Network Security Toolkit 18-4509

Ron Henderson has announced the availability of a major new release of Network Security Toolkit (NST), a specialist Fedora-based live DVD featuring a collection of open-source network security applications: "We are pleased to announce the latest NST release - 'NST 18 SVN:4509'. This release is based on Fedora 18 using Linux kernel 3.8.6. This is the most robust and stable release of NST to date. Significant effort has been devoted to integrate systemd service control support with all network services applications, thus providing enhanced management and flexibility when using the NST WUI. Here are some of the highlights for this release: created a more friendly and intuitive user experience when booting NST Live and performing a hard disk installation; added a new NST script, nstipconf, which provides management to easily setup IPv4 address and stealth network configurations...." Continue to the full release announcement if you'd like to find out more about the product. Download: nst-18-4509.i686.iso (1,762MB).

Lightweight Portable Security 1.3.6

Lightweight Portable Security (LPS) is a Linux live CD with a goal of allowing users to work on a computer without the risk of exposing their credentials and private data to malware, key loggers and other Internet-era ills. A minor maintenance update, version 1.3.6, was released yesterday: "Changes in Version 1.3.6 - maintenance release, released 14 September 2012: updated Firefox to 10.0.7 ESR; updated Firefox extension - HTTPS Everywhere 2.2.2; updated Firefox extension - NoScript 2.5.4; updated Thunderbird to 10.0.7 ESR (Deluxe only); updated Pidgin to 2.10.6 (Deluxe only); Flash not updated to 11.2.202.238 (it crashes with YouTube); updated Java to 6u35; updated OpenSSH to 6.1p1; removed Firefox extension blocklisting, which generated spurious warnings; minor bookmark updates." See the complete changelog for further details. Download (MD5): LPS-1.3.6_public.iso (181MB), LPS-1.3.6_public_deluxe.iso (391MB).

Network Security Toolkit 2.16.0-4104

Ronald W. Henderson has announced the release of an updated build of Network Security Toolkit (NST), a Fedora based live DVD with a good collection of open-source network security applications: "We are pleased to announce the latest NST release: version 2.16.0-4104. This release is based on Fedora 16 using Linux kernel 3.4.9. This is a interim release which includes all of the NST and Fedora 16 package updates since 2012-02-27 rolled into a fresh ISO image. If you are building your own NST yum repository or have a subscription to the NST PRO yum repository, you may not need this ISO image as you should be able to simply 'yum update' you NST system(s). The NST project team has worked with the CloudShark folks to facilitate uploading and viewing network packet captures generated by an NST system to either CloudShark.org or a CloudShark Appliance. A new CloudShark Upload Manager tool was created and embedded within the NST WUI to accomplish this. Visit the project's home page to read the full announcement. Download: nst-2.16.0-4104.i686.iso (1,441MB).

Sophos UTM 9

Angelo Comazzetto has announced the release of Sophos UTM 9, a network security solution previously known as Astaro Security Gateway and now called Sophos Unified Threat Management: "UTM 9 is a major new version that offers over 60 new features and abilities. We now offer the ability to manage antivirus and device control on your desktops with the same finesse that has made our RED branch office product and integrated wireless management offerings so popular. There is a new captive portal system, allowing you to create wireless hotspots for guests in your company, hotels, coffee shops, or other public places. The Antivirus system has been bolstered with the addition of Sophos' enterprise-class scanner, while UTM 9 remains one of the only products to offer dual scanning engines in parallel to give you extra security and choice. We yet again lead the way with a totally new HTML5 VPN system that is a true clientless system for accessing desktops and servers remotely." Read the full release announcement and the 15-page release notes. Download: asg-9.000-8.1.iso (465MB, MD5).

Prevent Ubuntu from asking a password after resuming from Hibernate or Suspend

When you close the lid of your laptop and Ubuntu is running, the computer goes into Suspend mode. Same goes for chosing Hibernate from the shutdown menu, when the laptop goes into deep sleep and consumes less power. When resuming from these two states, Ubuntu will ask you for your password. If you’d like to get rid of this password field, you need to launch gconf-editor and navigate to apps > gnome-power-manager > lock. There you’ll find a checkbox for hibernate and one for suspend. Uncheck these and close the Configuration Editor. Next time you resume from Suspend and Hibernate, you won’t be prompted for a password.
You can still manually lock your screen before closing the lid by using Ctrl+Alt+L.