Here is another sales pitch by Gartner disguised as independent analysis. They might as well say “This advertisement for Verisign sponsored by Gartner”, or vice versa.

It outlines how simple log management could be (e.g. find your data, figure out the flow, put it in a central place) but they say “actionable” when they really mean “in theory”. The “should do” does not automatically translate into a “how to”. Beware the difference.

The ultimate irony is Kelly Kavanagh of Gartner for the past three years has warned everyone about the risks of outsourcing security, and here he is on an advertisement for a security service provider.

I see that as a conflict of interest. Wouldn’t surprise me if Kavanagh soon takes a position with Verisign or another service provider, if he hasn’t already.

Someone should start a GartnerWatch site to keep track of where they pollute their independence and how often they are off the mark. Would they be in their own magic quadrant? Is anyone keeping a log of their statements and managing it properly…?

Wonder if this might work in Afghanistan:

Police were hoping for a good turnout at their “Kicks for Guns” sneaker exchange Friday, but they weren’t expecting to get a surface-to-air missile launcher.

An Ocoee man showed up and exchanged the 4-foot-long launcher for size-3 Reebok sneakers for his daughter.

This really puts the recent TSA MANPADS Airport Footprint Analysis Software request in perspective. Rather than spend oodles of money trying to develop an accurate 3D model of airports to predict shoulder-fired missile danger zones, perhaps someone could start assessing what percentage of the 500,000 MANPADs are in the US already and calculating the number and cost of sneakers needed to trade for them?

Uncommon? This story comes shortly after CNN reported a rocket launcher found in a New Jersey lawn, and the AP reported a patriot missile discovered in a Florida scrap yard.

Experts were drafted in from the nearby MacDill Air Force Base, who quickly identified the object as a Patriot. They said that it was harmless, as it was missing its warhead. MacDill spokesman Lt. Omar Villarreal confirmed that the missile did not contain, in his words, ‘the part on top that goes boom.’

According to reports, however, the missile still had its rocket motor and guidance system. Experts suggested that it could have been a model used for training purposes.

Wired even has a picture. Last time I checked, secure missile disposal by the DoD meant that a motor (hazardous material) and guidance system (classified material) should not end up in an uncontrolled/public area.

BBC Three’s “The Real Hustle: Real Scams” has placed Bluetooth at the top of their list of scams:

Bluetooth is great for swapping photos with friends or connecting your mobile to a laptop. But did you also know that while you are accessing another person’s device with your Bluetooth, a hustler could be hacking into your mobile using an inexpensive PDA and software downloaded off the net?

Amazing that this would be listed above financial fraud…

In the UK, a fraudulent bankcard transaction takes place every seven seconds.

Wonder if anyone has an estimate of the rate of bluetooth attacks. Might be fun to do a sample or study just to see.