Infosecurity News
Countrywide Home Loans Loses Data on Two Million
A rogue employee has been blamed for one of the largest data thefts in the United States in recent times, affecting as many as two million- plus customers of Countrywide home loans.
Breakthrough security Firefox plug-in stops man-in-the-middle attacks
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have released a security plug-in for Firefox 3 that can detect – and block – access to a Web site that has problems with its security certificate.
Ex-Countrywide Employee Arrested over Massive Info Theft
The FBI has arrested a former Countrywide Financial Corp. employee and another man in an alleged scheme to steal and sell the sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, of as many as two million mortgage applicants, the Los Angeles Times has reported.
“Spam Kings”: One Jailed; One Escapes and Kills Family
This week the media spotlight was turned towards “spam kings.” One was sent to jail while another escaped from his minimum security prison before killing his family and himself.
Angry Employee Disables San Francisco Network
A disgruntled San Francisco computer engineer is still in jail five days after blocking access to the city’s system to everyone except himself. On Thursday he pleaded not guilty today to four counts of computer tampering and remains behind bars on $5 million bail.
Computerworld Casts Doubt on Lost Laptops Study
A study regarding lost and stolen laptops at US airports, which must have sent shivers down the spines of computer security executives, has been put into doubt by news magazine, Computerworld.
Big Five IT Vendors Announce Focus on Security
Five of the world’s leading IT vendors have announced the creation of the Industry Consortium for Advancement of Security on the Internet (ICASI).
New Efforts to Battle Botnet-Driven Spam
Network operators and ISPs from around the world are working together to address issues that will help block botnet-induced spam.
Spear-phishing Attacks Attain Record Levels
Targeted social engineering attacks, also referred to as spear phishing, are on the rise.
Credit Agency Gives Free Monitoring to Millions
As part of a preliminary settlement of a $10 billion class action suit, millions of US consumers will soon be eligible for free credit monitoring.
Insider Threats Keeping IT Directors Awake At Night
The leaking of sensitive information through the email system was ranked far ahead of the threat from external hackers, according to a new study.c
US Government Receives Grade C in IT Security
The US federal government improved slightly in its ability to secure its computer systems and networks, from a C- to C.
Largest US Power Company “Vulnerable To Hacking”
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) warned the nation’s largest public power company is vulnerable to computer hackers and terrorists ready to disrupt America’s power grid.
Government meets with cynicism after revealing plans for ‘giant database’
The government faces sceptisicm after revealing plans to implement a huge database storing citizens’ phone and web records.
FBI Probes Counterfeit Network Hardware
The FBI have revealed that the US government has purchased counterfeit networking equipment that could jeopardize the security of its military and other government systems.
Social Network For Hackers Launched
A computer security consultancy has set up a social network for hackers, called House of Hackers.
Senators want answers on President Bush’s secret cyber security initiative
Two influential US senators are demanding more information about the so-far, ultra-secret Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (CNCI), which is being put in place to protect the nation’s infrastructure against cyber terrorists and criminals.
Jericho Forum unveils new security framework for online usage
The Jericho Forum has unveiled a new security framework for interactive business Internet users.
Security Officer should have more strategic role
When it comes to defining what a Chief Security Officer does in an enterprise think less of a corporate cop and more of a business enabler. That was the message at the RSA Conference from Dave Hansen, former CIO at CA and now a senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Security Management business.
US lawmakers upset at breach news delay
US lawmakers are asking why a stolen laptop, which had medical test results for 2,500 patients in a National Institute of Health study, was not encrypted.
