dwirch

Derek Wirch is a seasoned IT professional with an impressive career dating back to 1986. He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that is invaluable to those embarking on their journey in the tech industry.

Author Archives: dwirch

Penetration Testing: An Essential Pillar of Cybersecurity

The digital age has blessed us with unprecedented connectivity, bringing a world of information and services to our fingertips. Yet, as with all advancements, it also brings challenges. One of the most significant challenges in our hyper-connected world is ensuring digital security. Enter the realm of penetration testing, an essential pillar of the vast field of cybersecurity.

Understanding and Using the DPI Button on Your Mouse

In the world of computer peripherals, a mouse plays a vital role in navigation, gaming, design, and many other computer-related tasks. One feature that many modern mice have, which often confuses new users, is the “DPI button.” In this blog post, we will unravel the mystery behind this button, its function, and how to use it effectively.

Amazon’s Robotic Vision: The Balance of Technology and Humanity

Amazon is dabbling with a robot named Digit to streamline mundane tasks in its warehouses. Produced by the Oregon start-up Agility Robotics and funded by Amazon, this 5ft 9in (175cm) humanoid bot can move in various directions, crouch, and lift up to 35lb (16kg). Its initial role? Relocating empty tote boxes.

Cyber Threat: Nation-Backed Exploits Target WinRAR Users

State-sponsored hackers from Russia and China have targeted a vulnerability in older versions of WinRAR, the leading compression software boasting over half a billion users worldwide. Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) reported on Wednesday that it has tracked multiple hacking attempts leveraging this WinRAR glitch since early 2023.

A Guide to Cloud Storage

In today’s digital age, “the cloud” has become a buzzword we hear almost every day. While many understand its general concept, there’s a lot more to delve into. In this guide, we will explore what cloud storage is, its benefits, how it functions, the different types available, and some essential concerns and considerations.

Understanding Cloud Computing: What It Is and Some Prime Examples

Cloud computing has become a fundamental pillar of the digital era. Whether you’re an individual using a popular email service, a student accessing documents from a shared drive, or a business running enterprise-scale applications, chances are you’re benefiting from the cloud. But what exactly is cloud computing, and how does it impact our daily lives? Let’s dive in.

Critical Zero-Day Flaw Found in Cisco’s IOS XE Software

Cisco has alerted administrators about a severe authentication bypass zero-day vulnerability in its IOS XE software. This flaw, labeled as CVE-2023-20198 and pending a patch, allows unauthenticated attackers to gain full admin rights and remotely control vulnerable routers and switches.

Microsoft Study Highlights Vulnerabilities in GPT-4

A recent scientific paper affiliated with Microsoft has examined the trustworthiness and potential toxicity of large language models (LLMs), specifically focusing on OpenAI’s GPT-4 and its predecessor, GPT-3.5. The study suggests that while GPT-4 is generally more reliable than GPT-3.5 in standard situations, it is more susceptible to being manipulated by “jailbreaking” prompts designed to bypass its safety… Read More »