AWS Launches CloudHSM App To Bolster Data Security In The Cloud

In an effort to boost data security in the cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has just launched a new service called AWS CloudHSM, designed to help its customers meet strict regulatory requirements without sacrificing their cloud application’s performance.

AWS says that the new security feature is aimed at customers whose regulatory requirements prevent them from running apps on shared infrastructure, which has been one of the key hurdles in the way of its efforts to win over the enterprise. Previously, companies in that position have been compelled to keep their most sensitive data – or at least, its encryption keys – buried within on-premise servers to meet those requirements, preventing them from fully migrating to the cloud. Now, AWS is hoping to do away with that need.

Read more at http://siliconangle.com/blog/2013/03/27/aws-launches-cloudhsm-app-to-bolster-data-security-in-the-cloud/
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How to enable USB Mass Storage mode for Samsung Galaxy S2/S3, Note II

Just bought a new Samsung Galaxy S II/III or Note 2 and tried to upload my photos to the PC, and to your surprise this was no longer available? Found the USB Mass Storage (UMS) mode gone?

Normally for an Android based phone, you can mount it as a drive by trying steps or similar: Settings -> Wireless&Wifi -> USB Tools -> Connect USB mass storage and then plugging your Samsung Galaxy device into the PC. But what's wrong out there with Samsung Galaxy S3 or Note 2?

The fact is – it seems Samsung has disabled the option for some reasons (probably because of security concerns). The device now uses MTP (Media Sharing Protocol) and PTP, which aren't very useful for everyone. For example, for Samsung Galaxy S III, instead of USB mass storage, it only features MTP, which is not as easy to use and fast, so many prefer UMS instead.

Then how to enable UMS mode for Samsung Galaxy S2, S3, Note 2 or whatsoever...?

Steps to Enable USB Mass Storage mode

First of all: you'll need to root your Samsung Android. Here is a step by step Android Rooting guide which you can follow for the Samsung Galaxy S2/S3 or Note 2.

For Samsung Galaxy S3
  1. Download the apk file here. 
  2. Copy the apk to your device and disconnect it from your computer. 
  3. Then install the app on your device and follow the instructions given by the app. 
  4. Once the app is installed, you can open it and select the option you prefer for file transfer, which is very easy.

For Samsung Galaxy Note 2
  1. Download SGS3 Easy UMS here. 
  2. Then you will have to launch the app, grant it root access when you're asked for it, and choose the way you want to mount your device on the PC. 
  3. It's very easy and you will only have to tap one button to switch from one mode to another.

Kind note: before starting the procedure, make sure you've backed up the data on your Samsung Galaxy, just in case. If you do encounter data loss during or after the procedure, check here (photos & videos) or here (text messages) for recovery solutions. Android backup options can be seen in this article.

Good luck!
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Secure Your iPhone 5 by Setting a Password Lock

For security purposes it's a good idea to set up a Passcode on Lock Screen for the Apple iPhone 5 or any iOS device like the iPad, previous iPhones and the iPod Touch.

This requires the user to enter the Passcode before the user can reach the iPhone's content. Without the Passcode, no one can reach private data on the phone.

Let's say I accidentally put my iPhone down at work and one of my coworkers wants to prank me by messing up settings or changing the name Siri calls me which can embarrass me. The lock keeps that prankster from getting the best of me. Obviously, it also keeps bad guys from getting my banking information or passwords stored in apps like Lastpass password manager.

Watch this following short YouTube video for the step by step guide!
Thanks Kevin Purcell for the nice tip.
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How to Make a Windows Repair Disc for HP NetBook without CD Drive

The Issue: 

I recently bought a new HP Netbook (running with Windows operation system) which is not equipped with a CD drive. Now I want to make a Windows repair disc just in case any emergency. So how can I make it without a disc drive?

Resolution: 

Well, one way to get the job done is to buy an external CD/DVD drive that reads and records. It connects to one of the netbook's USB ports. While this method does involve dropping some more money into a computer that may have cost only quite a bit to begin with, it does give you the ability to do other things with it. For example, you can install programs from a disc that aren’t available as software downloads or back up your HP's files to a record-able disc.

If you don’t want to pay for an external drive, another alternative is to make a bootable U.S.B. recovery drive for Windows 7. Note: Hewlett-Packard has instructions for creating a recovery disc on a flash drive on its site. Learn more from this HP support article.

Note: if your HP is running Windows XP or Linux, and you want to upgrade systems. Microsoft has made it possible to install Windows 7 on a netbook computer in ways that don’t require discs. For instance, you can download the system as an .iso file that can be copied onto a flash drive with the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool and used to install Windows 7 without a disc drive.

Also see: how to fix a slow HP Mini netbook.
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How to Speed up HP Mini NetBook that Runs Slow or Freezes

This question is actually from a reader, though not necessarily related to data security, I decided to share it with you.

"I know your blog is all about data security, but I wanted to give it a try. Hope you can help me out. My HP Mini 210 netbook is running super slow and freezes recently. I kind of worry it would totally stop working, thus put my files and data in danger. Any ideas how to speed it up?"

Below are just some personal opinions after researching and based on my own experience using a Windows PC.

What might be hurting your HP Mini's performance?


  • Malicious software. If your HP Mini has infected with some kind of virus, malware, spyware etc, performance can be affected. Even worse, it may cause your HP work abnormally such as files inaccessible, not able to access hard drive etc. You can use Microsoft Security Essentials to scan and remove the virus.
  • Registry errors. Since your HP network probably installed with Windows operating system, registry issues such as Windows registry missing, redundant etc. can happen. The errors can make your HP sluggish and freeze occasionally. 
  • Overload startup programs. This can directly cause your HP Mini slow to start up to Windows desktop, making you feel it hangs. 
  • Device driver issues. If your HP hardware device drivers haven't been updated for a while, then the outdated or malfunctioning drivers can cause hardware issues and make your computer slow.
  • Too many programs working at background. This is always a bad habit, multitasking simply won't do any good to computers.
  • Other causes such as overheating, not enough disk space, outdated hardware, poor system protection software etc. can lead to a slow HP computer.


How to Speed it Up?


In general, there are a few free techniques you can apply to make your HP run a bit faster such as disk defragmentatuion, disk cleaning, remove programs that you no longer want, clean those unneeded files to free up disk space, etc. However, these manual methods can be quite time-consuming as you have to tackle every problem one by one. Plus, it requires technical skills. To save time, you can use software to speed up your netbook (also no need to learn tech stuff). And, if you can afford, the best way is to spend some money on hardware upgrade. For example, replace the hard drive with a new SSD (solid state drive), add an extra RAM.

Here are some useful resources in case you want to explore.

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