Tag: encryption

| Justin

Completing Three Major Projects in One Year

I think it’s important to brag about any project that you manage to take from idea to completion. Many people (myself included) have a ton of ideas, few of which become something, and even fewer of which are actually finished and out there. So you should take any opportunity you get to shout out anything you’ve completed.

Built a website? Cool. Remodeled your kitchen? Nice. Wrote a short story? Awesome. Get out there and tell people!

I know the feeling of wanting to start something new every day just to forget about any mistakes you might have made in the previous day. It’s all about start, start, start. It’s never about finish, finish, finish. I guess sometimes we feel like “new” is better than “old” even if that “old” thing has potential.

Without further ado, these are three major projects that I managed to complete in late 2015 and early 2016. They’re not much, but hey, they’re mine!

Twolips Dating

TwolipsDatingSplashTwolips Dating is an online dating community aimed at those who want to find others based on their knowledge and skills. Find yourself attracted to someone really good at math? Awesome. Find people in the community who have answered a ton of math related trivia questions and quizzes. Sign up for free.

Or just check out the blog to follow updates until you’re ready to start.

Safer Stash

SaferStashSplashSafer Stash is an online encrypted virtual storage for your physical stuff. The image above does a good idea of succinctly describing it. Think of it as an online backup for receipts and images of your expensive belongings so that you’re protected in the event of a loss or other need. Sign up for free.

Or just check out the blog to follow updates until you’re ready to start.

Dota Database

DotaDatabaseSplashThe Dota Database is a site dedicated to Dota 2 enthusiasts and “stats nerds” who are interested in the internal data of Dota 2. You can quickly look up hero stats, item stats, cosmetic item stores, live matches, and more directly data mined from the Dota 2 Game Client and Steam. There’s absolutely no cost to using all the features.… Read more

| Justin

A Quick Reference to Azure Key Vault via Powershell

Azure Key Vault has been generally available in certain regions since June 2015. You can’t use the Azure Portal to work with the key vault yet, so you have to drop down into Azure Powershell and run a few commands. It’s a little confusing to get started since development is ongoing and Azure Powershell itself changes frequently.

Here’s how I have been achieving some simple Azure Key Vault commands via Azure Powershell. I’m using Azure Powershell version 0.9.8, so keep that in mind if you’re comparing these commands to the Getting Started guide linked previously in this article.

Check Your Azure Powershell Version (optional)

If you don’t know what version of Azure Powershell you’re using, try this:

(Get-Module azure -ListAvailable).Version

Switch to AzureResourceManager Mode if Necessary (optional)

Since you’re using version 0.9.8 like me, you need to switch into Azure Resource Manager mode.

Switch-AzureMode AzureResourceManager

Login to Azure

Login to your Azure account and enter your credentials in the popup window. It seems kind of odd that it wouldn’t just make you login via Powershell parameters.

Login-AzureAccount

Create a Resource Group (optional)

You need an Azure Resource Group to add the Azure Key Vault to. If you don’t have one already, create it now. If you already have one, skip this step.

New-AzureResourceGroup -Name <ResourceGroupName> -Location <ResourceGroupLocation>

Create a Key Vault

Now create the Azure Key Vault. To be honest, I don’t know what would happen if you added it to a location that’s different from the Resource Group’s location.

New-AzureKeyVault -VaultName <KeyVaultName> -ResourceGroupName <ResourceGroupName> -Location <ResourceGroupLocation>

Create a Key and Add It to Your Key Vault

Now you need to add a Key to your Key Vault. This cmdlet will create a software-protected key. You could also create a hardware-protected key, but keep in mind that there may be costs associated with that method of extra protection.

Add-AzureKeyVaultKey -VaultName <KeyVaultName> -Name <KeyName> -Destination 'Software'

Confirm the Key Was Created

Get-AzureKeyVaultKey -VaultName <KeyVaultName>

Read more thorough documentation here.… Read more

| Justin

Security, insurance, encryption, and your expensive belongings

People these days tend to buy a lot of gadgets and electronics. Between our smart phones, televisions, cars, computers, tablets, and e-readers, the expense can add up. Many times, we overlook the importance of cataloging everything that we own for various reasons.

First, it keeps us honest. Do we really need another iPhone if we just bought one a year ago? Probably not. Your stash in our service will remind you of when you purchased something (provided you are honest).

Second, theft and loss are real things. We like to pretend that bad things will never happen to our expensive stuff, but it can and probably will. A phone that costs $600 is not something to take lightly, especially if your daily activities require a lot of movement. Documenting the condition of your belongings, when you purchased them, the purchase receipts, and any other details about them can help with police reports and your home or rental insurance.

Third, it’s quite convenient and safe to store your information in online stash. You can pull up your stash on any device that you own immediately. You don’t have to go searching through paper receipts, pulling out the TV to find out what model you have, or go digging through your file cabinets. Everything in your stash is ready for you and secured with multiple levels of security.

Get started for free at https://www.saferstash.com.… Read more