The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

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Cachegeek
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The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by Cachegeek » Thu Nov 11, 2010 1:21 pm

Due to my current job I want to play devils advocate regarding this new cache type.

I love the idea of this new type!! However it really opens the finder up to a virus or keylogger. Yes you can run a scanner on your pc or device but not every scanner will pick up every virus/logger.

Can we discuss ways to protect the finder or protect yourself when locating this new type of cache?

Again don't think I dislike this new type and in fact I already have a USB drive ready to go. :D
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RVRoadTrip
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by RVRoadTrip » Thu Nov 11, 2010 1:34 pm

Computer security is the responsibility of the owner. If anyone has any fears about plugging into a Dead Drop cache, then don't do it. But if you feel secure, then plug right in! :)

For me, I will likely buy an old used laptop for under $100 and use that for Dead Drops. If by chance something happened to it, just wipe it and reload it. Heck, my Droid X will read a USB drive. I wonder how secure that is? I am rooted so I doubt I would do that either - LOL. Any other ideas?

Cachegeek
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by Cachegeek » Thu Nov 11, 2010 1:41 pm

Another idea I use ALOT is load Linux Mint on a CD and run that CD as the OS.

This gives you an OS that is ONLY run in memory and in fact you dont even need to have a hard drive in the machine. When you turn on off the machine everything is gone including any virus or logger you may have picked up.
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glorkar
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by glorkar » Thu Nov 11, 2010 3:03 pm

Moved from the Announcement forum:
A USB cache is simply a USB thumb drive attached to or embedded into a wall, building, curb, etc.
Permission must be granted by the property owner before you permanently attach a USB cache.
If it's mounted in a wall or something similar, wouldn't that make it difficult to access the information on the drive? Or it just more or less a usb drive that is hidden? Sounds like a fun idea, but I'm not sure I would trust plugging into an unknown drive. If I had a throw-away laptop with no personal information on it, I might give it a try. Just my 2 cents.
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RVRoadTrip
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by RVRoadTrip » Thu Nov 11, 2010 3:11 pm

It would look like this when placed:

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Security is an issue for some. If someone is concerned, by all means they shouldn't plug into one... but they also should not discourage others who wish to hide and/or seek Dead Drop caches. I don't care for base jumping but anyone else if free to jump off whatever they want - LOL.

This may not be for everyone but it sure sounds interesting. The guy who came up with this idea has a small site with a few listings but it is a bare bones effort. We added the new cache type here to create awareness and to provide a more suitable listing service. OCPL and OCUK also are adding it, not sure how many other OC sites will do so.

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BlindTyldak
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by BlindTyldak » Thu Nov 11, 2010 3:33 pm

Ubuntu (a version of Linux) is also available on many of the tiny netbook computers, and is practically impervious to most viruses out today. I know I wouldn't risk my Windows machine on one, but I'd feel very confident about it with my Netbook.

Cachegeek
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by Cachegeek » Thu Nov 11, 2010 7:18 pm

RVRoadTrip wrote:It would look like this when placed:

Image

Security is an issue for some. If someone is concerned, by all means they shouldn't plug into one... but they also should not discourage others who wish to hide and/or seek Dead Drop caches. I don't care for base jumping but anyone else if free to jump off whatever they want - LOL.

This may not be for everyone but it sure sounds interesting. The guy who came up with this idea has a small site with a few listings but it is a bare bones effort. We added the new cache type here to create awareness and to provide a more suitable listing service. OCPL and OCUK also are adding it, not sure how many other OC sites will do so.
With this one you could always pick up a USB extension cable. This would allow you to plug into the device.
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Cachegeek
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by Cachegeek » Thu Nov 11, 2010 10:39 pm

Sorry if it sounded like I was trying to discourage others. The purpose of the initial post was to get a discussion going on how to do this cache and be protected at the same time. I obviously should have re-read how I worded the post.

Dont get me wrong as I love this idea and as I did state in the initial post I already have an old USB drive ready to be placed.
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RVRoadTrip
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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by RVRoadTrip » Thu Nov 11, 2010 10:51 pm

Cachegeek wrote:Sorry if it sounded like I was trying to discourage others. The purpose of the initial post was to get a discussion going on how to do this cache and be protected at the same time. I obviously should have re-read how I worded the post.

Dont get me wrong as I love this idea and as I did state in the initial post I already have an old USB drive ready to be placed.
LOL, I wasn't talking about you or anyone else specifically. :D

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Re: The Dead Drop (USB) Cache

Post by Cachegeek » Fri Nov 12, 2010 12:04 am

RVRoadTrip wrote:
Cachegeek wrote:Sorry if it sounded like I was trying to discourage others. The purpose of the initial post was to get a discussion going on how to do this cache and be protected at the same time. I obviously should have re-read how I worded the post.

Dont get me wrong as I love this idea and as I did state in the initial post I already have an old USB drive ready to be placed.
LOL, I wasn't talking about you or anyone else specifically. :D

I work for the DoD and I am use to being very direct with soldiers. That tends to come out sometimes when not on base. :)
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