Do VLANs Unduly Complicate the Network?

Simplifying the IT infrastructure is among the top priorities of IT executives. Various surveys claiming CIOs are beginning to embrace Software as a Service (SAAS) models is actually proof that simplification of the infrastructure is a key objective. The more complicated the IT infrastructure becomes, the more expensive it is to maintain it. It also will take significantly longer person-hours to fulfill change requests.

As an IT manager, simplifiying my IT support structure is also one of my key goals. One of the most common discussion points regarding this subject is the number of VLANs required for a branch office; or, if VLANs are ever needed in the branch office network design.

My answer is always 'yes'. Surprisingly, I often find myself defending that position.

Paypal Spoof: How I knew the Paypal email I recieved was fraudulent

I had a recent experience with email spoofing involving Paypal, and I would like to share how I recognized the email as spoofed and thus was fraudulent.

My wife was selling her Macbook. Like most Gen X/Y couples do, we posted her for sale Macbook on eBay, and other trading sites. Two days later, we received an email from someone with a yahoo account asking what the prices would be in US dollars, including shipment to Nigeria. He didn't give a name and he didn't leave a shipping address. We told him the price would be US $450, but that he will have to shoulder the shipping cost depending on the address, and his favored shipping method/company would be. He said he wants to transact via Paypal, and even offered to up the price to US $580 including shipping cost -- what generosity.

So that night, I sent  him an invoice from my Paypal account. 24 hours past and I received a notification claiming to have come from services@intl.paypal.com informing me that payment had been made. Careful examination reveals it was a spoofed/phishing email. He was bamboozling me!  Here's how I immediately knew it was fake (click the picture to enlarge):