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2.5 Admins

2.5 Admins 232: S:

Jan 30, 2025
A typo led to a lengthy DNS error for MasterCard, highlighting cybersecurity flaws. The discussion shifts to offsite backups and the risks of SMS-based two-factor authentication, promoting safer alternatives. They delve into incremental backups using ZFS and troubleshooting networking issues with tools like WireGuard and TailScale. Lastly, the hosts explore cloud storage solutions for syncing files on macOS, emphasizing the importance of data integrity and reliable backup practices.
30:20

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • A significant DNS typo at MasterCard revealed the crucial need for meticulous DNS configuration and effective monitoring to prevent operational failures.
  • The podcast discusses the inadequacy of SMS-based two-factor authentication, recommending more secure alternatives like authentication apps to enhance user protection.

Deep dives

DNS Vulnerabilities and Their Consequences

A significant vulnerability involving a DNS typo at MasterCard allowed a security researcher to redirect a portion of their traffic. The error occurred when one of the DNS records for a subdomain was misconfigured, pointing to a non-existent server instead of the correct one. This oversight led to 20% of the DNS lookups failing and introducing unnecessary latency, which could have had severe implications for security as well as user experience. The situation illustrates the critical importance of meticulous DNS configuration and the potential risks associated with overlooking seemingly minor details.

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