2005 | Archive | ComputerWeekly.com

December 22, 2005 22Dec2005 News

Gaining access using application and operating system attacks

In this excerpt from Chapter 7 of Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses, Second Edition, authors Ed Skoudis and Tom Liston explain how security professionals can use exploit frameworks to their ... Continue Reading

December 21, 2005 21Dec2005 News

Sony struggles to regain trust

The company is trying to mend a reputation bruised over its antipiracy practices. One advocate for online civil liberties explains why redemption is a long way off. Continue Reading

December 20, 2005 20Dec2005 News

Guidance turns investigative tools on itself

The forensics software firm says it was compromised by hackers in November. It's just one in a growing list of companies admitting to recent attacks or lax security. Continue Reading

December 18, 2005 18Dec2005 News

Trio of trouble: Malcode targets Windows, IM users

AV firms warn IT shops to guard against Dasher, Bagle and Banbra. Dasher targets a Windows flaw patched in October, while Banbra spreads through IM. Continue Reading

December 14, 2005 14Dec2005 News

Flaws reported in Trend Micro ServerProtect

Storage and security managers should be wary of vulnerabilities in the AV product that could enable a denial-of-service and malicious code execution. Workarounds are available. Continue Reading

December 14, 2005 14Dec2005 News

Hospital ditches EMC Centera for long-term archiving

UHCS in Augusta, Ga., is replacing its Centera archiving system from EMC with IBM's GMAS product after performance, reliability and cost issues forced it to seek alternatives. Continue Reading

December 14, 2005 14Dec2005 News

Roundup: 2005's 'curious malicious code'

These viruses, worms and Trojans sometimes escaped our notice. But it didn't get past one antivirus vendor, who rounded up some of the year's stranger offerings from the underground. Continue Reading

December 12, 2005 12Dec2005 News

Two Windows patches coming, IE fix uncertain

It remains to be seen whether the software giant on Dec. 13 will address an outstanding Internet Explorer issue that is currently the target of a malicious Trojan. Continue Reading

December 12, 2005 12Dec2005 News

Titan Rain shows need for better training

SANS says the Chinese-based attacks demonstrate the growing sophistication of hackers, and the need for IT admins who can articulate the dangers to execs. Continue Reading

December 12, 2005 12Dec2005 News

Experts: Encryption not a security cure-all

Encrypting data offers some protection, but secure applications require much more than cryptography. Experts weigh in on your security options. Continue Reading

December 08, 2005 08Dec2005 News

IP cloaking becoming a business necessity

Just by browsing your competitor's Web site, you might be giving away your company's most guarded secrets. Experts offer advice for countering the subterfuge and keeping secrets safe. Continue Reading

December 07, 2005 07Dec2005 News

Security pros gain ground in the board room

Executives are paying more attention to their IT security managers and taking more responsibility for online threats against their companies, according to a new study. Continue Reading

December 06, 2005 06Dec2005 News

Cybersecurity policy takes cooperation, trust, experts say

At the Infosecurity confab, experts explain why sharing information -- even when it's embarrassing -- is vital to securing not only corporations, but also the national infrastructure. Continue Reading

November 30, 2005 30Nov2005 News

Out-of-cycle IE patch may be imminent

Microsoft may release a critical Internet Explorer fix before the next Patch Tuesday, amid reports that malicious code is targeting a memory corruption flaw. Continue Reading

November 29, 2005 29Nov2005 News

By the numbers: The new SOX breakdown

SOX spending for 2006 is expected to be on par with last year but it's not quite dÉjÀ vu all over again. More dough will go to technology. Continue Reading

November 28, 2005 28Nov2005 News

Who owns and administers the internet's addresses?

Given that IPv4 addresses are a finite resource, we can expect concerns over their distribution to increase in the coming years. Continue Reading

November 28, 2005 28Nov2005 News

Step 6: Configuring wireless clients

With wireless networks proliferating it is a good idea to understand what it takes to build a VPN for a wireless gateway. Contributor and Microsoft MVP Brien Posey details the necessary steps in this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading

November 22, 2005 22Nov2005 News

Influential survey says security 'set back by 6 years'

Update: The SANS Top 20 vulnerability list for 2005 shows the bad guys attacking flawed apps and paying more attention to network holes. Continue Reading

November 21, 2005 21Nov2005 News

Wireless security: Public Wi-Fi could open security holes

A Michigan county is working to give everyone within its borders wireless Internet access. But when it comes to security, users are on their own. Continue Reading

November 20, 2005 20Nov2005 News

Wireless security crucial to railway safety

A transportation firm uses wireless technology to keep the trains running on time. But securing mobile devices isn't easy when they're spread across the globe. Continue Reading

November 16, 2005 16Nov2005 News

Step 3: GnuPG and WinPT: Setup

November 16, 2005 16Nov2005 News

Step 2: Public keypairs

November 16, 2005 16Nov2005 News

Wireless security: Companies deal with software updates

A health care provider found it could use wireless technology to dramatically boost patient care. But first it had to figure out how to deploy security updates over a wireless network. Continue Reading

November 16, 2005 16Nov2005 News

Step 4: Encrypting e-mail in WinPT

November 14, 2005 14Nov2005 News

Hackers installing keyloggers at a record rate

iDefense researchers have found that keylogger infections are up 65% over the year before, putting the private data of tens of millions of users at risk. Continue Reading

November 14, 2005 14Nov2005 News

Sony rootkit uninstaller causes bigger threat

Princeton researchers say a security hole that appears when users try to remove Sony's copy protection software presents an even greater risk than the original rootkit. Continue Reading

November 14, 2005 14Nov2005 News

Demand for development skills soars as firms seek business edge

Computer Weekly salary survey shows IT departments eager to secure skills for the future. Continue Reading

November 10, 2005 10Nov2005 News

Security Bytes: FTC cracks down on alleged spyware distributors

Patches fix serious RealPlayer flaws, IM malcode launches phishing attacks; Microsoft warns of Macromedia Flash flaw; Liberty Alliance pushes stronger authentication; FEMA data security is in question; patches fix Veritas flaws and TransUnion ... Continue Reading

November 10, 2005 10Nov2005 News

IBM targets SMEs with storage products

IBM has launched the first in a range of new storage products aimed at the SME market, following its link-up with Network Appliance. Continue Reading

November 09, 2005 09Nov2005 News

Trojans target Sony DRM and Windows

Security researchers track two new Trojan horses. One exploits the Sony DRM program. The other could possibly take aim at the Windows flaw Microsoft patched this week. Continue Reading

November 08, 2005 08Nov2005 News

Sony takes second stab at DRM patch

But a top executive's response to criticism over the company's use of rootkit technology has added fuel to the backlash. Continue Reading

November 06, 2005 06Nov2005 News

Hacking Windows: MSRPC vulnerabilities

In this excerpt from "Hacking Exposed, Fifth Edition: Network Security Secrets & Solutions," authors Stuart McClure, Joel Scambray and George Kurtz introduce MSRPC vulnerabilities and countermeasures. Continue Reading

October 24, 2005 24Oct2005 News

Reporter's Notebook: NYC 'controls the software industry'

At Information Security Decisions: a security "rock star" rages against the Microsoft machine; banging the drum for enterprise security; a sour note on zero-day exploits. Continue Reading

October 20, 2005 20Oct2005 News

Author delves into novel attack methodologies

Review of Silence on the Wire, a book about security attack methodologies such as passive fingerprinting. Continue Reading

October 19, 2005 19Oct2005 News

Elements of a data protection strategy

In this excerpt from Data Protection and Lifecycle Management, Tom Petrocelli addresses the importance of securing data for regulatory compliance and outlines the five components of a data protection strategy. Continue Reading

October 17, 2005 17Oct2005 News

How avian flu could threaten IT security

Experts say a potential bird flu pandemic could have a disastrous effect on IT infrastructures. But if companies plan well, those infrastructures could also help minimize chaos. Continue Reading

October 12, 2005 12Oct2005 News

Quiz: What's your infosec IQ?

We've collected our toughest questions to see how well you stand up to a challenge. Put your knowledge to the test and let us know how you do. Continue Reading

October 12, 2005 12Oct2005 News

Symantec fixes 'critical' Veritas flaw

Attackers could launch malicious code by exploiting a security hole in Veritas NetBackup servers and clients. But Symantec has released a fix. Continue Reading

October 10, 2005 10Oct2005 News

Don't discount software distribution sites as attack vectors

There's a potential downside to update sites, which offer virtually untapped riches to bad guys wanting to compromise your network. Just ask the author. Continue Reading

October 07, 2005 07Oct2005 News

Service approach will bring benefits to applications development says Gartner

Service-oriented development of applications (SODA) is the best way to approach globally distributed application development and maintenance, according to a new report by Gartner. Continue Reading

October 03, 2005 03Oct2005 News

How to break into a computer that is right at your fingertips

Stressing the importance of physical security, Joel Dubin explains how a hacker can bypass a BIOS password and break into a computer. Continue Reading

October 03, 2005 03Oct2005 Tip

Zoning 101: Why zone?

Zoning can offer a number of benefits for your SAN. This tip details the advantages of zoning and offers an explanation of the different methods. Continue Reading

September 29, 2005 29Sep2005 News

Find out how to bridge the communications gap

Communications between the business and IT will be the subject of the next meeting of the Computer Weekly 500 Club (CW500). Continue Reading

September 27, 2005 27Sep2005 News

Secure your extended enterprise

How do you achieve the fine balance between ensuring that there is truly free access to sensitive information, without sacrificing security? Continue Reading

September 26, 2005 26Sep2005 News

NHS trust creates wireless record

University College London Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Trust has created the UK's largest single wireless network to support 7,000 users across eight hospitals. Continue Reading

September 26, 2005 26Sep2005 News

IT spending at midsized companies: How much does size matter?

September 26, 2005 26Sep2005 News

Secure the interests of your extended enterprise

How do you achieve the fine balance between ensuring that there is truly free access to sensitive information and applications from both inside and outside the firewall, without sacrificing security? Continue Reading

September 26, 2005 26Sep2005 News

Gartner stresses SOA and WS importance

Leading analyst stresses importance of SOA and web services Continue Reading

September 22, 2005 22Sep2005 News

Who best to avert data security disaster: government or business?

People look to government to prevent catastrophe. But in the Information Age, some of those people, namely those working in IT shops, need to do their part to protect us. Continue Reading

September 22, 2005 22Sep2005 News

Telework key to surviving security disaster, expert says

Cybersecurity Industry Alliance Executive Director Paul Kurtz explains why telework may be crucial to surviving The Big One. Continue Reading

September 21, 2005 21Sep2005 News

Leave no trace: Understanding attackers' motives

This excerpt from Chapter 1 of "Rootkits: Subverting the Windows Kernel," explains the purpose of back doors and how hackers use them, as well as how stealth plays a major role in most successful attacks. Continue Reading

September 21, 2005 21Sep2005 News

IT infrastructure risks key to averting major cyberattack

Predictions of a cataclysmic disaster have been around for awhile. But one security officer cites reasons why the Internet can never be brought down. Continue Reading

September 21, 2005 21Sep2005 News

Catastrophic cyberattack unlikely, experts say

Predictions of a cataclysmic disaster have been around for awhile. But one security officer cites reasons why the Internet can never be brought down. Continue Reading

September 20, 2005 20Sep2005 News

SAS drives product roundup

Serial-attached SCSI (or SAS) drives offer significant storage capacity at a much lower cost, while maintaining reasonable performance. Find out who the vendors are in this market. Continue Reading

September 20, 2005 20Sep2005 News

Security tools help reduce insider threat.

September 20, 2005 20Sep2005 News

Insider threat seen as biggest data security issue

Whether they oversee physical or online defenses, security officers say the disaster scenario that scares them most begins with an insider with malicious intentions. Continue Reading

September 19, 2005 19Sep2005 News

Spy vs. Spy

Excerpt from Chapter 6 of Spies Among Us: How to Stop the Spies, Terrorists, Hackers, and Criminals You Don't Even Know You Encounter Every Day. Continue Reading

September 18, 2005 18Sep2005 News

Ensure that legal responsibilities are clear -- Especially when trouble strikes

Excerpt from Chapter 15 of Information Nation Warrior: Information Management Compliance Boot Camp. Continue Reading

September 18, 2005 18Sep2005 News

CCSP courses, exam changing next month

Those seeking Cisco's security credential and specialization in VPN, firewall and IDS will soon follow different curricula that better reflect the vendor's current product lines. Continue Reading

September 13, 2005 13Sep2005 News

Ethernet users given greater product interoperability

A new network hardware testing standard will encourage enterprises, service providers and telcos to adopt cheaper and more flexible Ethernet technology for data, voice and video connectivity. Continue Reading

September 13, 2005 13Sep2005 News

Ofcom liberates BT to offer bespoke pricing

Ofcom has announced proposals to allow BT to offer large business customers bespoke call prices, which should lead to discounts for some companies. Continue Reading

September 13, 2005 13Sep2005 In Depth

IT professionals set for annual charity sleep-out

Senior IT professionals are gearing up to on London's Embankment near Tower Bridge on Friday 23 September 2005. The aim is to raise more than £250,000 for disadvantaged children. Continue Reading

September 11, 2005 11Sep2005 News

VoIP turns up the heat on firewalls

New research shows that many organizations are increasingly concerned about VoIP security and plan to augment their firewalls within the next year, changing the landscape of the firewall market. Continue Reading

September 09, 2005 09Sep2005 News

Sponsor's Editorial - Making marketing more relevant

Responsys, a premier global provider of on-demand email and lifecycle marketing solutions, has announced Interact 5, the latest version of the company’s email marketing automation software. Continue Reading

September 06, 2005 06Sep2005 News