Things I build, break, fix, and write about

5 November 2026
Ransomware group fragmentation and detection priorities

Ransomware group fragmentation means the label matters less than the behaviour, and I trust activity over reputation every time. A small crew with rented services can do plenty of damage, so I watch for early signs, not familiar names, and I patch anything exposed before the attackers get bored.

5 November 2026
Security Advisory – 05 Nov 2026

Daily security advisory summary for 05 Nov 2026

4 November 2026
Linux kernel net/sched UAF constraints on CentOS 9 desktop

Linux kernel net/sched use-after-free looks messy on paper, and on CentOS 9 Desktop it is worse, because the obvious paths are blocked and the useful...

4 November 2026
AI-assisted pull requests raise review cost

AI-assisted pull requests look cheap until you try to review them properly. I’ve seen tidy code hide a lot of work, and the cost only goes up when a...

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27 December 2025
Creating effective workflows with n8n

Build reliable n8n workflows you can run locally or in a cheap cloud. Follow setup, a minimal workflow, API integration tips and reusable webhook patterns. Keep your nodes small, use credentials, test...

26 December 2025
Integrating GitHub workflows with n8n

I build n8n workflows that turn GitHub events into actual work. This is the setup I keep using: a few reliable nodes, sensible checks, and no needless API calls. Run n8n in Docker or use the hosted...

26 December 2025
Optimising automation scenes in n8n

Learn to build reliable n8n automation scenes by breaking tasks into small, testable nodes. You will set up n8n locally, secure webhooks, use SplitInBatches, and test nodes in isolation. Follow naming...

25 December 2025
Using HandBrake Web to automate video transcoding

HandBrake Web setup on a headless server. You map config, input and output folders, run the container and enable directory watchers to automate jobs. Add worker instances for distributed encoding,...

25 December 2025
Implementing automated updates for Next.js security

Next.js security starts with automated updates. Automate OS patches and dependency PRs for your next and Node modules. Run npm audit in CI and block merges for high-severity alerts. Monitor CPU and...

24 December 2025
Building a Plex blueprint for efficient media streaming

Plex blueprint: start on paper. Sketch your hardware, storage and roles. List the media types you want, expected streams and remote users. Choose a CPU for transcoding and put Plex data on a fast SSD,...

24 December 2025
Configuring sensors for better pet detection

Getting motion sensors to ignore pets is mostly about placement, sensible settings, and a bit of trial and error. I use Home Assistant examples here because that is what I run. Start with the sensor....

23 December 2025
Using a dimmer switch for Philips Hue automation

Use a dimmer as your base control for Philips Hue automation. Map its value to a hue range, then add a small random offset per bulb. The result keeps a single colour family while each lamp shows...

23 December 2025
Revamping Home Assistant dashboards for easier use

Transform your Home Assistant setup into a truly efficient smart home with seamless dashboard design and effective automations. Save time, simplify controls, and enhance usability.

22 December 2025
Securing ESPHome for local automation workflows

I build and lock down ESPHome scenes the same way I build servers: no glamour, no cloud dependency. Start with a clear threat model. Decide what data needs to leave the device and what stays local....