encrypted bits » travel

Really, I don’t work for RSA anymore

Kevin Bocek — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:19:29 +0000

Seems like all that I can blog about for a year is the RSA Conference. There are draft posts in my queue (mobile device encryption, Apple TV 2.0, data protection in Europe and a few more), but they never seem to finish themselves. I blame Twitter.

For those interested, here are photos from RSA Conference Europe 2009.

Encryption devices at RSA Conference Europe 2008

Kevin Bocek — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:53:26 +0000

A main attracton at the RSA Conference Europe 2008 was a collection of vintage encryption devices. These machines are incredibly intriguing and bring new meaning to mobile data protection. What would the magic quadrant for 1950 look like?

The obvious highlight of the display was an Enigma that raised a number of questions and was the main focus of hands-on demonstrations. John Alexander, an Enigma machine expert and collector, led a lively discussion.

Devices on display included: Heimsoeth und Rinke Enigma, USSR Fialka, Hagelin C36, Hagelin C38S, Hagelin BC38, and Hagelin BCX52

The Guardian recorded a podcast with John Alexander and Simon Signh dicussing topics that included Enigma and encryption.

Hopefully this display will continue and be expanded at both the RSA Conference and RSA Conference Europe. The encryption device display was organized by Victoria Worpole from Bletchley Park’s Education Department and John Alexander. Please help to ensure that encryption history is preserved by making a donation to the The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park.

More photos from the RSA Conference Europe 2008 are available on Flickr

Don’t forget to check the closet on your next trip…

Kevin Bocek — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:29:36 +0000

On a recent business trip to Acapulco, I stayed at the nicely appointed Fairmont Pierre Marques. After checking in to my room, I found an interesting surprise in the closet.

Future guests should be comforted that both the hotel’s housekeeping and extermination programs work well (although maybe at different times). For me, I found the scorpion a great find. How many times have you played with a scorpion? However, I can see for others, they may not be able to sleep so snuggly at night. Where in the room had the scorpion visited before he met his demise?

The hotel and Acapulco are beautiful and the people are very welcoming. Despite the surprise, I would highly recommend both.