We should all now be aware of messages with requests to input your bank details. But what about messages asking you to install updates? I have received the following from support@microsoft.com (links removed to protect the innocent): Internet Explorer 7 downloadsGet downloads for Internet Explorer 7, including recommended updates as Read more
In my youth, cheating used to be done by whispers and written notes in cuffs (I’m aware that makes me sound ancient). Nowadays, cheats have embraced new technologies. There is the case of the student that loaded all the notes in their palm pilot. Another one that photographed the questions Read more
BBC World is broadcasting a two-episode documentary called Code Breakers about the use of open source software in developing countries to avoid becoming Microsoft client states and to help “bridge” the digital divide. BBC World is simulcasted online (but it’s not available within the UK), so if anyone know of Read more
Some people may remember Gary McKinnon, the British system administrator who was arrested in 2002 for hacking into NASA, the American Department of Defense and the U.S. Airforce. McKinnon has been convicted in absentia in the United States for those offenses, and he is back in the news as he Read more
Two hackers from the international group THr34t-Krew (do you l33t?) have been sentenced by a Newcaste court for conspiracy to cause unauthorised modification of computers with intent, or in plain language, for writing a worm that did not even create a lot of problems, but had the potential for great Read more
A new security threat has been uncovered. The keys on a keyboard can be digitally recorded and used to determine what’s been written. Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley (where else?) have been using a computer program that can pick up more than 90 percent of key sounds Read more
A new and bizarre computer virus (a Trojan actually) called Yusufali-A is attacking Windows machines everywhere. The virus will scan the title of the active window and look for the following words: sexteenxxPhallusjeggerPriapusPhallicPenisExhibitionism If it finds any, then it will display the message displayed above stating how Allah knows what Read more
I really wish that I could go to New York to this event. This is a workshop by artist Nicolas Collins, who is publishing a book called, oddly, Hardware Hacking. The description of the process sounds really good: Basic soldering skills will be learned through building contact microphones and coils Read more
As usual, Windows computers have been hit with a virus. The Sober-I virus has been hitting Windows machines since yesterday. Apparently it replicates itself using Windows mailing programmes, and sends loads of copies of itself. It also deletes and modifies some files, which compromises Windows systems. I am glad that Read more
I hadn’t heard this one before: DDoS. This means distributed denial of service, which is being used to attack sick servers that are being used to serve child pornography. It works in a similar manner to the distributed computing technology of SETI@Home, where users pool their collective idle processor power Read more