For First Time Since 9/11, TSA Allows Knives

When 9/11 happened, the Transportation Security Administration cracked down on airline security. Liquids were regulated, and even small pocket knives were confiscated. Recently, the TSA has started to loosen it's grip a bit. For the first time in over 11 years, the TSA is allowing knives on flights. According to the TSA, "knives permitted under the policy must be able to fold up and have blades that are 2.36 inches or less in length and are less than 1/2-inch wide."

So far there have been mixed feelings about the new policy. The TSA has made these changes to conform U.S. security standards to international standards, and to allow the TSA to concentrate on more serious safety threats. But those who are against the policy, including Delta Airlines, pilots and flight attendants, feel that it is unwise to peel back any layer of security, no matter how small-scale.

Some feel that the TSA is only concerned with preventing planes from being turned into missiles, not with individual passengers. What do you think about the TSA changes? Let us know!

LinkedIn, Locked Out

On Wednesday LinkedIn users everywhere got the news that over 6.5 million user passwords leaked online. A russian forum user announced that he had hacked LinkedIn, and subsequently uploaded the millions of passwords online. The encryption LinkedIn used to safeguard its passwords was thought to be pretty secure, but it was the manner in which they stored it that caused the infiltration. LinkedIn stored the passwords as unsalted hashes, basically meaning that it made it easier and faster for hackers to crack the passwords.

Following confirmation of the hack, LinkedIn advised users to change their passwords as an extra security measure. If you have not yet changed yours, you can get instructions on how to do so here. Users who were affected by the security breach, however, have already been notified via email.

In the wake of the security breach, LinkedIn has been making changes to its security system, now transition into one with both hashed and salted passwords. During the ordeal, LinkedIn was wise to keep its users informed, in proper crisis communications fashion. The professional social media outlet utilized Twitter with up-to-date news and was quick to respond following reports of the hacking.

Does the password hack affect your feelings toward LinkedIn? Why or why not? Let us know!