File this under random.
I’m cleaning out files on my MacBook the other day. Basically I’m bored and going through old files to see what I find. I opened up the DropBox inside the Public folder and found a txt file titled DearJustinCoxFromAStranger. Imagine my surprise when I realized I didn’t actually create this file. So, I did what anyone would do, I opened it. This is what it said:
Dear Justin Cox
Hello stranger, how are you? I am connected to your computer right now– Don’t worry! I can’t see your personal files or write anything onto your hard disk. I just wanted to write a friendly note, and say I hope your flight out of Seattle goes well tonight. Maybe we’re taking the same flight? We could be friends! If you happen to read this before you board your plane tonight, you should stand up and whistle or something, that way I know who you are. If not, then I hope your travels are pleasant and there are no delays. Have a great night!
*m
If you’re not familiar with Mac security, the Public folder and the DropBox are left open to easily share files between computers. Apparently while I was waiting for my midnight flight out of Seattle, leaving the wonderful world of PAX behind, someone was snooping computers on the network and found Justin Cox’s MacBook — gotta love the simplicity of the default computer naming scheme in OS X. Trying to be friendly they left me a little note. They just didn’t count on me not finding the note for five months. Joke’s on them I guess.
Finding this file reminded me of browsing the dorm network in college. I used to find all kinds of interesting stuff on people’s computers who didn’t realize they were sharing their files with the world. Printing on random people’s printers is also fun but not really profitable. Public safety reminder: in the event you find yourself connected to a dorm network, lock down your computer.
Oh yeah, and if you’re a traveling fool and use your laptop in airports, be sure to check your DropBox before boarding the plane. You might make a friend… or meet a stalker. You never know.
1/12/09
Ethan
yeah, that’s creepy…
to Ethan
1/12/09
Nick Tabick
First, I’d like to point out the irony in being able to place a file on your MacBook that claims the author can’t put anything on your hard drive.
What would really take the cake would be the person who dropped that note finding this blog post. Like the author of that note says, what if you two were on the same flight out of Seattle?
And thanks for the PSR. Not that I needed it, of course.
to Nick Tabick
10/7/09
Sam
That someone was able to drop a note in your Public folder means System Preferences -> Sharing was enabled, right?
I think it’s neat someone said hello. They could have been boring (hax0r was here) or pedantic (the world is evil, don’t you know).
BFF!
to Sam