DC401

February 1st Meeting

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:46:31 -0500

Ladies and Gents it's almost February in the new year and I hope you're excited for the rest of 2012.

Tonights Talk:
"Building a Language Palace of Our Own"
by: CP Constantine

Abstract: Over the past decade we've watched the world of Modern Infosec rush to cobble itself together from the liturgy of its ancestral disciplines. But somewhere along the line we forgot that we were only borrowing terminology and concepts from other fields as a temporary measure; and stopped trying to build a lexicon that could be applied objectively and measured universally. Today's infosec teeters on an epistemological Tower of Babel, where we try to make equations from natural language, squeeze measurable workflows out of systems designed for tech support, not incident response, scratch our heads trying to find the APT in the Bar Graph output of our SIEM's and most unforgivable of all, insist on forcing the word 'trust' into being considered a unit of measurement. So if you've ever tried to explain the different between a vulnerability and an exposure, facepalmed over being asked for a pie chart of your security risks, or envied your friends in real engineering fields, where the rules are defined by laws of physics, not marketing hyperbole, this may just be the talk for you.

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Part of tomorrows meeting I'd like to set aside to bring everyone up to date on what's been happening with the following topics discussed at last meeting:
-QuahogCon: I'd like to bring everyone up to date with what's been happening behind the scenes.
-Classes: we discussed this subject heavily last meeting. Now that we've had some time to think about it, let's bring it back to the table and give it a good run.
-Lab Server: I brought the servers donated by Chris D. (THANKS CHRIS!) over to AS220 and we'll be setting them up soon. The concensus was to set them up as a virtual system that allows us to do testing of our own projects in a safe environment. The question is; what should the architecture be?

Anyone with personal projects is highly encouraged to take a moment to talk about them. Let's hear what you're up to, let's discuss.

Meeting:
Wednesday February 1st at 6:30pm
AS220 FabLab
Entrance in REAR of 131 Washington Street PROVIDENCE RI
Call 401-267-TANK (8265) if you get lost or need to be let in.

-Dave -Agent5-

October 5th Meeting

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 21:45:29 -0500

View image

Data Mining the Death Master File:
Tipsy has been messing with various techniques for SSN and Death Master File Data Mining and he'd like to show us a thing or two.
The Social Security Death Index can be a valuable asset to background checks. Unfortunately that data can be very expensive to purchase.
We're going to see how to mine it for free and save $7k.

QuahogCon:
It's time to start talking QuahogCon for next year. THERE WILL BE A QUAHOGCON 2012. I don't care how many kidneys I need to sell. So to prevent that sort of thing from happening try to make it to this meeting.
Collectively we have everything needed to make QuahogCon happen again. Now is the time.

P.S. Also, thanks to all of your support, our Handcuff Picking Tutorial at Maker Faire RI 2011 was so successful they want more! Brian Jepson has asked if we'd like to swing by AS220 on October 19th to school some n00bs in lockpicking. So, let's discuss that among other things Wednesday night.

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Show up around 1830. Discussion and Presentation to start around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Lots of FREE PARKING!!!

Date/Time: October 5th, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI

Call me for access or if you need help finding the place. Look for the brick building with the big smoke stack.

401-267-TANK (8265)

-Dave -Agent5-

Class Announcement - Metasploit for Penetration Testing

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:13:34 -0500

The class you've all been waiting for. Georgia Weidman, has been kind enough to show us a thing or two about penetration testing over the course of two Metasploit classes. Check out her blog - http://www.grmn00bs.com/

Here are the details...

When: Saturday August 27th & Saturday Sept 3rd @ 6pm sharp

Where: The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
2nd Floor
call- 401-267-TANK (8265) for assistance.

Time: About 2 hours each meeting for 4 hours total.

Class Name: Metasploit for Penetration Testing

Class description: The class will begin with the basics of using the Metasploit Framework. We will continue on following the penetration test methodology to use Metasploit to exploit vulnerable systems in the lab. This class is suitable for those with no background in Metasploit or penetration testing as well as penetration testers who want to add the Metasploit Framework to their arsenal.

Requirements: a Laptop. (BackTrack LiveCD's and coffee will be provided.)

*Cost: Suggested Donation $10 (We need to buy handcuffs, tshirts, and banners for Maker Fair RI. However, if you can't afford to donate, by no means will you be turned away from this class. Give what you can.)

FAQ:
Q: How do I signup? -
A: Just email Agent5@dc401.org to be added to the sign-up list. I don't expect to run out of seating but it would be helpful to know how many attendees we'll have.

Q: I don't carry cash often. Can I use PayPal to donate?
A: Yes just include that in your sign-up email and we'll respond with a PayPal link.

Q: BYOB?
A: Certainly.

Q: Parking?
A: Plenty.

August Meeting - Pendulum Clock Physics

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:48:14 -0500

Mike Umbricht will be presenting us with some things he's been working on. We should also finalize Maker Faire RI plans. I'd also like to discuss a small project, code named "Hacker Hostel", with everyone. Looking for ideas, criticism, concerns, positive remarks, suggestions, solutions, etc.

Mike Umbricht- "The intersection of antique clocks and modern precision timekeeping."

One hundred years ago when when pendulum clocks were the most precise kind of time standard available it took a great deal of effort to calibrate them using observations of stars with a special purpose transit telescope. Today, the rate of these clocks can be automatically monitored using optical or acoustic sensors connected to digital timers that precisely measure each swing of the pendulum to an accuracy of one microsecond. This opens up new possibilities such as monitoring the changes in the rate of the clock due to thermal expansion of the pendulum or flaws such as a worn tooth on a gear. This talk will demonstrate the methods and describe the initial results of a project to use modern timekeeping to examine antique clocks. Mike hails from Brown University, currently working on restoring the Ladd Observatory as well as being part of the Retro Computing Society in RI. http://brown.edu/Departments/Physics/Ladd/index.html & http://www.rcsri.org/

Show up around 1830. Discussion and Presentation to start around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Lots of FREE PARKING!!!

Date/Time: August 3rd, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

July 6th Meeting

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:47:42 -0500

Come one, Come all to the DC401 show! There's a new botnet we should discuss. If anyone has any expertise on TDL4 bring it with you to the meeting. Let's talk promo video for DC401 and progress with Maker Faire RI. If absolutely necessary I've got a half written SE paper we can chat about.

Show up around 1830. Discussion and Presentation to start around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Lots of FREE PARKING!!!

Date/Time: July 6th, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

May DC401 Meeting - Wednesday May 4th!

Sun, 01 May 2011 14:30:29 -0500

If anybody wishes do share research (or knows of anyone) for 10-20mins please let me know. If not we'll take a vote on either DefCon Vids or I can give you my updated presentation of "The Noo World" about cognitive enhancement and nootropics. We should also set aside discussion for what we'd like to accomplish in the next quarter of DC401. See you then! p.s. I cut my beard. Do not be frightened!

Show up around 1830. Discussion and Presentation to start around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Lots of FREE PARKING!!!

Date/Time: May 4thth, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

April Meeting - Defcon Video Presentation Karaoke

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:31:38 -0500

Found a whole bunch of videos from Defcon 18. I haven't had a chance to watch any yet. Let's find one we like and sit back and get some knowledge.

We can hash out some stuff for BASH also. To quote a previous post, " It looks like BASH has become our smaller, simpler, faster "Quahogcon" for this year. The fund raising it could bring would help us with QuahogCon next year so we don't have to dig into anyones pockets. If you want to see BASH (and indirectly QuahogCon) actually happen, you won't want to miss this meeting. DC401 is gonna rock 2011! Let the games begin!"

Show up around 1830. Discussion and Presentation to start around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Lots of FREE PARKING!!!

Date/Time: April 6th, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

[BASH] "S" is for SMASHING STUFF!

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 19:07:49 -0500

Remember that scene from Office Space? Bring old electronics and implements of destruction to The Brain Tank this Sunday (April 3rd @ 3pm) and we'll have a nice healthy release of aggression. ALL ARE INVITED!

As discussed at last Sunday's meeting, once we have enough broken stuff we'll arrange it into the letters "B A S H" and there's our PROMO POSTER.

Also... THE BADGES ARE IN!!!! Now we just have to design the label.

We do BASH right, QuahogCon will be EPIC!

Date/Time: April 3rd, 2011 - 3pm.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

[BASH] Weekend Warrior Planning Meeting

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:20:43 -0500

Sunday is BASH planning day. There are just a few little things that need ironing out and if you can be at The Brain Tank (phsycally or via Skype) I ask that you do. Things to discuss: Materials (in stock/needed), Duties (who wants to do what?), Sponsors (I'll be meeting with Basement Brewhaus tonight about supplying beer. It's either them or Narraganset Brewery)

Again. If you can make it to this meeting, please do. We can grab food after and It'll be a blast! Just a few things for BASH that need to be finalized and we shouldn't do that without good consensus.

We do BASH right, QuahogCon will be EPIC!

Date/Time: March 27th, 2011 - 3pm.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

March Meeting - BASH & Flash Talks

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:13:20 -0500

Bring your research, tell us a little about it. 10-20minutes for a flash talk.

We'll also do some much needed planning for BASH. It looks like BASH has become our smaller, simpler, faster "Quahogcon" for this year. The fund raising it could bring would help us with QuahogCon next year so we don't have to dig into anyones pockets. If you want to see BASH (and indirectly QuahogCon) actually happen, you won't want to miss this meeting. DC401 is gonna rock 2011! Let the games begin!

Show up around 1830. Discussion and Presentation to start around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Lots of FREE PARKING!!!

Date/Time: March 2nd, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

UPDATE: February Meeting (Moved to FEB 9th) - Formulation + Grid Hacks

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:34:15 -0500

Polymathic Brown Professor/Engineer/Maker/Hacker Kipp Bradford will be talking about his latest engineering exploits in a presentation titled "Hacking the grid: a DIY air conditioner/heat pump does demand management. No lead jackets needed." I'm a huge physics buff and anything to do with thermodynamics and it's practical applications is a personal favorite of mine. We've been looking at better ways to heat/cool The Brain Tank, maybe we will find the answers we need?....

February's meeting is gonna ROCK!. We will be discussing QuahogCon, among other fun things. The New RFID system for The Brain Tank. We also have a HACKER PARTAAAY to talk about. Lasers?... Beer Pong?... Make it to this meeting and have your say regarding the direction of DC401 in 2011. Let the games begin!

I'll put out some glowsticks or xmas lights on a UPS. Show up around 1830. Discussion and Presentation to start around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Lots of FREE PARKING!!!

Date/Time: Feb 9th, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

January Meeting - Jim Tabele on Robotics Platforms

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:26:41 -0500

For January, we have Jim Tabele giving a talk on the various robotics platforms available and how one codes for each of them. Jim knows what he's talking about, since he runs the Old Fashioned Robotics Store here in Providence.

We're going to put some glow sticks on either side of the Kinsley Ave entry to lead folks to the right place, since it's kind of a PITA to find. Show up around 1830. Talk starts around 1900. We'll all probably be hanging out until 2230 or 2300.

BYOB!

Date/Time: Jan 5th, 2011 - 1830-2300.

Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

December Meeting - Mike Umbricht - Ladd Observatory Restoration

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:06:34 -0500

For December's meeting, Mike Umbricht is going to give a talk about the recent historic preservation work that has happened at the Ladd Observatory at Brown University. They've been rebuilding the telescopes, pendulum clocks and telegraph system to their original 1890s working conditions. This is the kind of stuff that Steampunk wishes it could be. This should be a really cool talk about some very old tech.

ATTENTION!!! NEW LOCATION!!! NEW TIME!!!!

Agent5 has offered up The Brain Tank as a place for us to meet. We're going to try it out in December and see how everyone likes it. It's not as centrally located as AS220, but it has ample free parking and allows us to have a later start time, which will hopefully allow more folks to make it to the meeting after work.

Since there's no bar from which to buy beer, we'll be free to BYOB. Since our extra funds aren't going to be going to the bar, show your support for The Brain Tank by taking a rummage in your misc electronic parts bins and bring some parts you aren't using.

Date/Time: Dec 1, 2010 - 1830-2000
Location:
The Brain Tank
350-ish Kinsley Ave
Providence, RI
Custom Map

November Meeting - Flashtalks!

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:08:45 -0500

We've got 2 (possibly 3) folks giving flash talks at the November DC401 meeting.

Dan King will be talking about a new recon tool he's been developing
Matt DeMatteo will being giving a short talk called "My Company Doesn't Listen To Me: Data Security, C-level logic, and Risk"
Dave Johnson (Agent5) will be giving an update about the goings on at Brain Tank. (If he can make it on time)

Wednesday, Nov 3rd, 2010
1730 - 1900
AS220 Performance Space
115 Empire St, Providence

October Meeting - Agent5 on Reality Hacking: The Hackerspace

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:26:09 -0500

The October meeting is approaching fast, and we have a great presentation lined up for it. Agent5 will be talking about some work he's been doing with hackerspaces in his presentation "Reality Hacking: The Hackerspace". Here's an outline of what it'll be about: ----------------------------------------- Intro = The Five Principles of the Hacker Mindset (re:suntzu23.blogspot.com) A Brief History of The Brain Tank * Talking about goals (the good and the bad about goal discussion) * The Reality of Possibility * A series of interesting and unfortunate events which lead to the space we now inhabit. Hackerspaces in History * "It all began with Ben Franklin." * late 19th century early 20th century (Kelvin, Curie, Edison, Clemens {Twain}, Feynman, Bell, Tesla) * Inventors, scientists, creators, makers, breakers, and hackers during this time and how they interacted with each other. * How the media celebrated Scientists. Hackerspace Evolution 1. How they have evolved. 2. Why they evolved. * Franklins Workshop * Menlo Park * Kelvins lab at Glasgow University * The Manhattan project Current Hackerspaces 1. Types * Brick and mortar * Events as Hackerspaces * Pre-Made Hackerspace * Brief mention - Corporate entities with similar frameworks (Google, Micro$oft, Texas Instruments) Hackerspaces We've Visited (Audience Participation) 1. Where did you go? 2. What did you see there? 3. What did you like about it? 4. What would you change? The Brain Tank Labs Project 1. The Space (2,000 sq/ft of awesome!) * Office area - Cubes, Chillroom, ELE Bench area, Huge Conference Table, Winch area, Server Racks, Workstations) * Workshop area - (4x) Drill presses, 8" Table Saw, 96" Band Saw, Welding Station with MIG and Stick Welders (*plus access to TIG Welder), Worktables, Many Many Hand Tools. The Mission (expanding on these subjects to finish the presentation) * Create jobs in areas where people can do the creative things they enjoy. ---(do so by making standalone products and services, and by offering consulting services) * Gain an education while doing that job. ---(working closely with the members of your team will allow for quite a lot fo knowledge transfer in many different areas.) * Think Locally ---(improve the tribal culture in Providence whenever and wherever possible. make some projects philanthropy specific.) * Generation Green ---(efficiency and environmental impact are keystones in every project) * You are your Resume ---(our skills, interests, abilities, accomplishments, and dreams make us who we are, not what we are on paper. We are people, not products.) * Implement the Hacker Mindset ---(improve projects by supporting energy for innovation, experimentation,creative strategies, defining the leading edge.) ----------------------------------------- Hope to see you all there! Date/Time: 1730 - October 6, 2010 Location: AS220 Performance Space - 115 Empire St, Providence