My Top 4 Everyday Apps

   I don't know about you, but I was not happy when Google announced that it would be pulling support of Google Reader on July 1.  Reader is tool I use all the time.  I have the RSS toolbar extension on Firefox on my computers set to default to reader so I can quickly add new sources to my feeds.  I regularly check reader on my computers and use the app on my mobile devices.

   So I was looking for a reader replacement.  CIO Online put together a nice list of alternatives.  After reviewing that list, I decided that feedly seemed to be the app that best met my needs.  I downloaded the feedly add-on for my browser(s) as well as the app for my mobile devices.  And that got me thinking... do I need the app on my mobile devices?  After all, mobile devices tend to become clogged with too many apps, and mine are no exception.

   And that got me thinking... what mobile apps am I really using?

Something You Lost - 3 Factors of Fail (part 3)

   As you can tell if you read my last post, I have some pretty strong opinions about the failure of passwords as an authentication mechanism.

   To review, the 3 factors of authentication are referred to as: something you know, something you have and something you are.  Today, in part 3 of this series, we'll talk about the failure of the second factor of authentication, "something you have".  Here are links to parts 1 and 2 of the series.

   While not the oldest form of authentication, this factor of authentication has been around for a long time.  Think about a key, or perhaps some kind of scroll with the symbol from a leader, or even the sword in the stone!  A driver's license, ID card, credit card or passport is also something you have.  These are all things someone can have and can be used identify them or grant access.

   Today, the term "2-factor authentication" can the use of any two different factors of authentication.  But most commonly it refers to the combination of password or PIN that you know, with a single use 6-digit number from some kind of token.

   Here are the three most common single use string/token delivery methods:

A Few of My Favorite Things - Apps

   I recently (finally) got modern smartphone.  My previous phone was the "free" phone from over 2 years ago.  Even when I had a basic smartphone I very quickly found useful apps that used everyday.

   Someone was recently asking me what apps I use on my phone.  I thought it would be useful to make a list of some of my favorites here and focus on those that I use most.