Category: Security
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Decoding USPS PO Box Combinations – Part 1
A few weeks ago I took a trip to a local antique mall here in Texas. It’s been a few years since I’ve been to one and last time was to find old school padlocks to pick. I found this USPS PO Box door (presumably box #60563) for sale for $20, along with several others.…
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Alarm System Part 1: The old security system
This Blog is part of a Series! Check out the rest if you haven’t already: I’ve recently built my own home security panel. For the code, STLs, and a rambling blog about it, look over here. What does a technology hoarder do with the old system components you probably didn’t ask? I took the existing…
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Home Security & I’m Back
This Blog is part of a Series! Check out the rest if you haven’t already: I’ve blogged for years on this domain, and every few years I get sick of WordPress or the server I’m hosting on, delete it, and don’t look back. This time is no different. By 2026 or so, this post should…
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Jackpotting Parking Meters
This post is years old, it was originally posted on my site and was lost for a bit. I’m bringing it back as original as I can, however I do want to mention that this lock is really easy to pick, you just have to be smart enough to try turning the keyway counter clockwise.…
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Lockboxes and Key Space Exhaustion
On a rare occasion, I’ll have a chance to check out a thrift shop or antique store and see what sorts of locks or security equipment they have for sale. I’ve wanted to check out those realtor lockboxes for some time, but didn’t want to spring $25 for minimal entertainment value. Today, I stopped in…
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Cheap Lockpicking Tools
Lockpicking, or Locksport isn’t the most expensive habit to start up. Often times, you have locks laying around (old computers have them, so do old file cabinets, etc). If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease, you can avoid the expensive tools. Buy a few of the common picks, and tension wrenches, and…
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Rekeying a Kwikset Deadbolt
Update 2024: This was wrote back in 2019, and while Kwikset SmartKey was around, it wasn’t as common. If you see a small slot next to your keyway, this guide is likely not applicable to you. I’ve been largely an information security-heavy person, I’ve decided that I need to start getting “physical” with physical security.…
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Stop Using Security Questions
Please stop using security questions. Why security questions were designed with good intentions If you forget your password, a site can ask you a series of security questions. This allows you to recover your account while still potentially authenticating you with questions only you know. Account recovery options are always a great idea, but doing…
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Scanning IDs — Making Fakes Easier
This is a post from an earlier version of my site, moved to the current version for maximum enjoyment. Originally posted 2018-03-08 -Bob Not long before I procured my wonderful license, they were printed pieces of paper with a photograph attached, then laminated. For both security and durability reasons, all states have moved away from…
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How to Scam Garage Sale Sites with Gift Cards
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: The title is correct, this is how to scam users of garage sale groups. The intended audience, however, is victims and group administrators. The goal here is to convey how easy it is to defraud people into purchasing gift cards, and why they should not be allowed for sale in these groups.…
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Typed, but didn’t send?
Obviously, this is pretty old. If you’re still using Facebook, the best option is to delete Facebook. That said, this sort of stuff is still valid on most platforms today.
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Hiding ‘Typing’ and ‘Seen’ from Facebook Chat
This is a very old post of mine from 2012. My advice has STRONGLY changed. Do not do this, in fact, just don’t use Facebook. Don’t use any social networks. They’re terrible and you are the product. I have no idea if this works anymore. Ever get annoyed by people typing “I KNOW YOU SEEN…