Latest Internet and Web security News

Cybercriminals exploit Twitter security flaw
posted on 22/09/2010

Computer users should be cautious in the wake of a widespread security flaw affecting popular micro-blogging site Twitter. The Twitter website is being widely exploited by users who have stumbled across the flaw which allows messages to pop-up and third-party websites to open in your browser just by moving your mouse over a link. Thousands of Twitter accounts have posted messages exploiting the flaw, with victims including Sarah Brown, wife of the former British Prime Minister whose Twitter page appears to have been messed with in an attempt to redirect visitors to a hardcore porn site hosted in Japan. “It seems many users are currently using the flaw for fun and games, but there is obviously the potential for cybercriminals to redirect users to third-party websites containing malicious code, or for spam advertising pop-ups to be displayed,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant, Sophos. “Some users are also exploiting the loophole to create tweets that contain blocks... [more]

F-Secure Internet Security 2011 can access the cloud in milliseconds for accurate malware detection
posted on 21/09/2010

Internet security is no longer just about developing world-class technology to fight against complex online threats, but about educating individuals to protect their irreplaceable content. F-Secure’s research into computer users’ needs has produced security software that is easy to use and sophisticated in its technological capabilities to fight malware. The result of this user-centered approach is F-Secure Internet Security™ 2011. Antti Reijonen, VP consumer business & marketing, F-Secure, said: “I’m confident that our consumer research has resulted in a security software that sets a new standard in ease-of-use and will continue to help consumers feel secure online. Its cloud-based technology and minimal system impact also makes it the most technologically advanced product that we have ever launched.” F-Secure Internet Security 2011 has been designed to be non-intrusive and only asks for the user’s attention when it is really necessary. The user interface is simple and the inst... [more]

Computer users around the world are still unsure about security issues
posted on 20/09/2010

A survey commissioned by F-Secure in Finland, Germany, Malaysia, Poland, Sweden, the UK and the United States reveals some interesting international variations in computer users’s experiences and perceptions of online security risks. Asked how concerned they are about their online privacy and data security, Germans (77 per cent) and Malaysians (73 per cent) express the most concern, while the Swedes (42 per cent) and Finns (36 per cent) appear to be the least concerned – or the most confident about their online life. An average of 49 per cent of respondents across the seven countries say they have been hit by malware in the past 12 months, but their security software had notified them and prevented infection. The most malware hits are reported by Poland (70 per cent), Finland (60 per cent) and Malaysia (54 per cent), with Germany (32 per cent) reporting the lowest figure. Poland (14 per cent) and Malaysia (11 per cent) have the most respondents without any anti-virus protection on th... [more]

Anonymous proxies pose significant security issues in the education sector
posted on 16/09/2010

Anonymous proxies are the easiest and most popular way for users to bypass an organisation’s Internet filtering. Once connected to an anonymous proxy, users can surf any website completely unmonitored, even if the site should have been blocked by the organisation’s web filter. Anonymous proxies can cause a variety of issues for organisations, yet concerns seem to vary depending on the sector. The private and public sectors are primarily concerned with acceptable use policy violation and lost productivity, as well as threats to network security and data leakage. In education, issues such as child protection, avoiding the exposure of students to inappropriate online material, and the prevention of bullying are of high importance. However, unfiltered access to social networking sites and the impact on bandwidth usage is an issue for all sectors. According to the Bloxx independent Anonymous Proxy Survey, an alarming 87% of IT Managers in education consider anonymous proxies to be a proble... [more]

Web application firewalls are among the top five technologies for reducing the number of data breach incidents
posted on 15/09/2010

A new survey has found that the most effective data security approach involves a modern approach that uses technology to protect applications and databases alongside traditional approaches. For example, web application firewalls were among the top five rated technologies for reducing the number of data breach incidents. Others technologies included network data loss prevention, full drive encryption, server/endpoint hardening, and endpoint data loss prevention. Imperva and Securosis have announced the findings of their comprehensive independent data security survey of more than 1100 multinational IT security practitioners. The survey focused on uncovering what technologies security practitioners find successful to mitigate breaches and comply with security mandates. The survey also found: · Malicious intentions are behind 62 percent of data theft. Insider breaches comprised 33 percent of incidents while hackers comprised 29 percent; the remaining breaches were accidental. ... [more]

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