Feb 16, 2020 Posted in blog, New Products, Reviews, Tools, Tutorial, Windows

Recover Keys – Part 1 – Scanning a Local Machine

Recovering License Keys

I ran into an issue when trying to upgrade a windows 7 PC back in 2019 before Windows 7 went EOL. A decision was made to start a complete fresh install of Windows 10 instead of upgrading from Windows 7 to 10.

However, it came with a caveat that I would have to reinstall many tools all over again. For some of them, I no longer had a stored copy of the license key(s) laying around, or stored digitally any longer. So it got me thinking, if there was a way to recover these license keys.

Now, I could poke around and find the answers combing through the Registry or disk. However, I thought I’d speed things up by using existing tools that get the job done for you.

Nirsoft (a well-known website for recovering all kinds of artifacts from your PC) used to have a free tool that would search the registry for license keys. The tool was called “ProduKey”, and can be found here:https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

But, upon trying to download the file, it gets redirected to another website called “recover keys” https://recover-keys.com/en/aboutus.html

Passing the GCIH Exam

I’m proud to announce that I have now obtained my SANS – GIAC GCIH certification. It was a long process, and I pushed myself to get it done before the start of the New Year – 2020.

New SANS GIAC changes to exams

One thing that was particularly new for me compared to the other 2 SANS exams I’ve done was the lab questions. SANS with GIAC now has added a section that tests your knowledge through a virtual lab. Now, I have to say I think it’s actually pretty awesome! It puts your real world skills to the test to see if you can actually can apply needed practical skills. It also gives companies assurance that their employees are also getting and being tested on real hands on work and not just theory based topics.

Stealing Windows Wi-Fi WPA2-PSK Passwords through PowerShell

This week, I was hanging out with a friends, who happened to forget their Wi-Fi Password to connect a new device to their network. I decided, I would find a way and help them out so they could obtain the Wi-Fi password. It then led me to a thought, that a malicious attacker could technically use the same technique. Or, that it could be a good technique used when pen testing an environment. So, therefore, I have decided to make a blog post about it. Enjoy!

Google Data Self Destruct

Google Loves Your Data

Google has been following people around for ages. I always point out to people the fact that they state how they would use Google for everything. Whether it’s for using email, spreadsheets, google drive for file storage, chrome as a browser etc… Yet, none of them ever questioned how Google is not charging them for these services? Let’s face it, no company can provide free services, and yet eat up expenses for too long. When I tell people the fact that Google indeed profits off the data from each user. That is truly when people start to realize, and even question that they may be sharing more than they want with Google.

What do I think about Google keeping tabs?

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2019

So, I ended up posting this much later than I anticipated. I originally had it ready for October. However, I had to make some final edits and had to delay it. None the less, here it is a month later!

Cyber security awareness month is coming up real soon. In October, it is nationally known as cyber security month. Many security leaders present important security topics. This is also a time where many companies, government units and various organizations educate their members on cyber security. Many hold training workshops, lectures and send out updates to their workers.

I’d like to highlight some key points that readers should try to implement and incorporate in their personal lives and at work.

The US Cert organization has built some excellent cyber security training.

There detailed reports and educational training can be found all for free à https://niccs.us-cert.gov/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2019