AstrotalkUK

Not for profit website/blog on astronomy, space and my writing

Security hole on – MacOS High Sierra. Login as Root – No password needed!

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Sounds unbelievable but it is true.  Use the username “root” and hit enter in the password field (i.e. no password) and you have full local admin access! So until it is fixed you physical security will be critical. Maybe a good idea not to travel with the mac. The Apple ecosystem is supposed to be one of the most secure but.. Even Android would (probably) not be that relaxed.

I upgraded to MacOS High Sierra at the weekend and tried out the “bug” today. It has been reported widely.  Not only does it work on the System Preferences panel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But it works from the login page. Select “Other User”, type in Root as the username, hit enter in the password field (may need to do this a few times) and .. you are in!

The Indian Space Programme (the book) – price discount and reviews

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Price discounts until the end of November. Ebook £9.99. Book reviews of the The Indian Space Programme.

“A true scholarly, and authoritative history. A landmark book.” Dr Allan Chapman, Wadham College University of Oxford.

“Singh has done a masterful job of pulling together unique material and photos for a popular reader.” Leonard David.

“This is a monumental book on the Indian space program, arguably the least covered major space program in the world. In over 600 pages, the author describes the organization and history of India’s launcher and satellite programs. My conclusion was that if something is not covered in this book, it wasn’t worth covering. Kudos to Mr. Singh for researching and writing such a complete overview. If you have any questions on India’s space efforts, the answer will surely be here.” Bert Vis

“Excellent book giving each and every single detail, not only about India’s Space Programme, but also historical aspects of Europe, USA and Russian” Dr Rajinder Singh, University of Oldenburg, Germany.

 

Available now

 

Public Event. Anglo Indian Stephen Smith – India’s forgotten Rocketeer

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What: A public talk on Anglo Indian Stephen Smith. His life and achievements.

Where: The Larkhill Centre, Thorley Lane, Timperley, WA15 7AZ (about 3 miles from Manchester International Airport)

When: 19:30 – 20:15 Tuesday 21st March 2017

The event is organised by the India Study Circle for Philately. During the 1920s Stephen Smith founded the Calcutta Philatelic Club and the Aero Philatelic Club of India (which changed its name to the Indian Airmail Society in 1930). The rocket mail covers flown in his rockets were in demand by collectors then and remain so today.  A bit more about him on this piece I wrote here and checkout the update in my comment to the same post.

In the talk I will speak about  his personal life story and provided an update on having recently made contact with his  family (grand-daughter and great grand-daughter) living in London. The event is open to the public and is free – includes tea and biscuits.