Onion Routing

I was recently reading some literature about data encryption and I stumbled across an interesting concept. The classic secure communication model is the one where the sender encrypts the message and sends it across the network, which is then decrypted at the receiver’s end. In real life, this is done over several networks and several routers. This method works well because we assume that the routers are completely secure and they do exactly what they are told. Now what if a router is compromised on the path? An attacker will be able to monitor all the traffic that goes through it. Once the attacker gains control of the router, many bad things can happen like decryption of secure messages, false communication, leakage of sensitive details etc. How do we prevent it?   Continue reading “Onion Routing”

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a form of contactless communication between devices like smartphones or tablets. Contactless communication allows a user to wave the smartphone over a NFC compatible device to send information without needing to touch the devices together or go through multiple steps setting up a connection. This is very fast and convenient. NFC technology is popular in parts of Europe and Asia, and is quickly spreading throughout the United States. It is very useful to people who are buying things at a grocery store, businesses looking for faster and secure payments methods for customers, friends touring some unknown place, etc. So what exactly is the technology behind NFC? Is it any different from bluetooth?   Continue reading “Near Field Communication (NFC)”