Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Cool Stuff: Russian Working Dogs Equipped With Cellphones And Cameras
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Technology: UFED Physical Pro–Handheld Mobile Phone Forensics Tool
Now this is some cool technology. I could see how this would be very helpful to law enforcement for investigations. But of course, the ACLU has shown some concern about such devices being used and how they could infringe on privacy rights. That is a legal issue, and I am more concerned about the utility of such a device.
This is what I was thinking as soon as saw the thing. The US military/contractors should have these devices at every major FOB where local nationals are working at, and every cellphone that comes through the gates or is held at the gate, should be scanned. I would even do it without the individuals knowing that it was done. All is fair in love and war, and if folks are using their cellphones to make communications with the enemy, I think it is within our best interest to find that out.
You could also set up check points throughout a city of interest in a war zone, to randomly collect cellphone data. Because cellphones are being used everywhere in the war zones and developing world, it is dumb not to tap into that resource and use it for some kind of tactical advantage.
Of course this technology is nothing new or radical, and I am sure the FBI and others have been using it for awhile. What is interesting though is the ease of how to collect and organize this information. Next step will be scanners that folks walk through, and the phones are automatically scanned without having to hook them up to anything. These scanners could be hidden and placed in key places within cities, and anyone with a cellphone/smart phone, will be scanned without knowing it. Then with data mining software, all that information could be scanned for patterns or for red flag numbers, etc. This could even be added to a census program–which we have learned in places like in Iraq that this kind of data is vital for understanding the terrain in which you fight. Lots of interesting uses for this stuff. –Matt
UFED Physical Pro
Recover hidden and deleted data from mobile phones and GPS devices
The Cellebrite UFED Physical Pro is a high-end, all-in-one solution for logical and physical extraction. The UFED Physical Pro expands your current device capabilities to extract deleted mobile device data, user passwords, file system dumps, and physical extraction from GPS devices.
With expanded coverage that now includes more than 3000 phones and a growing list of GPS devices, UFED Physical Pro provides the most complete mobile forensics solution available on the market.
Utilizing UFED’s simple and field-proven user interface, a complete high-speed hex dump of the phone memory is delivered without the need of cumbersome PC drivers. Critical data such as user lock codes, and deleted information such as text messages, call history, pictures, and video are sorted and retrieved by Cellebrite’s Physical Pro engine. The UFED Physical Pro also includes robust search tools for manual hex dump analysis, as well as an expert mode, which allows advanced capabilities for researchers. (more…)
Weapons Stuff: ORNL Rifle Sighting System Uses Sensors To Score Bull’s-eye
Now this is some interesting technology. Anything that can create synchronicity between a rifle’s barrel and it’s sights is a good thing in my book. How it will be used is the question though. If the equipment is durable enough, maybe this might be something cool to have on the weapon at all times. But the way I envision the thing is that it would be a way of testing barrels and sights prior to missions, hunting, competition, or training. The information would also help a shooter to better understand the relationship between rifle, scope, ammo and all the little factors that can tweak a shot.
Here is a thought. If you were to couple this technology with the BORS technology or any of the ranging scopes that are coming out, then we could see the potential for some serious smart rifle action. Here is another idea. I think a competition between a robot sniper and a human sniper would make for a great competition. Both would have five shots at an equal distant target, and shoot close to the same time with the same conditions. Would the robot or human make the more accurate shot? –Matt
A laboratory prototype of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Reticle Compensating Rifle Barrel Reference Sensor allows Slobodan Rajic to fine-tune the technology. The system precisely measures the deflection of the barrel relative to the sight and then electronically makes corrections. (ORNL photo by Ron Walli)
ORNL rifle sighting system uses sensors to score bull’s-eye
Crosshairs automatically adjust for conditions in real time
Ron Walli,
April 15, 2011
Military and police marksmen could see their rifle sights catch up with the 21st century with a fiber-optic laser-based sensor system that automatically corrects for even tiny barrel disruptions.
The system, developed by a team led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Slobodan Rajic, precisely measures the deflection of the barrel relative to the sight and then electronically makes the necessary corrections. The lifesaving results are lethal.
“For military snipers, missing the target could allow high-profile terrorists to escape,” Rajic said. “For police marksmen, missing the kidnapper could endanger the lives of hostages and then pose subsequent danger to police officers and the public.” (more…)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Libya: Rebels Hijack Gadhafi’s Phone Network, With The Protection Of Private Security
A Group of Expatriate Executives and Engineers Furtively Restore Telecommunications for the Libyan OppositionAPRIL 13, 2011By MARGARET COKER and CHARLES LEVINSONWSJ’s Margaret Coker reports on efforts by telecommunications executives to restore cell phone service to rebels in eastern Libya, allowing them to communicate without interference from government personnel loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi.A team led by a Libyan-American telecom executive has helped rebels hijack Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s cellphone network and re-establish their own communications.The new network, first plotted on an airplane napkin and assembled with the help of oil-rich Arab nations, is giving more than two million Libyans their first connections to each other and the outside world after Col. Gadhafi cut off their telephone and Internet service about a month ago. (more…)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Cool Stuff: The Milidroid Blog
This is neat. A friend of FJ and fellow security contractor has started a blog that deals with mobile apps for the Android operating system. This smart phone/operating system is awesome, and it definitely is winning over contractors, police and military folks alike. So if you are an Android user, this blog is for you. Definitely subscribe via RSS, use the badge below, or sign up for the Facebook page. And definitely ‘Tweet’ and ‘Like’ his posts if you support the content and want more of it.
On an artistic and technical note, they have a great little logo/brand and the website is very SEO friendly and easy on the eyes. –Matt
Welcome to Milidroid!
March 21, 2011
Milidroid is your one stop source for all thing military related to the android platform and associated equipment. We bring you industry news, articles on apps that may be of interest to those in the military, product announcements and reviews.
We are also looking for your input what are you using with your Android? Let us know what equipment, apps and accessories you find useful. If you are a developer give us the scoop and we’ll help you get the word out.
Mission Statement:
Milidroid is here to provide a resource for those seeking information on military specific uses for the Android platform and associated apps, devices, and equipment.
Mobile Browser Compatable
Milidroid is Android readable right our of the box. No need to install a special app just visit the site in your browser and read.Easy Downloads
The “Android Market Badge” is a multifunction feature. For starters it’s a link that will take you to the app in the Android Market whether you’re browsing on your computer or Android device. It also has an embedded QR Code that can be scanned with your phone if you have a barcode scanning app, which will also take you directly to the app in the Android Market.
Link to blog here.
Link to Milidroid Facebook here.