text:
Application whitelisting review: CoreTrace Bouncer
CoreTrace Bouncer 5 provides first-rate application control with a few unique features.
CoreTrace's Bouncer 5 is application control and more. Bouncer is the only product in InfoWorld's review that successfully protected against buffer overflows. It also offers write protection of whitelisted files and does a nice job of handling updates to controlled applications.
A great-looking GUI, good reporting, and secure sessions between clients and the management server round out the rich feature set. However, Bouncer doesn't cover all program file types, notably those written in interpreted languages such as Python, PHP, or Java.
Started in early 2008, Bouncer is made up of a Windows XP Embedded management appliance and supports clients running Windows NT 4 SP6a and later and Solaris 7 through 10. The extra features and security considerations put into this product are evident from the start.
Logging into Bouncer's Control Center management console [screen image] requires a two-factor USB access token and either physical access to the management appliance or a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) session. Connections between the management console and clients are IPSec protected with PKI certificates. This is all automated in the setup of clients and server, and it does not use the normal Windows implementations.
The use of client certificates also aids monitoring. Clients can get new IP addresses, new network interfaces, new names, and so on, yet still be identified and tracked through the use of the certificate. Clients automatically check back in to the management console every 60 seconds using heartbeat packets across two high-numbered UDP ports, or you can schedule the connections for finer-grained control.
Managed computers are collected into groups known as Security Configurations. In fact, calling groups of computers Security Configurations is one of the few minor weaknesses of an otherwise top-of-the-class product. To be fair, Security Configurations are really the grouping of computers along with their defined treatment. But a simpler label would avoid potential confusion.
|Test Center Scorecard
|CoreTrace Bouncer 5
Very Good
Three Security Configurations are provided out of the box -- All Installed Systems, Pending Systems, and Unsecured Systems -- but administrators are encouraged to make their own custom groupings. Each Security Configuration (i.e., group) will have its own Bouncer settings and Policy Components defined.
Policy Components are built around the concept of trusted change. Administrators can define Trusted Applications (applications that are allowed to run), Trusted Digital Signatures (all applications signed by the same digital signature can run), Trusted Network Shares (any application in a trusted location can run), and Trusted Users (trusted users can run any program). Each managed computer will inherit the policy components defined for its Security Configuration.
Computers, users, and groups can be enumerated from Active Directory. Each computer can be scanned to generate a new whitelist baseline or another predefined policy can be applied. When generating a new baseline, Bouncer can create whitelisting rules for all binaries (including .EXE, .DLL, .COM, .DRV, .SYS, .CPL, .OCX, .DEV, .MANIFEST, .FON, 16-bit apps, and batch files), and these rules can be enforced on the system drive only or on all drives. Other file types (scripts, text files, and so on) must be added manually and become part of the Custom Policy component.
Only executable binaries and batch files can be prevented from executing. Like most of its competitors, Bouncer cannot prevent scripts or Java programs from executing without blocking the scripting engine or Java Virtual Machine. This means you may be forced into an all-or-nothing decision for non-executable file types.
Whitelisted files become write-protected by Bouncer's own kernel drivers. Although files can be copied, they cannot be modified, renamed, or deleted. This is an interesting feature that no other competitor has. Besides preventing computer viruses, it could be used to prevent unauthorized modification of security-related files like the DNS Hosts file, which is often maliciously manipulated by malware programs. Bouncer can be put into Learning mode, which allows it to generate whitelisting rules but not block any executions. The generated whitelisting rules can be added to any Security Configuration profile to allow or deny execution. End-user denial messages are customizable for each Security Configuration.
Whitelist rules for individual file types can be defined using three attributes: path, size, and the file's SHA-1 hash fingerprint [screen image]. Machines can be scanned for publisher digital signatures and the identified publisher then added to the Trusted Applications policy. This can be done on the individual computer level or on a baseline computer, then pushed out to other clients. File instances can also be searched across managed computers.
One of the biggest challenges for any whitelisting product is handling complicated product updates. Here Bouncer shines. First, any update operating under a Trusted User, Trusted Application, or Trusted Network Share is allowed to run, and the new whitelisting rule is generated. Bouncer can even handle multiboot, chained installs and major service pack updates, automatically generating the necessary new rules.
Bouncer goes even further in one seemingly small step that, although not unique among the products in this review, means big things. Any trusted application is allowed to install other applications. For example, administrators could trust the Windows Update service, Microsoft's Systems Management Server or Systems Center Configuration Manager, or their regular, controlled patching program. Any program installed using those predefined trusted pathways is automatically trusted and a new whitelist rule is generated. This allows companies to officially sanction their primary installer application without having to manually update the whitelist rules.
Buffer overflow protection is an excellent feature that is found in Bouncer and only one other competitor, McAfee Application Control. Many whitelisting applications cannot thwart buffer overruns that could be used to exploit an existing, authorized service. Most application control programs instead focus on preventing the execution of any malicious code that an attacker might run after the buffer overflow is successful. Unfortunately, not all exploits that rely on buffer overruns make use of executables. In fact, two of the world's most successful computer worms, SQL Slammer and IIS Code Red, did not modify existing services or write new files to disk.
Bouncer includes kernel memory write protection that is intended stop those types of buffer overflow programs. In my testing, Bouncer blocked my buffer overflow attempts every time. Even more surprising, Bouncer was able to stop a buffer overflow attack that was already running before Bouncer was activated. For these tests I used common buffer overflows and payload mechanisms, defined in Metasploit, to push rogue VNC consoles and reverse command shells to the target system. The exploit and payload went off just fine while Bouncer was disabled. Then I enforced Bouncer's policies and the agent immediately cut off the rogue access.
You can watch a demo video of Bouncer's buffer overflow protection at CoreTrace's Web site. I'm not sure of this feature's accuracy; I didn't run every Metasploit buffer overflow against it. I can only tell you that Bouncer provides better protection against buffer overruns than its competitors do.
Reporting is another strong point. Client events can be sent using syslog to any syslog-enabled product or to an optional centralized reporting server. The Bouncer reporting server runs Microsoft Reporting Services on Microsoft SQL Server or SQL Server Express. The reporting server comes with many customized reports under four different main report categories: Auditing (system type events), Configuration (used to compare policies between clients), Inventory (nodes, workstation info, versions, and so on), and Security Events (client whitelisting activity). Naturally, customers can also use Microsoft Reporting Services to write custom reports.
This story, "Application whitelisting review: CoreTrace Bouncer," and reviews of competing products from Bit9, Lumension, McAfee, SignaCert, and Microsoft, were originally published at InfoWorld.com. Follow the latest developments in information security and endpoint security at InfoWorld.com.
Copyright © 2009 IDG Communications, Inc.


text:
Grow More Tomatoes
The VegiBee lets you hand pollinate every flower on your tomato plant for a massive increase in yield.
Fun & Easy to Use
Fully pollinate an entire plant in just minutes.
Works for Multiple Garden Vegetables
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, peas, etc.
Increases Yield By 33%
VegiBee pays for itself the first growing season
Two Models to Choose From
Select a Battery Operated or Rechargeable model.
Home Garden Yields are Down!
You're working hard, but getting only a fraction of the yield you deserve.
Declining Bee Population
With a dramatic decline in bees, flowers aren't being naturally pollinated like they used to.
Unpredictable Weather
Without bees, home gardeners rely on wind to distribute pollen, but it's highly inefficient.
Environmental Conditions
Whether it's poor soil, low exposure to sunlight, or active pests, the location of your plant can harm yield.
You Don't Have to Struggle
There is an Easy Way For You to Get More Enjoyment from Gardening
You don't have to roll the dice and hope that bees or the wind will do their job and pollinate your garden. You can take control and deliver a much greater yield than you ever imagined. The VegiBee gives you the power to pollinate every flower on a plant and ensure that your gardening efforts deliver impressive results.
The Solution is Fun and Easy
You don't have to rely on mother nature. You can take control over your yield with a tool that's fun to use and gives you tremendous power.
VegiBee Deluxe
Rechargeable | 5 Speeds
Free Shipping in the US
1 VegiBee™ garden pollinator with a vibration reduction handle
2 vibrating wands (11 cm long and 18 cm long)
1 spoon (18 cm) for pollen collection
1 electric recharging base unit with cord and USB connector
1 electric wall adapter that is UL certified
1 operating instructions booklet with warranty information.
Five vibration speed settings from 26,000- 46,000 vibrations per minute
Rechargeable NiMH battery
Water resistant design
Green LED light indicator
Two minutetimer with automatic shut off
Power supply; AC 100-240Volts, 50 Hz
Charging mode; electromagnetic induction
Prior to initial use, charge the unit for 12 hours with an AC adapter and 16 hours with the USB connector and a computer.
VegiBee Express
Battery Operated | 1 Speed
Free Shipping in the US
- 1 VegiBee™ garden pollinator with a vibration reduction handle
- 1 vibrating wand (18 cm long)
- 1 spoon (18 cm) for pollen collection
- 1 Base unit
- 1 operating instructions booklet with warranty information.
- Up to 38,000 vibrations per minute
Sound wave technology
1pc AA battery-included
Water resistant design
How It Works
The VegiBee works in 3 easy steps:
1. Vibrate the Stem
With the collection spoon in place, place the vibrating wand head on the stem.
2. Collect the Pollen
Aim the stigma toward your collection spoon and capture the emission of pollen.
3. Dip the Flower
Dip the stigma of the flowers (4-5 from the same plant) into the pollen until it's all been used.
Our Promise to You
You're going to be a happier, more successful gardener with the VegiBee.
Greater Yield
Expect 33% Increase Or More
30-Day Money Back Gurantee
Return It If You Aren't Satisfied
6 Month Warranty
You're Protected Against Failure
What Our Customers Are Saying
We used the VegiBee on plants at our Iowa office, there were definitely a bunch more tomatoes on there! He doesn't have exact numbers but, he has had a lot of success!
I'm sure the yield increased as the fruit set has definitely increased. The customers who come through the greenhouse are always pretty amazed by it when I make pollen flow out of the tomato flowers using a VegiBee pollinator.
Thank you for the shipment! I am working on a tomato project and one of the duties requires me to cross different varieties of tomatoes. I love how easily and quickly I can collect pollen using your plant-pollinator. It was really exciting to see how it works. It is indeed extremely useful for what I am doing.
Vasudha Chauhan, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UC-Davis
Thanks for the note and the VegiBee. I'm a bumblebee researcher here at UNR, and I have been happily using the VegiBee to harvest pollen from a number of plant species that I'm interested in studying. One of my current interests is in studying "buzz pollination" behavior in bumblebees. The VegiBee is great for harvesting pollen from local wildflowers that have poricidal anthers at our Tahoe field sites (like shooting star, Manzanita, etc.), then bringing that pollen back to the lab to offer to bees in preference tests. We used to use tuning forks, but those were a pain in the field...and then Sonicare toothbrushes, but those weren't quite right. Imagine my surprise at finding a product that does exactly the thing that I need for my research! Quite exciting!
We are very happy with your product. It produces lots of pollen although it is a little more time consuming to touch every truss instead of just the plant. However, we are getting less flower drop. You should consider selling to hydro gardens, crop king, greenhouse megastore.
I am a professional plant breeder in Michigan and at first, was not convinced that VegiBee pollinators would help me cross-pollinate plants. I received the VegiBee and tried it for the first time this morning.
HOLY COW! Pollen has typically been a limiting factor for me to cross plants. No more!
Thanks for your great new product.
Mark McCaslin, Professional Plant Breeder
Thanks again for the Vegibee. I love it and will definitely be promoting it. One thing I like about the VegiBee pollinator is it seems to be able to collect pollen later in the day. It has been rare that I have been able to do that outside of being in a greenhouse. This opens up more possibilities for me to collect pollen from different sites and make crosses I didn't plan.
Keith, Home Gardener
Home Gardeners
A favorite of home gardeners since 2012
Commercial Growers
The secret weapon for many commercial growers
Hydroponic Growers
A handy tool for to simplify hydroponic growing
A game changer for many researchers
Works for Many Home Garden Favorites
VegiBee can be used to grow any fruits and vegetables that are
Don't Waste Another Growing Season
You don't want to go through another growing season just hoping for the best. It's time to end the frustration with lackluster results. Put the power in your hands and take control of your yield year after year!
Choose the Right VegiBee for Your Needs
The Perfect Gift for the Home Gardener!
Reach Us
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1352
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
(314) 956-5276

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Shop for books, journals, and more.
Discover over 2,960 journals, 48,300 books, and many iconic reference works.
Free shipping. No minimum order.
Save up to 25% on books!
Explore a world of knowledge in physical sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and life sciences. Enjoy free shipping on all orders. No promo code needed.
Save up to 50% on Print & eBook Bundles
Immediately download your ebook while waiting for your print delivery. No promo code needed.
Back to University - up to 20% off select books
plus get a FREE anatomy colouring book AND extended trial offers to Complete Anatomy and Osmosis
Discover books and journals by subject
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Social Sciences and Humanities
Explore Elsevier's flexible eBook solutions
- Accessible - Access all available formats including PDF and ePub3
- Easy - Download to start reading immediately after purchase
- Flexible - Read across multiple devices for uninterrupted research
These book series have recently published new volumes and may be accepting new book proposals.
Browse Book Imprints
Publishing Partnerships
Subscription products for learning and research
Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Transforms anatomy learning with ground-breaking technology, models and content. Not just an atlas, but a remote teaching and learning platform with unique collaboration tools. Now featuring the incredible new full-female anatomy model, the result of 4 years of dedicated research & development. Take a free 3-day trial of all premium features and content today.
Streamlines access to consistent, evidence-based information.
The clinical search engine that thinks and works the way you do, making it easier to find and apply relevant knowledge. From quick answers at the point of care to leading full-text reference material, it delivers trusted content to help clinicians.
Comprehensive biomedical research database.
Helps accelerate the discovery of biomedical research and evidence while conducting systematic reviews, monitoring drug safety and complying with medical device regulations.
Librarians: Empower research & learning success
Supports your users, whether they need to develop foundational knowledge from books and backfiles or stay current in subjects that are core to your institution's research and education missions.


text:
I know, two posts in one day, again, but I had to share.
I got my acceptance packet in the mail today and am officially taking the NJ State Bar Exam at the end of this month. I booked the hotel room, I am ready to go.
Luckily the room I found is really nearby, and has a full kitchen, so I can deal with the mad pregnancy issues that will arise at 8 months.
Ugh, I was half hoping they would reject me.
On a happy note, "the show with zefrank" for 2/5 was a really interesting commentary on technological advancement the way people get involved with it. It made me think of all my engineering friends out there. I know you are surfers!! Enjoy!
the show with zefrank: 02-05-07
Also, zefrank mentions Biden's asinine commentary on 2/2, and I found it quite humorous.


text:
Create an analysis on your favorite brand
In Unit V, you selected your favorite brand and described the reasons why this brand is so appealing to you. You will use your favorite brand to create an analysis that identifies the strategic direction of price and promotion.
(1) In this assignment, you will research and provide pricing examples that compare and contrast various factors that influence promotional strategies for each of the five pricing strategies: premium pricing, penetration pricing, economy pricing, psychological pricing, and promotional pricing. (2) Next, you will determine which pricing strategy is represented by your brand's price and discuss why (or why not) the pricing strategy is effective. (3) Finally, you will discuss if the pricing strategy is aligned with the messaging strategy in the promotions. For example, if the pricing strategy is premium pricing, do the promotions communicate the high value of the brand?
You must reference at least two articles from business-related or news websites. All paraphrased and quoted material must be cited and referenced. You will create a four-page Word document, not counting the title and reference pages.
For my favorite brand in my past few assignments, I have chose Apple. I have attached my previous powerpoint assignment to here for reference.


text:
*** Please scroll down for my CAS(E) this Sketch post***
Hello again, it's time for a new colour challenge at AnnaBelle Stamps! I just love this combo, probably because it includes my all time fave colour at the moment 'watermelon', which is included in the Classic Cherry Digital Papers (such great value), and you should see the matching ribbon, there was no way I could fit in on this card, but I sooo wanted to.
And how COOL are these new Designer Flower dies!
You could WIN a $15 GV by joining the challenge, just add your creations to the inlinkz at AnnaBelle Stamps Blog, we'd LOVE you to join us! And don't forget to visit the other Belles to see their fantastic creations (the links are in my sidebar) also don't forget we have Janet O'Brien as our wonderful Guest Designer!
Other Supplies: ABS Distress Ink – Worn Lipstick. Versafine – Onyx Black. Hero Arts – Pool. Bigshot. Blue Carstock.


text:
My friend Wendy is the queen of salads and often on a summer evening would add fruit to her green salads. I played with this and found that almost any combination of salad greens works as do a variety of fruits. This always draws oohs and ahhs from any group I serve and is so perfect for summer grill evenings. A poppy seed dressing works as well as the Buttermilk Ranch on our blog.
4 cups mixed greens
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup red raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
6 strawberries sliced
1 apple – cut into julienne slices
1 red pepper cored and cut into rings
1/2 small sweet onion sliced thinly
Edible garden flowers
Arrange the mixed greens and spinach in a large shallow bowl
Distribute the fruit across the greens evenly
Arrange the red pepper slices across the top
Finish with the apple sticks
Using pansies or begonias or any other edible flower, place decoratively across the top
The fruit and vegetables here are just suggestions. I love using gently blanched asparagus, fresh peas,
avocado cubes, fresh peaches, melon chunks and even freshly cut corn off the cob.
Swiss Woods Bed & Breakfast Inn
Debbie Mosimann
Proud to be the Lancaster County Broad


text:
Training a Child to Work Hard
This is always the phrase that is used by mentors to motivate their students. But in a child, it seems to be a motivation as you are only making your child feel down. Yes, it is true that you can improve your skills if you practice more. On the other hand, it is not an assurance that you can perfect the things that you practice. In reality, there is only a great chance that you can do well to what event you will attend.
For example, in the field of basketball, you have to undergo an intensive and weary training to achieve the championship trophy. There are a lot of teams in the league and all these teams practice every day to win. But why there are still teams that lose where in fact they practice well? This is why you should not push your child to practice hardly to perfect his skills because there is still room for failure no matter how hard you practice.
Once you do this to your child, there is a tendency that you child will train hard and will be hurt once he failed to win. He will feel that he did not train enough. Now, if this happened, all you have to do is motivate your child to maintain and improve his skills in order to encourage him to continue what he started. Your child might be lost for a while but he' will come back when he is prepared and equipped.