Will you help us save wifi? The FCC is attempting to force new rules on manufacturers that will require everybody to lock down computing devices. Anything with a modern wireless chip is likely to be affected (software defined radio). This includes routers, cell phones, computers, bluetooth adapters, and similar devices. This means that users won't be able to install free software operating systems such as GNU/Linux or other third party firmwares/operating systems without the cooperation of the manufacturer. An unlikely event in most scenarios as manufacturers tend not to want to support devices longer than the period in which they're marketing / selling them. Users security, privacy, and freedom will be severely compromised.

Here's a question relating to the new rules where they specifically ask manufacturers (who are required by law to certify with the FCC) what they are doing to lock down routers (but also is applicable to other devices):

How will you prevent end users from installing DD-WRT
(DD-WRT is not free software, but a third party router firmware often installed by end-users... it would impact both free and non-free third party software alike)

and...

Third-Party Access Control: What prevents third parties from loading non-US versions of the software/firmware on the device? Describe in detail how the device is protected from “flashing” and the installation of third-party firmware such as DD-WRT.

If you want to purchase a libreCMC router go here. Your time may be running out...

If you want to help save wifi by sending a comment to the FCC please visit the campaign site at www.savewifi.org for instructions on how to proceed.

For more information about all the technical details (in a less technical format) check out the prpl.works blog post (a great detailed, accurate, and lengthy write up on the situation).

Unfortunately the majority of companies and products on the market do little more than give users the illusion of security and privacy. There are more snake oils salesmen peddling fraudulent products like anti-virus and proprietary encryption software than there are actual solutions. Even otherwise good sources of information can easily lead one to believe security is just an add on or click away. Unfortunately this is far from the truth. Security and privacy are hard problems to solve and adding software doesn't magically fix it.

Come learn more about what it takes to secure your computer and protect your privacy. Adam Leibson will be giving a talk at PorcFest (Lancaster, New Hampshire) on Tuesday, June 23rd at 5PM on GnuPG and email encryption. Join us in the Expo Lounge (which is site #93) then. Don't forget to bring a laptop if you have one. We'll be helping people setup GnuPG. The talk will also include a discussion on why security can't be bolted on and how proprietary operating systems get in the way of genuine computer security (even when using the recommended free software, that is free as in freedom, not price).

The Porcupine Freedom Festival is an annual liberty camping event organized by The Free State Project. This year marks the 12th PorcFest. We hope you will join us for the festivities in Northern New Hampshire at Roger’s Campground for the most exciting liberty event of the year! See you there!


Register now to attend Porcfest 2015!

LinuxFest Northwest is the longest running, largest open source conference in the Pacific Northwest. Home to over 80 sessions and 50 exhibitions over two days. Speakers from all areas of tech, and talks covering the full gamut of experience, from newbie to guru will be there.

Come for the code, stay for the people! Northwest has awesome attendees and electrifying parties. Check out the robotics club, the automated home brewing system running on GNU/Linux, or the game room for extra conference fun.

The 2015 event will be held at Bellingham Technical College in Bellingham, WA on April 25th & 26th. Are you attending? If so stop by our booth and say hi!