not a consequence of natural variability, he said, and statistics from earlier years are not reliable enough to draw firm conclusions about any long-term trend in hurricane intensities.
“Everyone sort of agrees on this short-term trend, but then the agreement starts to break down when you go back longer-term,” Mr. Knutson said. He argues, essentially, that Dr. Emanuel’s conclusion is premature, though he adds that evidence for a human impact on hurricanes could eventually be established.
While scientists from both camps tend to think hurricanes are likely to intensify, they do not have great confidence in their ability to project the magnitude of that increase.
One climate-change projection, prepared by Mr. Knutson’s group, is that the annual number of the most intense storms will double over the course of the 21st century. But what proportion of those would actually hit land is another murky issue. Scientists say climate change could alter steering currents or other traits of the atmosphere that influence hurricane behavior.
Storms are one of nature’s ways of moving heat around, and high temperatures at the ocean surface tend to feed hurricanes and make them stronger. That appears to be a prime factor in explaining the power of Hurricane Irene, since temperatures in the Atlantic are well above their long-term average for this time of year.
The ocean has been getting warmer for decades, and most climate scientists say it is because greenhouse gases are trapping extra heat. Rising sea-surface temperatures are factored into both Mr. Knutson’s and Dr. Emanuel’s analyses, but they disagree on the effect that warming in remote areas of the tropics will have on Atlantic hurricanes.
Air temperatures are also rising because of greenhouse gases, scientists say. That causes land ice to melt, one of several factors leading to a rise in sea level. That increase, in turn, is making coastlines more vulnerable to damage from the storm surges that can accompany powerful hurricanes.
Overall damage from hurricanes has skyrocketed in recent decades, but most experts agree that is mainly due to excessive development along vulnerable coastlines.
In a statement five years ago, Dr. Emanuel, Mr. Knutson and eight colleagues called this “the main hurricane problem facing the United States,” and they pleaded for a reassessment of policies that subsidize coastal development — a reassessment that has not happened.
“We are optimistic that continued research will eventually resolve much of the current controversy over the effect of climate change on hurricanes,” they wrote at the time. “But the more urgent problem of our lemming-like march to the sea requires immediate and sustained attention.”
Source: IHT
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Steve Cook resign from Apple CEO
steve apple resign from jobs apple
Steve Jobs letters to resign as CEO of appl Inc on Wednesday and passed the reins to his right-hand man Tim Cook, saying he could no longer fulfill the duties in a stunning announcement that raised fears his health has deteriorated further.
Jobs, who fought and survived a rare form of pancreatic cancer and revolutionized the technology arena with the iPhone and the iPad in the past four years, is deemed the heart and soul of a company that recently briefly became the most valuable in America.
"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come," Jobs, who becomes chairman, said in a brief letter announcing his resignation.
The letter and a separate terse, somewhat cryptic statement from Apple raised more questions than it answered about Jobs' health and the future of the company.
While it's unlikely that his departure as CEO will derail Apple's ambitious product-launch roadmap in the near term, there are concerns about whether the company would be as creative beyond the next year or so without its founder and visionary at the helm.
That is why Apple's stock dropped as much as 7 percent in after-hours trading when Jobs' departure was announced.
In the company statement, Apple co-lead director Art Levinson on behalf of the board praised Jobs' "extraordinary vision and leadership" and "countless contributions to Apple's success", saying he would continue to serve the company with "unique insights, creativity and inspiration."
However, the statement, which also talked about Cook's outstanding performance, said nothing about Jobs' health.
His battle with pancreatic cancer, which has stretched over several years, has been of deep concern to Apple fans, investors and the company's board. Over the past two years, even board members have confided to friends their concern that Jobs, in his quest for privacy, wasn't being forthcoming with directors about the true condition of his health.
Jobs has been on medical leave since Jan. 17, with his duties being filled by Cook, who was chief operating officer. Some industry insiders privately expressed concern Jobs' relinquishing the CEO position was a clear signal he was too ill to keep up its punishing pace.
The 55-year-old Jobs had briefly emerged from his medical leave in March to unveil the latest version of the iPad and later to attend a dinner hosted by President Barack Obama for technology leaders in Silicon Valley. But his often-gaunt appearance had sparked questions about how bad his illness is and his ability to continue at Apple.
In each of Jobs' three health-related absences, Cook has taken over the helm. But the 50-year-old Alabama native, a former Compaq executive and an acknowledged master of supply-chain management, remains largely untested in Wall Street's view.
That's partly why, despite Cook being viewed as a safe bet to run Apple's sprawling empire, some still think his boss will be very badly missed.
One Silicon Valley CEO, who declined to be identified because of the sensitive issues involved, said the tone of Jobs' statement indicated his health might be worse than publicly known. The Apple chieftain has earned a reputation for commanding every aspect of operations -- from day-to-day running to broad strategic decisions -- suggesting he would not give up the job if he had a choice.
"It's really sad," the CEO told Reuters. "No one is looking at this as a business thing, but as a human thing. No one thinks that Steve is just stepping aside because he just doesn't want to be CEO of Apple anymore."
"It feels like another shoe is going to drop."
Again, Deep Bench
While Jobs did not give details on the state of his health, oncologists who have not treated the Apple founder said he could be facing several problems tied to his rare form of pancreatic cancer and subsequent liver transplant. They include possible hormone imbalances or a recurrence of cancer that is harder to fight once the body has already been weakened.
His resignation certainly marks the end of an era at Apple.
A college dropout, a Buddhist and a son of adoptive parents, he started Apple Computer with friend Steve Wozniak in in the late 1970s.
The company soon introduced the Apple 1 computer. But it was the Apple II that became a huge success and gave Apple its position as a critical player in the then-nascent PC industry, culminating in a 1980 IPO that made Jobs a multimillionaire.
Despite the subsequent success of the Mac, Jobs' relationship with internal management soured, and in 1985 the board removed most of his powers and he left the company, selling all but one share of his Apple holdings.
Apple's fortunes waned after that. However, its purchase of NeXT -- the computer company Jobs founded after leaving Apple -- in 1997 brought him back into the fold. Later that year, he became interim CEO and in 2000, the company dropped "interim" from his title.
"Steve Jobs is the most successful CEO in the U.S. of the last 25 years," Google Inc Chairman Eric Schmidt said in a statement. "He uniquely combined an artists touch and an engineers vision to build an extraordinary company.. one of the greatest American leaders in history."
Some Apple fans took to social media to express their reaction in crudely poetic, though somewhat poignant, terms. One Apple fan from Denmark posted on Facebook: "Good Job. I just ate an Apple. It was bittersweet. Guess I'll just have to Cook it from now on."
Analysts again expressed confidence in the Apple bench, headed by supply-chain maven Cook.
"I will say to investors: don't panic and remain calm, it's the right thing to do. Steve will be chairman and Cook is CEO," said BGC Financial analyst Colin Gillis.
On Wednesday, Apple shares slid to $357.40 in extended trading after a brief halt. They had gained 0.7 percent to close at $376.18 on the Nasdaq.
"Investors are very comfortable with Tim Cook even though Jobs has been a driver of innovation and clearly an Apple success. Tim has shown Apple can still outperform extremely well when he's been acting as CEO," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross.
Apple previously did not have a chairman, but had two independent co-lead directors. In his letter, which was addressed to the Apple board and the Apple community, Jobs said: "I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee."
They did see fit.
Source: hindustan times
Steve Jobs letters to resign as CEO of appl Inc on Wednesday and passed the reins to his right-hand man Tim Cook, saying he could no longer fulfill the duties in a stunning announcement that raised fears his health has deteriorated further.
Jobs, who fought and survived a rare form of pancreatic cancer and revolutionized the technology arena with the iPhone and the iPad in the past four years, is deemed the heart and soul of a company that recently briefly became the most valuable in America.
"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come," Jobs, who becomes chairman, said in a brief letter announcing his resignation.
The letter and a separate terse, somewhat cryptic statement from Apple raised more questions than it answered about Jobs' health and the future of the company.
While it's unlikely that his departure as CEO will derail Apple's ambitious product-launch roadmap in the near term, there are concerns about whether the company would be as creative beyond the next year or so without its founder and visionary at the helm.
That is why Apple's stock dropped as much as 7 percent in after-hours trading when Jobs' departure was announced.
In the company statement, Apple co-lead director Art Levinson on behalf of the board praised Jobs' "extraordinary vision and leadership" and "countless contributions to Apple's success", saying he would continue to serve the company with "unique insights, creativity and inspiration."
However, the statement, which also talked about Cook's outstanding performance, said nothing about Jobs' health.
His battle with pancreatic cancer, which has stretched over several years, has been of deep concern to Apple fans, investors and the company's board. Over the past two years, even board members have confided to friends their concern that Jobs, in his quest for privacy, wasn't being forthcoming with directors about the true condition of his health.
Jobs has been on medical leave since Jan. 17, with his duties being filled by Cook, who was chief operating officer. Some industry insiders privately expressed concern Jobs' relinquishing the CEO position was a clear signal he was too ill to keep up its punishing pace.
The 55-year-old Jobs had briefly emerged from his medical leave in March to unveil the latest version of the iPad and later to attend a dinner hosted by President Barack Obama for technology leaders in Silicon Valley. But his often-gaunt appearance had sparked questions about how bad his illness is and his ability to continue at Apple.
In each of Jobs' three health-related absences, Cook has taken over the helm. But the 50-year-old Alabama native, a former Compaq executive and an acknowledged master of supply-chain management, remains largely untested in Wall Street's view.
That's partly why, despite Cook being viewed as a safe bet to run Apple's sprawling empire, some still think his boss will be very badly missed.
One Silicon Valley CEO, who declined to be identified because of the sensitive issues involved, said the tone of Jobs' statement indicated his health might be worse than publicly known. The Apple chieftain has earned a reputation for commanding every aspect of operations -- from day-to-day running to broad strategic decisions -- suggesting he would not give up the job if he had a choice.
"It's really sad," the CEO told Reuters. "No one is looking at this as a business thing, but as a human thing. No one thinks that Steve is just stepping aside because he just doesn't want to be CEO of Apple anymore."
"It feels like another shoe is going to drop."
Again, Deep Bench
While Jobs did not give details on the state of his health, oncologists who have not treated the Apple founder said he could be facing several problems tied to his rare form of pancreatic cancer and subsequent liver transplant. They include possible hormone imbalances or a recurrence of cancer that is harder to fight once the body has already been weakened.
His resignation certainly marks the end of an era at Apple.
A college dropout, a Buddhist and a son of adoptive parents, he started Apple Computer with friend Steve Wozniak in in the late 1970s.
The company soon introduced the Apple 1 computer. But it was the Apple II that became a huge success and gave Apple its position as a critical player in the then-nascent PC industry, culminating in a 1980 IPO that made Jobs a multimillionaire.
Despite the subsequent success of the Mac, Jobs' relationship with internal management soured, and in 1985 the board removed most of his powers and he left the company, selling all but one share of his Apple holdings.
Apple's fortunes waned after that. However, its purchase of NeXT -- the computer company Jobs founded after leaving Apple -- in 1997 brought him back into the fold. Later that year, he became interim CEO and in 2000, the company dropped "interim" from his title.
"Steve Jobs is the most successful CEO in the U.S. of the last 25 years," Google Inc
Some Apple fans took to social media to express their reaction in crudely poetic, though somewhat poignant, terms. One Apple fan from Denmark posted on Facebook: "Good Job. I just ate an Apple. It was bittersweet. Guess I'll just have to Cook it from now on."
Analysts again expressed confidence in the Apple bench, headed by supply-chain maven Cook.
"I will say to investors: don't panic and remain calm, it's the right thing to do. Steve will be chairman and Cook is CEO," said BGC Financial analyst Colin Gillis.
On Wednesday, Apple shares slid to $357.40 in extended trading after a brief halt. They had gained 0.7 percent to close at $376.18 on the Nasdaq.
"Investors are very comfortable with Tim Cook even though Jobs has been a driver of innovation and clearly an Apple success. Tim has shown Apple can still outperform extremely well when he's been acting as CEO," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross.
Apple previously did not have a chairman, but had two independent co-lead directors. In his letter, which was addressed to the Apple board and the Apple community, Jobs said: "I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee."
They did see fit.
Source: hindustan times
Thursday, August 25, 2011
New Roost for Angry Birds
The angry birds is interesting Article. Read New Roost for Angry Birds can know details about angry birds
As more and more content is crammed into our little mobile phones phone 7, one tech company is going in the opposite direction, putting the ubiquitous cellphone app Angry Birds onto our big screen at and t tv.
Roku, a company that makes devices for streaming entertainment from the Internet onto television, is adding casual games to its lineup. First up is the epic battle between that titular flock and a bunch of egg-stealing pigs.
Angry Birds is typically played by sliding a finger across a touch screen, so to avoid smeared fingerprints on your TV, Roku has updated its streaming player to include an enhanced game remote with motion control. Once the player is set up, the game downloads and is ready to play. With the flick of your wrist, you can catapult the birds into those flimsy swine structures (those pigs seriously need to get some nail guns).
This second-generation player, the Roku 2, has been streamlined with a sleeker design and comes in three models: HD, XD and XS. The basic model, the $60 HD, supports up to 720p high-definition video quality. For $20 more, you can get the XD with 1080p. At about $100, the top-of-the-line XS has the same features and comes with Angry Birds and the game remote (a $30 accessory).
Roku is remarkably simple to set up and use. Each model has built-in wireless capability, so you need to establish a wireless network in your home. The XS includes an Ethernet port for a wired connection.
There is no off switch, but the player appears to go into a sleep mode when the TV is not in use. More than once, however, it took a couple of minutes to wake up.
Roku has added more channels and now has nearly 300, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Pandora, Vimeo and FoxNews. For sports fans, Roku streams live and on-demand sports from NBA Game Time, NHL GameCenter Live and Ultimate Fighting Championship. Channels with pay content require online registration, so have your credit card ready.
Source: New York Times
As more and more content is crammed into our little mobile phones phone 7, one tech company is going in the opposite direction, putting the ubiquitous cellphone app Angry Birds onto our big screen at and t tv.
Roku, a company that makes devices for streaming entertainment from the Internet onto television, is adding casual games to its lineup. First up is the epic battle between that titular flock and a bunch of egg-stealing pigs.
Angry Birds is typically played by sliding a finger across a touch screen, so to avoid smeared fingerprints on your TV, Roku has updated its streaming player to include an enhanced game remote with motion control. Once the player is set up, the game downloads and is ready to play. With the flick of your wrist, you can catapult the birds into those flimsy swine structures (those pigs seriously need to get some nail guns).
This second-generation player, the Roku 2, has been streamlined with a sleeker design and comes in three models: HD, XD and XS. The basic model, the $60 HD, supports up to 720p high-definition video quality. For $20 more, you can get the XD with 1080p. At about $100, the top-of-the-line XS has the same features and comes with Angry Birds and the game remote (a $30 accessory).
Roku is remarkably simple to set up and use. Each model has built-in wireless capability, so you need to establish a wireless network in your home. The XS includes an Ethernet port for a wired connection.
There is no off switch, but the player appears to go into a sleep mode when the TV is not in use. More than once, however, it took a couple of minutes to wake up.
Roku has added more channels and now has nearly 300, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, Pandora, Vimeo and FoxNews. For sports fans, Roku streams live and on-demand sports from NBA Game Time, NHL GameCenter Live and Ultimate Fighting Championship. Channels with pay content require online registration, so have your credit card ready.
Source: New York Times
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Who want in gadgets
This article is what woman want in gadget
Also know IT news
Does a bold and beautiful mobile hand set excite you? Does a sleek touch screen I pad turn you on with its sexy applications? You are surely the alpha woman who has fallen in love with no worldly man, but out of the world super advance savage named, ‘gizmo and gadget’.
There was a time when brands were offering pink mobiles, tiny sizes, lightweight handsets, flowery textures for the so called feminine women of the world. Well, times have changed and so have women! If you think that a lady sitting on the high profile corporate position is looking for some teenage girly stuff, you need to rework on your brand strategy as today’s women aspire for smart solutions to their tech needs.
Sleek Yet Bold
Gadget trends are more like attires today. They change frequently and with every season. What spring summer had on offer not necessarily will be the fashion of fall. But there are some trends that are the demand of the day. Women are looking for sleek yet bold styles. They want flamboyance but not making them look dumb about their own gadget. “I don’t go for any gadget just because its commercially popular. I want my gadget speak ‘me’ but at the same it must match my requirements as well. I like to use I pad as it is more like ‘all-in-one’ solution. I am not a Blackberry follower but Apple. It’s sturdier and looks domineering,” say a Research Analyst from IT industry.
Girl Gadgets
Now, that comes a reply from a tech woman. What about lifestyle and glamour industry? Do you think they still love the ‘Bling appeal’? “When it comes to gadget, I always look for something black or grey in colour. It should fit in my palm and should be heavy. Of course, we all like to flaunt our gizmos but my tech tools need to be sturdy as like, the way I am,” sums celebrity Pooja Bedi, a name who can’t be taken that lightly!
What Women look for
With technology going easier and user friendly, working women are finding gadgets as their best friends. If a corporate working who is tied up with meetings one after the other finds a tablet the best medium to access her mails, do video calls and download her presentations for the meetings, a busy mom in her finds it a much easier way to stay connected with the family. “A gadget with excellent applications is always helpful for us who spend major time in office. I can pay my bills, order groceries, and search some good destinations for a weekend trip, these are just a few simple things which a tablet can make easy,” says Market Analyst from HCL.
Application Trends, Differ Gender-wise
We are equal, but not necessarily in technology equations! Any gadgets offering some great applications are the first preference of any consumer. While men are always looking for the game applications, women on the other hand go for the witty and wiser applications. Women like to play word games on their smart phones, men usually end up in funny goal games or building modules. And, when it comes to downloading applications, many women download the books to go through during their lunch breaks in office. Men, do I need to mention they rarely try such stuff?
Another most interesting application that women are into is-grooming; While not many of us have time to follow a skincare regime, some prefer the same on their Tab. Thanks to brands like L’Oreal who offer iAds to make your life simpler! The list doesn’t end here. “There are brands that are offering calorie counter applications, which are globally well accepted by teens. Corporate women specially look for a ‘female calendar’ as they are certainly too busy to keep a check on their dates. And, those who are on the dominant side look for gadgets that have news applications. This ways they are more aware about the trends and updates,’ says an industry insider.
Whoa! I am sure the gadget world was never this exciting. Whether you fall in this category or not, I am on my way to explore my gadget that speaks ‘me’, only me!
Source: Hindustan times
Also know IT news
Does a bold and beautiful mobile hand set excite you? Does a sleek touch screen I pad turn you on with its sexy applications? You are surely the alpha woman who has fallen in love with no worldly man, but out of the world super advance savage named, ‘gizmo and gadget’.
There was a time when brands were offering pink mobiles, tiny sizes, lightweight handsets, flowery textures for the so called feminine women of the world. Well, times have changed and so have women! If you think that a lady sitting on the high profile corporate position is looking for some teenage girly stuff, you need to rework on your brand strategy as today’s women aspire for smart solutions to their tech needs.
Sleek Yet Bold
Gadget trends are more like attires today. They change frequently and with every season. What spring summer had on offer not necessarily will be the fashion of fall. But there are some trends that are the demand of the day. Women are looking for sleek yet bold styles. They want flamboyance but not making them look dumb about their own gadget. “I don’t go for any gadget just because its commercially popular. I want my gadget speak ‘me’ but at the same it must match my requirements as well. I like to use I pad as it is more like ‘all-in-one’ solution. I am not a Blackberry follower but Apple. It’s sturdier and looks domineering,” say a Research Analyst from IT industry.
Girl Gadgets
Now, that comes a reply from a tech woman. What about lifestyle and glamour industry? Do you think they still love the ‘Bling appeal’? “When it comes to gadget, I always look for something black or grey in colour. It should fit in my palm and should be heavy. Of course, we all like to flaunt our gizmos but my tech tools need to be sturdy as like, the way I am,” sums celebrity Pooja Bedi, a name who can’t be taken that lightly!
What Women look for
With technology going easier and user friendly, working women are finding gadgets as their best friends. If a corporate working who is tied up with meetings one after the other finds a tablet the best medium to access her mails, do video calls and download her presentations for the meetings, a busy mom in her finds it a much easier way to stay connected with the family. “A gadget with excellent applications is always helpful for us who spend major time in office. I can pay my bills, order groceries, and search some good destinations for a weekend trip, these are just a few simple things which a tablet can make easy,” says Market Analyst from HCL.
Application Trends, Differ Gender-wise
We are equal, but not necessarily in technology equations! Any gadgets offering some great applications are the first preference of any consumer. While men are always looking for the game applications, women on the other hand go for the witty and wiser applications. Women like to play word games on their smart phones, men usually end up in funny goal games or building modules. And, when it comes to downloading applications, many women download the books to go through during their lunch breaks in office. Men, do I need to mention they rarely try such stuff?
Another most interesting application that women are into is-grooming; While not many of us have time to follow a skincare regime, some prefer the same on their Tab. Thanks to brands like L’Oreal who offer iAds to make your life simpler! The list doesn’t end here. “There are brands that are offering calorie counter applications, which are globally well accepted by teens. Corporate women specially look for a ‘female calendar’ as they are certainly too busy to keep a check on their dates. And, those who are on the dominant side look for gadgets that have news applications. This ways they are more aware about the trends and updates,’ says an industry insider.
Whoa! I am sure the gadget world was never this exciting. Whether you fall in this category or not, I am on my way to explore my gadget that speaks ‘me’, only me!
Source: Hindustan times
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
World Web Site Ranks Hacks
This is news
Also can know the news
Also can latest IT news
So you think you can hack?
Some 700 hackers looking to show off their talents have piled into an upstart Web site called RankMyHack.com in the last month. Emerging from the shadowy underground, they have submitted evidence of more than 1,200 Web site hacks, eager to have their feats measured against those of their peers.
The site was created by a hacker nicknamed Solar to bring a little accountability to the online forums and chat rooms where hackers gather to learn tricks of the trade, buy and sell contraband and form alliances. There, eBay-style ratings systems meant to establish reputations are routinely abused, morality tends to be fluid and anonymous young people often talk big while carrying a small stick.
The site was created by a hacker nicknamed Solar to bring a little accountability to the online forums and chat rooms where hackers gather to learn tricks of the trade, buy and sell contraband and form alliances. There, eBay-style ratings systems meant to establish reputations are routinely abused, morality tends to be fluid and anonymous young people often talk big while carrying a small stick.
“So have you got what it takes to be the best?” Solar taunts on the site’s home page, which has a distinctively retro design.
“So have you got what it takes to be the best?” Solar taunts on the site’s home page, which has a distinctively retro design.
As of Sunday, the top break-in on the site was said to be a hack of The Huffington Post, worth nearly 1.7 million points and claimed by Mudkip, who is also the site’s top-ranked hacker. The second-biggest hack, worth 1.5 million points, was said to be on Google, by Blackfan.
The Huffington Post did not respond to requests for comment. Google said Blackfan had told it about a minor bug in the mobile version of Google.com as part of its program to reward security researchers for finding and disclosing vulnerabilities. The flaw poses no risk to users, Google said.
Hackers like Mudkip and Blackfan can use a RankMyHack banner to display their stats on other Web sites, including hacker forums.
But the banners can also help crime groups find talented and willing recruits, warned Rob Rachwald, director of security strategy at Imperva, a security company. “If you like blood on your hands, this shows you’re willing to do the dirty work.”
RankMyHack seems to take a page from competitions like Capture the Flag that attract some of the world’s most skilled hackers. In that game, competing teams defend their computers from attack while trying to steal a piece of data from or plant data on another team’s computer. Organizers verify hacks and declare winners.
At Def Con, no real damage is done and a strong performance can cement a reputation — and attract job offers. But RankMyHack, which celebrates and some say incites illegal hacking, could hurt Solar’s prospects for a career path that requires trust.
Solar argued that the hacks would occur regardless, and that the site was positive because hackers did not need to do damage to prove they had infiltrated a site.
He said security companies should be impressed that, “secured to the teeth” and attacked a hundred times a day, RankMyHack itself was still standing.
Also can know the news
Also can latest IT news
So you think you can hack?
Some 700 hackers looking to show off their talents have piled into an upstart Web site called RankMyHack.com in the last month. Emerging from the shadowy underground, they have submitted evidence of more than 1,200 Web site hacks, eager to have their feats measured against those of their peers.
The site was created by a hacker nicknamed Solar to bring a little accountability to the online forums and chat rooms where hackers gather to learn tricks of the trade, buy and sell contraband and form alliances. There, eBay-style ratings systems meant to establish reputations are routinely abused, morality tends to be fluid and anonymous young people often talk big while carrying a small stick.
The site was created by a hacker nicknamed Solar to bring a little accountability to the online forums and chat rooms where hackers gather to learn tricks of the trade, buy and sell contraband and form alliances. There, eBay-style ratings systems meant to establish reputations are routinely abused, morality tends to be fluid and anonymous young people often talk big while carrying a small stick.
“So have you got what it takes to be the best?” Solar taunts on the site’s home page, which has a distinctively retro design.
“So have you got what it takes to be the best?” Solar taunts on the site’s home page, which has a distinctively retro design.
As of Sunday, the top break-in on the site was said to be a hack of The Huffington Post, worth nearly 1.7 million points and claimed by Mudkip, who is also the site’s top-ranked hacker. The second-biggest hack, worth 1.5 million points, was said to be on Google, by Blackfan.
The Huffington Post did not respond to requests for comment. Google said Blackfan had told it about a minor bug in the mobile version of Google.com as part of its program to reward security researchers for finding and disclosing vulnerabilities. The flaw poses no risk to users, Google said.
Hackers like Mudkip and Blackfan can use a RankMyHack banner to display their stats on other Web sites, including hacker forums.
But the banners can also help crime groups find talented and willing recruits, warned Rob Rachwald, director of security strategy at Imperva, a security company. “If you like blood on your hands, this shows you’re willing to do the dirty work.”
RankMyHack seems to take a page from competitions like Capture the Flag that attract some of the world’s most skilled hackers. In that game, competing teams defend their computers from attack while trying to steal a piece of data from or plant data on another team’s computer. Organizers verify hacks and declare winners.
At Def Con, no real damage is done and a strong performance can cement a reputation — and attract job offers. But RankMyHack, which celebrates and some say incites illegal hacking, could hurt Solar’s prospects for a career path that requires trust.
Solar argued that the hacks would occur regardless, and that the site was positive because hackers did not need to do damage to prove they had infiltrated a site.
He said security companies should be impressed that, “secured to the teeth” and attacked a hundred times a day, RankMyHack itself was still standing.
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