1. Behind the 6-digit code: Building HOTP and TOTP from scratch
Total comment counts : 24
Summary
The article discusses the concepts of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) used in modern authentication systems, focusing on HOTP and TOTP algorithms. OTPs enhance security by generating a code that is valid only for a single use or for a limited time, mitigating risks associated with replay attacks. The server and user must share a secret key, which can be dynamically altered using time, as in TOTP. The article explains the synchronization of this process and the importance of using cryptographically secure algorithms to generate OTPs, ultimately leading to safer authentication methods.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Six-digit verification codes used in “forgot password” flows are one-time passwords (OTPs), distinct from HOTP/TOTP which involve a registration step with a server-generated secret. The TOTP method can be enhanced using public key cryptography, akin to how security keys work. This approach could prevent phishing by limiting which apps can request security keys, leading to a concept similar to WebAuthn. It’s also important to implement protections against code guessing attacks on these six-digit schemes, despite their large number of possibilities. The article appreciates the exploration of HMAC internals and security functions.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article mentions a brief 20-line Python implementation available on GitHub that clarified concepts for the author. The link to the implementation is provided: mintotp on GitHub.
2. Hacking a Smart Home Device (2024)
Total comment counts : 21
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience reverse engineering an ESP32-based air purifier to integrate it with Home Assistant. Frustrated by the device’s reliance on a poorly designed mobile app that requires cloud connectivity, the author decided to hack it for local control. By analyzing the app’s APK file, they identified the use of secure WebSocket connections and the cloud server’s domain. They employed network monitoring tools like Pi-hole and Wireshark to intercept and emulate the traffic, aiming to enable seamless local control of the device within their smart home system.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article argues that air purifiers could function effectively without complex IoT systems. Instead of relying on multiple devices and apps, a simple air quality sensor could be directly attached to the purifier for automatic adjustment. The author contrasts this with a dependable, hardwired motion sensor that activates a hallway light without the need for wireless connectivity, highlighting its reliability over a decade without failures.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article advocates for consumers to reject home products that undermine local control. It emphasizes that devices requiring a Wi-Fi password for full functionality should be returned. Consumers should have the choice to prioritize security and privacy over convenience, with products offering options that don’t compromise these values. The author specifically mentions refusing to purchase doorbell cameras that lack RTSP support as a personal example of this stance.
3. JSLinux
Total comment counts : 25
Summary
The article lists available emulated systems, including x86 and riscv64 options. Notable systems include x86 Alpine Linux 3.12.0 (both Console and X Window), Windows 2000 (Graphical), FreeDOS (VGA Text), and various configurations of riscv64 Buildroot and Fedora 33 (both Console and X Window, with warnings for longer boot times). Right-clicking may provide additional menu options. The content is attributed to Fabrice Bellard, spanning updates from 2011 to 2021.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Fabrice has effectively created self-sustaining software, exemplified by JSLinux’s terminal emulator, which evolved into the popular xterm.js. He is now developing a faster successor to JSLinux, compiling the kernel and userspace to WebAssembly and utilizing xterm.js for terminal emulation. Currently, a demo is available at linux.tombl.dev, though it mainly features a busybox shell with limited functionality, allowing only basic commands like echo *.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Fabrice is an impressive creator with an astonishing portfolio, having developed notable projects like FFmpeg, QEMU, and TinyCC. Unlike others who might boast about such achievements, he humbly continues to work on new, exciting projects.
4. Tomb Engine
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
TombEngine is an open-source project for creating custom Tomb Raider experiences, developed by a community independent of Core Design, Eidos Interactive, and Embracer Group AB, which owns the trademark. The code is freely available for study and contributions; however, it is not for sale and maintained by volunteer contributors. The project disclaims responsibility for any illegal use of the source code, which is provided as-is.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the challenges of re-implementing a game like TR, noting that starting with the PC release can be beneficial for disassembling and understanding asset structure. It emphasizes that the project would likely involve significant trial and error, making it an enormous undertaking.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author reflects on creating levels for Tomb Raider in their youth, finding joy in designing enchanting, sacred spaces. Despite lacking an audience, it felt like personal folk art. This experience was later matched by Minecraft, where they enjoyed building with square blocks, shaping environments by manipulating ceiling and ground elements. They recommend a tutorial video for further insight into this creative process.
5. How many supernova explode every year?
Total comment counts : 27
Summary
The website has activated a security service to defend against online attacks, which has led to your access being blocked. This may result from specific actions like submitting certain phrases or malformed data. You can notify the site owner of the block by providing details of your actions and the Cloudflare Ray ID noted at the bottom of the page.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article advises readers to play “Outer Wilds” without spoiler discussions. It notes the lack of information on how many letters are needed to encode all observable supernovae in a year, estimating around 1 billion supernovae across 100 billion galaxies. Mathematical corrections suggest that encoding them could lead to designations like ‘SN2050aaaaaah’ due to limitations in letter combinations.
Top 2 Comment Summary
In Outer Wilds, players can observe a visible supernova with the naked eye early in the game. Unlike the random probe launch, this event is straightforward to connect without deep game lore if players are attentive.
6. Whistleblower details how DOGE may have taken sensitive NLRB data
Total comment counts : 26
Summary
A whistleblower has raised concerns that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, improperly accessed sensitive data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including information about union organizing and ongoing legal cases. According to internal communications, DOGE members requested their activities not be logged and attempted to erase their traces, raising alarms among NLRB staff about potential security breaches. The whistleblower’s disclosure suggests that the data could be misused by private companies or intimidate whistleblowers, leading to fears about the NLRB’s independence. Investigations by federal agencies like the FBI may be warranted.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The DOGE team reportedly requested that their activities not be logged and attempted to erase traces of their access, raising concerns from cybersecurity experts who likened their behavior to that of hackers. This evasive action, including disabling monitoring tools, suggests potential misconduct. Additionally, a recent mention of Russian activity may be incidental, but given the team’s apparent lack of technical skills and hasty actions, there’s a possibility they unintentionally exposed something or encountered a security breach.
Top 2 Comment Summary
In 2025, a user humorously notes the inconsistent moderation on a website, highlighting a story about a French politician banned for fraud that went unflagged, despite its irrelevance to technology or the USA. In contrast, a nearby story related to the USA involving technology and business was flagged due to its uncomfortable narrative. The user finds these discrepancies amusing, expressing a fondness for the site despite its quirks.
7. How to win an argument with a toddler
Total comment counts : 71
Summary
The article discusses that toddlers and certain groups often mimic arguing not for genuine exchange but for connection or status. True arguments, characterized by the exchange of ideas, ideally lead to insights and mindset changes. Engaging with well-informed individuals can lead to changing one’s mind, highlighting the importance of being open to different perspectives. It suggests that discussing strongly-held beliefs can be facilitated by asking questions about changing viewpoints. Ultimately, it emphasizes that arguing over identity-based beliefs may not be productive.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses how to effectively win arguments, highlighting that validating the other person’s feelings is key. For toddlers, this involves acknowledging their emotions before guiding them toward a desired behavior, such as eating vegetables. This strategy applies to adults as well; recognizing their concerns and finding common ground can lead to more productive conversations and better solutions.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Opinions rarely change frequently, and that’s not necessarily negative. Arguments serve to exchange views and deepen understanding rather than persuade. Significant shifts in perspective typically occur over years and through life experiences, often beyond verbal communication. Debating while ignoring this reality can lead to echo chambers, where genuine dialogue fails to happen.
8. Temu pulls its U.S. Google Shopping ads
Total comment counts : 29
Summary
error
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article expresses frustration over the abundance of obscure brands on Amazon, which complicates finding legitimate products. The author hopes that this situation might lead to a reduction in these lesser-known brands, viewing it as a potential positive outcome amidst the confusion.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author reflects on their past enjoyment of shopping from platforms like Temu, AliExpress, and Shein, which provided affordable electronics and tools. However, they express concern over new shipping fees set to take effect in May, with costs ranging from $75 to over $150 per package, including small items. The author feels sympathy for those unaware of these changes and is surprised that the websites haven’t addressed the issue, possibly waiting for a reversal in policy.
9. Teuken-7B-Base and Teuken-7B-Instruct: Towards European LLMs
Total comment counts : 13
Summary
arXivLabs is a platform for collaboration to develop and share new features on the arXiv website, emphasizing openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv partners only with those who align with these values. Users are encouraged to propose projects that benefit the arXiv community. Additionally, arXiv offers operational status notifications via email or Slack.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author queries about the performance of multilingual language models (LLMs), noting that while smaller models perform well in English, their responses in Turkish are mediocre. They found that using a method of translating questions to English, getting responses, and then translating back to Turkish yields significantly better answers, as experienced with Llama 3.3 70B for trip planning in Istanbul. The author seeks observations from others regarding this behavior.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article notes a suggestion to revise the title to indicate that it originates from 2024, highlighting its submission date of September 30, 2024, and its last revision on October 15, 2024.
10. Show HN: MCP-Shield – Detect security issues in MCP servers
Total comment counts : 21
Summary
MCP-Shield is a security scanner for Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, detecting vulnerabilities such as tool poisoning, exfiltration channels, and cross-origin escalations. It identifies common threats, including tools accessing SSH keys, modifying other tools’ behavior, and intercepting communications like WhatsApp messages. Users can run scans using various configurations, including a default scan or with an API key for enhanced analysis. Contributions are encouraged, and the project is licensed under MIT. For detailed documentation and feedback, users are directed to the project’s resources.
Top 1 Comment Summary
In a dialogue between Dillinger and Alan, Alan discusses a security program called Tron, designed to monitor and shut down unscheduled contacts between systems. Dillinger inquires whether Tron is part of the Master Control Program, to which Alan clarifies that it will operate independently, even overseeing the Master Control Program.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article expresses skepticism about finding a secure method to include user input in prompts to prevent SQL injection attacks, despite SQL’s established quoting rules. The author has limited confidence in achieving a safe solution but remains open to being proven wrong.