Happy 2006!
Monthly Archives: December 2005
Working at Google
Do you have what it takes to work at google?
American Express Update
Ok so after posting yesterdays article on my American Express gift cards, I decided to take action in the morning and called the American Express customer service. It was bugging the shit out of me. Here is Sherry’s response.
Sir, all cards come pre activated. This is just a deterrence so if someone steals it they will think they have to activate it.
Interesting, though I don’t by that reasoning. What are they doing with those phone numbers?
Microsoft Warns of a New Flaw
Another major security flaw in the pipeline for Microsoft. The Washington Post is reporting that this one could be big. It’s more of the same stuff, a hole in windows that allows spoffers to install spyware and other code to take control and spy. However, this one may allow attackers to gain financial information from bank websites, emails, and e-commerce sites simply by you visiting them. Microsoft warns users not to click links, open attachments of visit unfamiliar websites till the flaw is fixed. It is known that some code can be installed through banner ads on websites. Be Careful!
Security researchers revealed the flaw on Tuesday and posted instructions online that showed how would-be attackers could exploit the flaw. Within hours, computer virus and spyware authors were using the flaw to distribute malicious programs that could allow them to take over and remotely control afflicted computers.
Microsoft’s statement about how the would-be attackers could exploit the flaw brings back many questions about open source technology and if Microsoft keep quite about flaws in there OS till they have a fix for them. In the past Microsoft used to not mention there holes in the OS till they had a fix but since a flurry of complaints that they should revile them right away they have been doing just that. This brings up the question now of, should they revel them or not? I mean come on, the average computer user (home user) isn’t going to patch there machine till the little window pops up and says they have updates to install. Microsoft now posted the flaw and how to use it. This is just plain dumb. What do you think? Should Microsoft post there flaws when they find out about them or should they keep it to themselves till they have a fix?
American Express Gift Card Activation
This Christmas I received two gift cards issued by American Express. No big deal. However, there is a nice big sticker on the front of the card like all new credit cards telling you that you must activate your new card before using. No problem. I call the number on the first card and the automated lady on the other end says that my card has been activated. Cool. I pick up my other American Express gift card and call the number. Again the automated lady on the other end says my card has been activated. Hum… I think to myself…I have two cards and weird the 1-888 number is exactly the same. The lady on the other end said your card has been activated with no questions asked. How do they know what card I got and what the numbers are on my card? I have two of them. Are they really activated? I’m not sure, probably not and I probably wont find out till I try to use it. I’m thinking maybe there is a bug in there phone system. I’m not really sure. Is American Express gathering phone numbers to be sold? Many questions to be asked and not many answers. Can anyone help? I asked my brother too. His number to call is exactly the same. This is odd and I’m going to be thinking about this all night.