

2.5 Admins
The Late Night Linux Family
2.5 Admins is a podcast featuring two sysadmins called Allan Jude and Jim Salter, and a producer/editor who can just about configure a Samba share called Joe Ressington. Every week we get together, talk about recent tech news, and answer some of your admin-related questions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 26, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 214: No VLANs
The discussion kicks off with Google's controversial call to rethink WHOIS for TLS verification, prompting debates about security alternatives. They dive into strategies for isolating IoT devices using Ubiquiti gear, alongside tips for setting up WiFi in new homes. Insights on enhancing remote access with WireGuard lead to hardware recommendations. They also tackle the intricacies of network devices, emphasizing the balance between usability and security, and share thoughts on optimizing connectivity and site-to-site VPN setups.

Sep 19, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 213: Photo Philosophy
The Malaysian government’s misguided plan to control its citizens’ DNS, the wrong way to deploy underwater servers, a philosophical question about how long a person’s photos will exist, and how we manage our SSH keys.
Plug
Support us on patreon and get an ad-free RSS feed with early episodes sometimes
News/discussion
Malaysia’s plan to block overseas DNS dies after a day
Proposed underwater data center surprises regulators who hadn’t heard about it
Free consulting
We were asked about how we manage our SSH keys.
1Password
Extended Access Management: Secure every sign-in for every app on every device. Support the show and check it out at 1password.com/25a
Automox
Check out the brand new Autonomous IT podcast. Listen in as a variety of experts in the IT Operations space discuss the latest Patch Tuesday releases, mitigation tips, and custom automations to help with CVE remediations. Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
See our contact page for ways to get in touch.

Sep 12, 2024 • 29min
2.5 Admins 212: WHODIS
Discover the alarming exploitation of the WHOIS system by a rogue server, revealing critical internet security flaws. Microsoft is shaking things up by mandating updates for older Windows 11 versions—get ready to adapt! Plus, learn simple ways to set up TP-Link Omada gear and tackle common networking concerns. The hosts dive into Apple’s connectivity issues and offer practical Wi-Fi troubleshooting tips. Tune in for tech insights that blend humor with essential advice for staying secure and connected!

Sep 5, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 211: Open Sourceless
Another example of the downsides of abstraction, whether AI can ever be truly “open source”, and the security benefits and drawbacks of different types of VPN.
Plug
Support us on patreon and get an ad-free RSS feed with early episodes sometimes
News/discussion
Hackers infect ISPs with malware that steals customers’ credentials
Debate over “open source AI” term brings new push to formalize definition
Free consulting
We were asked about whether VPNs are a security measure.
See our contact page for ways to get in touch.

Aug 29, 2024 • 31min
2.5 Admins 210: Ryzen Up
The discussion dives into AMD's controversial patch for Ryzen 3000 CPUs and scrutinizes the benchmarking of Ryzen 9000 processors. The hosts touch on the difficulties of balancing innovation and stability in kernel development and the challenges of integrating Bcachefs. Cybersecurity compliance issues at Georgia Tech reveal stark consequences for institutions failing to meet security standards. Plus, practical advice is offered on monitoring home networks, especially with the surge of IoT devices.

Aug 22, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 209: Faulty Defaults
The discussion kicks off with vulnerabilities in outdated SSH implementations, sparking debate about secure protocols. A staggering incident reveals how a weak RSA key enabled control of a massive virtual power plant. The hosts delve into the intricacies of file synchronization tools and advocate for strong encryption practices. They also explore self-hosted photo management solutions, emphasizing the importance of backups and data control in the cloud. Tune in for insights on enhancing security and navigating modern tech challenges!

Aug 15, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 208: All CPUs suck
Discover how to exploit a Windows security flaw that reverts systems to outdated versions. Delve into a critical IPv6 vulnerability with a high CVSS score and the challenges of inadequate mitigation guidance from Microsoft. Explore alarming CPU vulnerabilities in AMD and Intel chips, including the sync close bug and damaging firmware issues. Learn about the complexities of using Samba on Linux within Active Directory, with practical insights on managing file permissions and access controls.

Aug 8, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 207: Insecure Boot
A serious vulnerability exposes over 200 device models, raising alarms about Secure Boot security. Amazon is fervently pushing to monetize Alexa after losing substantial funds since its launch. Listeners receive valuable tips on how to evaluate open-source software on GitHub, ensuring safe usage. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of using trusted Linux distribution repositories over direct installs, enhancing software management and security.

6 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 31min
2.5 Admins 206: CrowdStruck
Jake Williams, a cybersecurity expert renowned for his insights on ransomware, dives into the chaos sparked by a faulty CrowdStrike update that left Windows users in a blue screen frenzy. He shares the hilariously awkward ESXi vulnerability that ransomware gangs are eagerly exploiting. The conversation also touches on the complexities of memory management and the challenges of kernel vulnerabilities. Plus, Jake provides actionable advice on optimizing storage performance with SAS drives and PCIe cards, ensuring your system runs smoother.

Jul 25, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 205: Dogs Hate BTC
Discover how a Bitcoin mine affects a Texas town's health, debate on paying for Windows 10 extended support, and learn about managing router redundancy for better network stability.