How To Add a Second Layer of Encryption to Dropbox

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In light of recent online revelations about Dropbox.com security and encryption, I recommend the following how-to if you’re interested in adding another layer of security to your Dropbox account:

How To Add a Second Layer of Encryption to Dropbox.

I’ve long used Apple’s encrypted disk images for both Dropbox files and local files I’m concerned about, also free, the method is outlined here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1578

The main caveat form my perspective is that neither method allows access to the “dual-encrypted” files from iOS devices.  For example, I’d love to keep client info in a Numbers spreadsheet which I could edit on both my laptop and my iPad (and access on my iPhone for reference).  But alas…

J

The rights and wrongs of internet access pricing in Canada (Pt.1)

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Gary at iPhoneincanada.ca has done a very nice job of compiling a straightforward overview of the current facts regarding the state of Canada’s network infrastructure (the system that allows us to access the Web), and some very important related issues currently being dealt with by our ISPs (Internet Service Providers), the federal gov’t and the CRTC (supposed to be the impartial governing body regarding telecommunications regulation in Canada).

These issues are on the table as we speak, and if the corporates (read: Bell, Rogers and a select few others) have their way, internet access will become more expensive rather than less expensive, while their system maintenance costs conversely become less expensive, and most importantly the greater need for internet access grows.

I am of the opinion that internet access should be considered a human right. Typically, access to the internet is a factor of affordability, and this statement in my opinion can be applied worldwide.  Anyone can get online pretty much anywhere in the world, if they can afford it. Not having internet access restricts access to current information, training, education, job opportunities and much more, as we all know. Access to current information is easily provided via the internet, while books are static once published.  As traditional forms of media like become more obscure in favour of the real-time, easily updated internet the importance of access becomes more and more important.

I could go on and on, and I certainly will continue on this topic at a later date, with the intent of compiling a reference resource in relation to this issue. For now, please visit the link below for a good overview of the stat of affairs in Canada currently (February 2011), and be sure to sign the petition here:  http://www.stopthemeter.ca/

iPhoneinCanada article is here:

TekSavvy President Busts User-Based Billing Internet Myths | iPhone in Canada Blog – Canada’s #1 iPhone Resource.

The tricky business of online commerce

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Ever wonder why the flight you just chose online has jumped in price by $200 in the time it took to check your email?  Or perhaps why the price you see when surfing Amazon with your iPhone is cheaper than the price you see on your computer?

It’s because your online behaviour is being tracked.  Annie Lowrey has written a great piece on the subject for Slate (Dec. 2010) called How Much Is That Doggie in the Browser Window?

If you haven’t noticed this sort of behaviour, watch for it now.  Unless you’re already taking measures to thwart this type of profiling, you will see it if you pay attention.  The most common method of achieving this is by using browser Cookies (not the kind you eat, although equally delicious for companies like Facebook and Amazon).  A great technical overview of Cookies can be found here, courtesy of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

So, how can you prevent your online shopping trends from being tracked? My current favourite tool is called Ghostery, a web browser plugin which currently supports all the browsers I use. If you’re not down with Ghostry, more options can be found in this blog post at MacLife.  Good stuff to know.