We present a Wi-Fi hotspot authentication system that relies on a Near Field Communications (NFC) side-channel to address the security issues of Wi-Fi configuration and access in public locations. The proposed solution defines an architecture that simplifies Wi-Fi access point configuration for the end user, while simultaneously increasing user security and privacy in public networks. This is achieved by embedding network and security information in NFC enabled devices (e.g. tags) that allow the user to connect to secure wireless networks without a pre-established relationship. By using an asymmetric cryptographic system, it is possible to address several security threats such as an evil twin attack, hotspot or captive portal eavesdropping, and even Man-in-the-Middle attacks. We also present an experimental prototype that stores access point information on NFC tags, allowing NFC-enabled devices to securely connect to a wireless network and verify the access point's identity.

The installation of software packages depends on the correct resolution of dependencies and conflicts between packages. This problem is NP-complete and, as expected, is a hard task. Moreover, today's technology still does not address this problem in an acceptable way. This paper introduces a new approach to solving the software dependency problem in a Linux environment, devising a way for solving dependencies according to available packages and user preferences. This work introduces the "apt-pbo" tool, the first publicly available tool that solves dependencies in a complete and optimal way.