Security

Thank You Twitter Hackers

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:30:00 EDT

The repeated Twitter hacking exposes the complex and serious security issue on the web. Unfortunately for Twitter (Google Apps, Facebook, and others), the problems have unfolded in a public arena, forcing them respond quickly to calm users and resulting in a short term solution (that clearly has not been working!). What is unknown to many internet users is that the problem doesn't end with Twitter's band aid approach, nor is the intrusion limited to internet sites. The security issues don't start here - they start with the platforms and applications that don't enable software to be developed with the proper security. Fortunately for the software developers but unfortunately for the public, the greater problem has stayed out of the headlines of mainstream media outlets.

AJAX Security

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 05:45:00 EDT

In biology they are called proviruses, chunks of malicious genetic code encased by proteins. When one invades a cell, it embeds itself in the host's own genes. Whether for a living cell or an AJAX application, effective security can be a matter of life or death. And whether the invader is a piece of viral DNA or a string of evil-minded code, the effects can be devastating.

AJAX and RIA Widgets

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:00:00 EDT

By producing a popular RIA widget you can distribute your code to millions of users practically overnight. Most widgets are designed to gather data from the web and then present that data to the user. In order to enable this functionality, Google Gadgets for example support a rich programming model based on based on JavaScript and the Gadgets' API. Unfortunately, rich platforms tend to lead to programming errors and security issues. The users of a poorly written RIA widget can have their online accounts breached, web site passwords compromised, local computer data stolen, and even lose control of their computer. This presentation, via code snippets, flow diagrams, and other means, discusses how to write an RIA widget that avoids these pitfalls.

Security and AJAX

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EDT

Flexible software development approaches such as AJAX are making it easier for developers to deliver fast and responsive interactive Web applications. With AJAX, users no longer have to wait while an entire Web page reloads after they make a change. This performance shift allows new data to be called up almost as soon as it is input.