Hackers: Archive: September 2002

Possible PPTP Flaw Could Leave VPNs Open

A German security firm warns of a possible flaw in the PPTP service that secures VPNs in both Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

Industry Group to Pen Bug-Reporting Standards

Critical Flaws Affront Microsoft's FrontPage

The software giant warns that a vulnerability in its FrontPage Extension Server could allow an attacker to crash your servers or run any code.

Bush Seeks IT Security Advice

Representatives of Akamai, Symantec and Intel, among others, will serve on a new White House panel aimed at safeguarding government and commercial IT systems.

FTC Targets International Net Fraud

The Commission launches initiatives aimed at combating cross-border online consumer scams and fraud against military personnel.

The Great Credit Card Bazaar

Active Internet Content Dangerous - Report

Unauthorized instant messages, among other incursions, can be a sign of an Internet-delivered threat that's now greater than software viruses, according to Aberdeen Group.

Microsoft Virtual Machine Has Real Problem

Having Java applets running on Windows could allow an attacker to hijack your system.

Microsoft Critics Lambaste XP-SP1

Mixed Reviews For Bush Cybersecurity Draft Plan

Industry watchers are divided on whether the White House's cybersecurity plan has enough muscle to actually make the country's critical computer networks any safer against a potential terrorist attack.

New Worm Slaps Linux-based Apache Web Servers

A fast-spreading worm that targets Linux-based Apache Web servers had security vendors and the CERT Coordination Center issuing dire warnings over the weekend that continued on Monday.

Worm Gives a Slap in the Face

Slapper worm takes off, infecting systems in over 100 countries over the weekend.

Has AES Been Cracked?

Two researchers may have figured out an efficient way to crack the Advanced Encryption Standard but security experts say 'there's no cause for alarm yet.'

SparkLIST Questions Highlight Web Security Woes

As the company and its customers investigate how spammers may have gotten e-mail addresses, mailers continue wrangling with larger issues.

Will Users of Word 97 'Bug' Out?

Microsoft is looking to fix a long-standing 'bugging' vulnerability in Word, but if you're running Word 97, you may be out of luck.

Disaster Recovery: A Preparation Checklist

For too many IT managers, the security fervor that erupted last fall has dissipated. But disaster recovery experts say a company's future literally can hinge on how well-prepared it is for a serious outage. Here are some recommendations for companies preparing for the worst.

Guarding Against WLAN Security Threats

Because they use radio waves, WLANs are vulnerable to security threats. Learn how to make your WLAN stand up against hackers and casual snoopers.

ActiveX Flaw Bugs Apple's QuickTime

The vulnerability exists in the way the ActiveX component handles the 'pluginspage' field when parsed from a malicious remote or local HTML page.

Online Privacy at Odds with Security

FEATURE: While privacy groups make a First Amendment stand, IT companies are the ones walking a fine line between personal freedom and keeping a competitive edge.

Special Report: 9/11 - One Year Later

9/11 Worm Can't Squirm

Concerns about September 11th-themed worm fade on word that 'Chet' is a dud.

IT Lessons Left Unlearned from September 11

A year after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, what have IT managers learned from the disastrous strike that crippled many businesses and tripped up the American economy? Not enough, according to industry security experts.

I've Been Framed

New vulnerability discovered in IE could allow attackers to compromise your computer through a Web site's frames.

'Pretty Good' Isn't Good Enough

A new vulnerability in the omnipresent PGP encryption software could allow hackers to take over your computer.

IM Security Risks Spark Workplace Monitoring Debate

With more and more U.S. workers using instant messaging in the office, security experts are debating whether IT managers should be monitoring the instant communications.

Malicious Spam On The Rise

Email spam is rapidly becoming the 'Tool of Choice' for Internet fraud and identity theft.

Microsoft Airs Critical Identity Spoofing Flaws

UPDATE: Once again, Microsoft is forced to whip up a slew of patches; this time, flaws that enable perpetrators to spoof Web sites are deemed 'critical.'

Groups Rally to Can Spam

Calling the medium 'inherently deceptive,' consumer advocates submit new measures to FTC to attack unsolicited commercial e-mail.

Bush Administration to Call for Privacy Czar

The Bush administration is expected to call for the creation of a federal chief privacy officer to help minimize criticism of increased electronic surveillance capabilities attached to its National Strategy for Securing Cyberspace.