Hackers: Archive: May 2010

Data Theft Puts NC Employees At Risk

A pair of unencrypted DVDs storing names and social security numbers of current and former Charlotte, NC city employees has vanished into thin air.

Phishing Scam Targets Military Credit Unions

A pair of phishing sites masquerading as credit unions used by military servicemen and servicewomen has been stealing personal banking information for months.

Symantec Eyes Cloud Security for Smartphones, Internet Devices

The world's largest security software maker invested an undisclosed amount in Mocana, a San Francisco security firm that specializes in protecting connected devices beyond the PC.

Busting (or Trusting) Wi-Fi Security Myths

We take a hard look at five bits of wireless security conventional wisdom and tell you which are true and which are bogus.

Sourcefire Expands IPS App Awareness

IPS vendor re-engineers its core product to enable more rapid application awareness updates to better protect enterprise security.

Facebook Users On Lookout for 'Beach Babe' Malware

For the second weekend in a row, Facebook's 400 million-plus registered users are being targeted by a malware scam disguised as a video of attractive, scantily dressed women.

Microsoft to Give Governments Earlier Bug Warnings

Governments around the world told Microsoft they need more information sooner regarding patches and other security-related incidents, and the software giant delivers.

Malware Is South America's New Growth Industry

A comprehensive Internet security report by Zscaler found that Web servers hosted in South America harbored a much higher ratio of malware-infected servers than other regions.

Hackers Find New Opening With 'Lost' Finale

The popular ABC drama is in its final season and hackers are preying on viewers' interest to spread all sorts of malware.

Microsoft Warns of Hole in 64-bit Windows

Microsoft says it's working on a patch for a security vulnerability discovered in some 64-bit versions of Windows and Windows Server, but downplays the risk of system takeovers.

PHP Development Encryption Techniques

If you don't encrypt your database, a hacker could steal all the passwords and usernames stored there. Safeguard your data using the encryption techniques that PHP offers.

Verizon Business Rolls Out New Security-as-a-Service Portfolio

Verizon Business says SaaS will make it easier and cheaper for enterprise customers to log into corporate networks, share data from mobile devices and more.

When Is a Cyber Attack an Act of Cyber War?

Experts wonder, is there an undeclared war raging in cyberspace? And if so, whose job is it to fight it?

Laptop, Medicaid Patients' Data Disappear

Nearly 10,000 citizens enrolled in New Mexico's Medicaid Salud plan had their social security numbers and other personal data exposed after an unsecured laptop was stolen.

Phishers Pedaling Facebook Scams in Record Numbers

The social networking site has joined the likes of Bank of America, PayPal and the IRS as the one of the most popular Web sites targeted by phishers.

Software Piracy Cost Companies $51B: BSA Report

Global software piracy continued virtually unabated in 2009, costing software developers an estimated $51 billion, according to a survey by the Business Software Alliance.

Single Phishing Gang Dominated Attacks in 2009

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, one cyber gang known as Avalanche was responsible for two-thirds of all phishing attacks in the second half of 2009.

Security Firm Finds Gaps in Popular AV Software

Researchers at Matousec are warning that a kernel-level attack can be used by hackers to bypass leading security software applications for Windows-based PCs and devices.

Guide to Buying Secure Removable Storage

When shopping for secure removable storage devices, such as flash drives or portable hard drives, there are several key points to consider.

Patch Tuesday Plugs Holes in Microsoft Windows, Office

Microsoft releases two 'critical' patches for Windows and Office in May's Patch Tuesday drop, making things a little easier for IT administrators compared to last month.

Web-Access Device 'Fingerprints' Identify the Bad Guys

Our colleagues at IT Business Edge speak with Scott Waddell, vice president of technology at iovation, about fraud prevention and risk mitigation.

Top Ten Free Wi-Fi Security Test Tools

Enhance network security by finding your WLAN's vulnerabilities before attackers do--and without spending a bundle.

Twitter Bug Let Users Kidnap 'Followers'

Gadget site uncovers simple way to force other users to follow you, even big movie and TV stars, but Twitter staffers rush out a fix to the weakness in the system.

Phishing Scam Targets Apple Gift Card Holders

Online scamsters are using Apple's brand as a lure to get people to divulge their personal information and plunder their gift cards.

Security Forecast 'Cloudy' at Interop LV 2010

Faster network infrastructure pushes more virtualized services into the cloud, reshaping security risks and strategies.

Verizon, Secret Service Team Up on Breach Reports

Data Breach Investigations Report will combine U.S. Secret Service information with telecom's investigations to provide a thorough review of cybercrime tactics and responses.

How to Encrypt a USB Flash Drive

One of the best ways to prevent data theft and improve information security is to encrypt your data. Don't worry--it's easy!

Microsoft Calls for a Cybercrime Framework

Charged with improving Internet and software security, Microsoft's Scott Charney makes recommendations about how to better protect PCs and track down cyber criminals worldwide.

FireEye Touts Next-Generation Malware Protection

New inline threat-prevention appliance incorporates integrated Malware-VM and Malware-Callback filters to inoculate networks.

Hospital Data Breach in Kentucky Affects Thousands

A flash drive storing patient names, birth dates, admission and discharge dates, as well as insurance information has gone missing from a Kentucky psychiatric hospital.

Protect Your E-mail From Hackers

When it comes to securing your e-mail, particularly when traveling, constant vigilance is vital. Learn tips for protecting sensitive communication at home or abroad.

Collaboration Seen as Missing Link in Cybersecurity

An international study highlights a weakness of business and government cybersecurity: the absence of strong communication between public and private sectors.