Microsoft changes Windows files on user PCs without permission, researchers say   12 Sep 2007 13:00 GMT
Microsoft Corp. has started updating files on computers running Windows XP and Vista, even though users have disabled the operating systems' automatic update feature, researchers said today.

Source: Computerworld

Landmark Calif. data breach bill awaits Schwarzenegger OK   12 Sep 2007 13:00 GMT
California is another step closer to putting a law on the books that would require retailers to reimburse banks and other financial agencies for the costs associated with data breaches. The measure is awaiting only the governor's signature.

Source: Computerworld

A Pathway to PCI Compliance   12 Sep 2007 13:00 GMT
(Source: Imprivata) The banking and credit card industry established the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) to provide organizations and IT departments with the tools they need to combat growing security threats. This paper examines the requirements of the new standard and discusses the technology solutions available to help organizations comply with these regulations in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Source: Computerworld

Hacker / security expert / hacker charged with massive credit card theft   12 Sep 2007 13:00 GMT
He turned over a new leaf, and turned it back again: A man previously convinced of hacking hundreds of military and government computers has been busted again, this time for massive credit-card theft. In between he became -- what else? -- a well-known security researcher.

Source: Computerworld

Real Life: How I broke into a hospital computer   12 Sep 2007 13:00 GMT
With all the hoopla about stolen laptops, data breaches and strict privacy regulations, Lee Ratzan was surprised to find a wide-open, unattended computer workstation during a hospital visit.

Source: Computerworld

Ready to blow the whistle on a cybercrime? Who ya gonna call?   12 Sep 2007 04:51 GMT
IT workers who've come across evidence of computer crime often find themselves facing a confusing array of options when trying to figure out where they should report their findings.

Source: Computerworld

Dark secrets and ugly truths: When ethics and IT collide   12 Sep 2007 04:51 GMT
With privileged access and technological knowledge, IT workers can unexpectedly find themselves in ethically sticky situations. Do they blow the whistle or look the other way?

Source: Computerworld

Insight into why Europeans get multi-factor authentication and we don't   11 Sep 2007 22:53 GMT
Every now and then, a press release or pitch crosses my desk about the so-called idea of "strong factor" authentication. It makes me want to roll my eyes because the US has got to be the only place in the world that actually knows better than to fall for...
Source: ZDNet

More personal data found on stolen Ohio government backup tape   11 Sep 2007 13:00 GMT
A computer forensics expert has found more data that was contained on a state government backup tape stolen in Ohio in June.

Source: Computerworld

Hackers update malware toolkit, add first zero-day attack code   11 Sep 2007 13:00 GMT
The IcePack hacker exploit toolkit has three new tools in its collection, including one that targets a zero-day flaw in Microsoft's DirectX software development kit.

Source: Computerworld