* Posts by Sir Runcible Spoon

5770 publicly visible posts • joined 29 May 2007

Wannacry: Everything you still need to know because there were so many unanswered Qs

Sir Runcible Spoon

@eionmac

"This is an established part of proving 'independence' under HMRC probe for IR35"

Except when you work in the security field, there is no way you would be allowed to connect to the client with anything but a laptop built to their spec. I once even offered to buy my own laptop and have them build it for me to try and meet this rule (and also to bypass their shitty old tech that won't run my 3440*1440 widescreen at anything above 42Hz) but no cigar - it's their laptop or nothing.

It's a problem (re: IR35) which is why I take a lot more pains to ensure the working relationship is that of business-business etc. rather than employer-employee (much more important to IR35 imho)

Dude hit with $300K bill for faking his hours, hacking boss's website

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Security Specialists hacked by security guard

"despite backups being one of the services they offered."

My home IT setup always 'needs work'. Visit any builders' home and you will find half-finished projects everywhere.

SNAFU

Drugs, vodka, Volvo: The Scandinavian answer to Britain's future new border

Sir Runcible Spoon

@Ledswinger

you may want to re-read the post you replied to, I don't believe they were condoning the use of the 'flip book' whilst actually driving.

I read it as someone holding up a screen with rapidly changing 'plates' to be read by the camera and f$ck up its data set.

IBM freezes contractor hires to keep full-time workers fully occupied

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: My only comments ever banned by the Reg have been about IBM

This is actually very relevant today for anyone who supports the 'spy on everyone and track their every move' system by writing all the software that does all that etc.

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: We were already 'optimised'

For some reason, the people who make these 'cost savings' are never the ones to actually feel the pain of the results.

For example, how much money would they save by not having a warm body "sign off expensive journeys that will require supporting documentation before they'll be authorised."

Agile consultant behind UK's disastrous Common Platform Programme steps down

Sir Runcible Spoon
Joke

Re: AC Agile and government do not mix

I've just had the oddest experience of fully agreeing with everything MAtt has put into a post on El Reg.

Time to buy a lucky-dip methinks :P

Majority of contractors distrust HMRC's IR35 calculator, survey finds

Sir Runcible Spoon
Coat

Re: Sounds like the Oozalum bird

I need new glasses, that last word read as 'asshairs'

Sir Runcible Spoon

"No. His own company was his employer."

A lot depends on the actual day to day working practices. There are several key elements to take into consideration as far as I'm concerned (and I come across as quite 'difficult' when I 'train' the people I work with to adhere to these principles).

1. Right of Substitution - real or sticky plaster? - Some roles are not subject to simple substitution (requiring bespoke client knowledge as well as security clearances etc.) but should at least be *theoretically* possible.

2. BAU or Project work? If the work can dry up and you are out on your ear, that's a key component of being considered outside IR35 imho. BAU roles are hard to defend as they are typically considered 'employee' type roles.

3. Who do you work for? If you work for yourself, act like it. Clients provide the work, but it's up to you how you do it. If they want you on-site for a meeting, they *ask*, not tell. If they give you a company 'signature' to use, amend it to show you are independent of the client.

Just to re-iterate, above all, if you think you work for yourself, act like it.

After years of warnings, mobile network hackers exploit SS7 flaws to drain bank accounts

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Well actually the reason was different

HSBC also uses 2fa, for both business and personal banking. Just sayin'.

Greater Manchester cops fined after victim interview vids lost in post

Sir Runcible Spoon

If I tried to send a secure network design though such a system I would be keel-hauled, I can only imagine you are referring to government stuff and not the private sector!

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: £300k in fines over 3 years...

It would be even cheaper just to encrypt the bloody files and send them via email.

UK.gov job ads entice IT bods with promise they will be OUTSIDE IR35

Sir Runcible Spoon
WTF?

Re: May the farce be with you

When they roll this out to the private sector next year, and unless the private sector can replicate this feat of guaranteeing a contract being outside ir35, then this could actually reverse the trend of people steering clear and actually heading *towards* the public sector.

*shudders*

Male escort forgot pregnancy protection, scores data protection instead

Sir Runcible Spoon
Coat

Re: Well I learned something new

What line of work did you say you were in?

Sir Runcible Spoon
Trollface

Re: I feel sorry for the child

Next we'll be hearing about being chased down for child support based from sperm bank donors (I don't see how this situation is *that* different :) )

LinkedIn chatbots to help with 'important conversations'

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Linkedin

I do have a LinkedIn profile, but it is bereft of any details.

It's only there so people who I work with can 'find' me -they seem to get more worried when they couldn't find me at all.

Linux Mint-using terror nerd awaits sentence for training Islamic State

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: USB cufflinks.

Best place to hide a USB drive is inside another USB drive.

Sir Runcible Spoon

Linux users & cufflinks

Perhaps some kind of sock-clip to stop them falling down towards their sandals then?

Another career suicide as reporter leaves The Register for broadcaster

Sir Runcible Spoon

What's the BBC?

Sir Runcible Spoon

Who's Andrew Martin?

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Reporter leaves The Register

Regardless of what you think of Mr Orlowski's articles, he *is* a part of the furniture now and has earned his place (I admit that the furniture in question might be a little bit bit worse for wear after having the local kennel club round for a sleep-over :) )

Good luck Agent J ;)

'I feel violated': Engineer who pointed out traffic signals flaw fined for 'unlicensed engineering'

Sir Runcible Spoon
Joke

Re: Gas

"I pump my own gas all the time in Oregon"

How do you stop it escaping?

Sir Runcible Spoon

ianae, but the dictionary provides plenty of examples of how you can be one without having an actual degree to that effect.

For example, someone 'engineers' something if it is built according to scientific principles. The person doing so is therefore, by definition, an engineer.

However, protected job titles, such as Engineer, should be protected and venerated, because the persons achieving that status are likely to have to much broader set of skills than someone who just 'engineers' stuff in their garage (nothing wrong with that mind).

For example, I design secure networks for large corporations. It requires a large number of skills to accomplish (not just technical), but I'm not an Architect, I'm an architect. I still get paid :)

Just delete the internet – pr0n-blocking legislation receives Royal Assent

Sir Runcible Spoon

You know fucking well that all those pr0n sites are going to charge you 10p via your credit card to make sure you are over 18.

What...could...possibly...go...wrong???

Drink Dr Pepper.

Just how screwed is IT at the Home Office?

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: IR35

This is the main thing I noticed in the article as well. If there isn't a substantial change in the actual engagement of the contractors and how they work - how can they now suddenly be outside IR35?

I mean, they were probably outside it before and the HO shit their pants after they decided they *had* to find them inside IR35 and subsequently lost a major component in their ability to delivery projects. All of a sudden they can deem them 'outside' again.

@El Reg - there is a story here, please go and get it!

BOFH: This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: ITEOTWAWKI

Apparently, unlike Sith, the master can have more than one apprentice :D

Sir Runcible Spoon

New terms

I remember when the 'cloud' first became a thing - I thought I knew a thing or two at the time, but here was a bunch of numpties sales droids selling something that I knew nothing about.

It actually took me a while (I was young then) to work out what they meant - at which point I was like "Fuck me - you ignorant arseholes have just re-branded the hosting services" (which even back then included a web page where you could order the server of your specification and have it rolled out within the day).

Boffins supercharge the 'hosts' file to save users plagued by DNS outages

Sir Runcible Spoon
Paris Hilton

Re: I've set up my own DNS servers

Does that setup counteract DSN interception at your provider?

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Missing the obvious solution?

"I've investigated exactly how one would execute various attacks on the Internet infrastructure every few years since the mid-90's."

Whenever I do that I always come back to two answers:

1. DNS

2. BGP

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Missing the obvious solution?

It would be nice to have a local backup of DNS resolutions and a lightweight application that can check if your current (live) resolution matches that of the recorded one.

If it discovers a mismatch, it flags the discrepancy, leaving you to go and discover if it's a deliberate change, or a hijacking.

I could live with that (mind you, when I used to run Vista I never turned off that 'are you sure' button that came up every time you tried to run something - for some reason I actually preferred having to click 'yes' than having some toe-rag hijack my system :))

Intel's Optane in PCs is as good as it will get for years, says analyst

Sir Runcible Spoon

I'm going to upvote you for the idea about using a smaller ssd for the pagefile

Shock horror: US military sticks jump leads on human brains to teach them a lesson

Sir Runcible Spoon
Alert

Re: Lovely.

"I know Kung-Fu"

iPhone lawyers literally compare Apples with Pears in trademark war

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Changing names

Fair point :)

(.o.)

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Changing names

"Apple would still kick up a fuss because they're tits!"

Looks like a spotty bum to me :P

UK drops in World Press Freedom Index following surveillance and anti-espionage threats

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Three rules of legislation

Our tax system is deliberately complex and full of loopholes - it's written that way by people who understand taxation so they can offer 'tax streamlining' for those who can pay.

Of course, eventually these loopholes filter down the chain a little to celebretards and your common businessman etc. at which point they are crucified in the press for tax 'avoidance' - meanwhile the slimy fuckers move on to their next set of crafted loopholes.

Am I allowed to hate bankers? Are they a protected race yet?

Sir Runcible Spoon
Joke

Re: If you go back to 2009...

Accrington Stanley? Who are they?

I believe their full title is

"Accrington Stanley Nil"

UK.gov throws hissy fit after Twitter chokes off snoop firm's access

Sir Runcible Spoon
Big Brother

If TM thinks so highly of his opinion, she wouldn't mind putting him in front of a bunch of security techs to address their concerns would she?

I have a very strong feeling she knows full well he doesn't know what he's talking about, but since he is telling her what she wants to hear everyone else can eff off.

Oh dear, Prime Minister! Nearly 100 Beeb bosses make more than you

Sir Runcible Spoon
Trollface

PM Base Salary £150k

I know they get other perks and juicy directorships etc. and you don't want people in the job just for the pay-cheque, but £150k seems a little on the low side for the leader of a G8 country.

Hackers uncork experimental Linux-targeting malware

Sir Runcible Spoon
Paris Hilton

default port

why would you need '-p 22' ?

Sir Runcible Spoon
Joke

Re: these people are not hackers

hackers are people criminals too!

Irish Stripe techie denied entry to US – for having wrong stamp in passport

Sir Runcible Spoon

I'd say that in most cases the scenario you describe is probably more accurate. I'm not justifying it, I'm just trying to think down to their level, but I can't hold my breath for that long that low down :P

Sir Runcible Spoon

Telling someone that you have ways (of varying levels of believe-ability) knowing if they are telling the truth or not *usually* results in exaggerated behavior if someone is lying.

So it's effective in a limited way - certainly better than nothing.

'Grueling' record-breaking VR movie marathon triggers hallucinations

Sir Runcible Spoon
Coat

"he reported hallucinations when approaching his goal."

So he imagined he was playing football whilst he was still on his bike? Wow :)

Man nicked trying to 'save' beer from burning building

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Give the chap the benefit of the doubt

I think the Paul Hogan adverts helped a bit as well :)

"Excuse me, can you tell me the way to Cock Fosters?"

"Sure mate, drink it warm."

Webroot antivirus goes bananas, starts trashing Windows system files

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: AFAIK that makes it the only anti malware tool actually doing its job

" it screwed up by not removing the files permanently."

You know that putting files into Quarantine doesn't actually delete them, and is normal behavior for AV software?

Sir Runcible Spoon
Trollface

Re: Kaspersky No Better

I'm in two minds on this story.

On the one hand you have a company borking thousands of Windows machines (do they test their signature packs before delivery?!) - and on the other you have the possibility that the software is actually doing it's job :P

Lyrebird steals your voice to make you say things you didn't – and we hate this future

Sir Runcible Spoon
Coffee/keyboard

Re: My voice. is my. passport

"and doesn't blind you with CGI" - You remember that the techie guy was blind, don't you?

Will the MOAB (Mother Of all AdBlockers) finally kill advertising?

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: Too much conflation of ads with advertising...

"on TV, ads are despised. They break up the content in such a way that's jarring, either through commercial breaks or poorly designed and executed "inline" copy."

Speaking of which, there's a channel on Sky called 'Talking Pictures' that plays old movies etc.

When they cut to the splash screen just before the adverts, they tend to cut the movie mid-sentence, and the screen rez. change is quite jarring, then there is a blaring 'Talking Pictures!" announcement.

My wife and I now refer to it as 'Talking *over* Pictures.

I'm also one of those weird people that read movie credits (seriously, you think only actors have stage names? Either that or if you want your kid to work in the movie industry give them a really bizarre name) and what I really hate is when, at the end of the movie/show, they shove the credits to one side immediately that they appear and talk over it all, then resume when they're just about done and you get 2 seconds of the credits and music. F&cking hate that with a passion.

/rant :)

Sir Runcible Spoon

Re: "People don't hate adverts"

"I can live with ads, things need to be paid for in one form or another."

*Some* things need to be paid for 'one way or another' - it doesn't necessarily have to be with Ads though.

I don't use ad-blockers (mostly because I am using a work's machine) but if I ever go to a site that offends my eyeballs I never go there again.

I am therefore perfectly happy for these type of offensive websites to be starved of funds and removed the the interwebs because I'm losing precisely nothing.

I don't know how much El Reg gets for it's advertising, and I don't know how much it costs to run the place, but there must be ways of introducing an 'ad policy' for your website - even if it means losing some advertisers. Good quality ones will come along and not get barred, they will be tasteful and will probably be made better than the splatter-cast crap we see now.

On a site like El-Reg, this will probably end up as the 'high end' of the advertising model - lots of technical (and touchy) people, if they accept it they'll stop blocking and be more likely to see your advert.

There is nothing wrong with setting the bar high and accepting that it will take a while to fill the ad space to capacity. Once you've achieved that status, it's all gravy.