Security Topic Center

Get the latest news and in-depth analysis about IT security, including information about viruses and other malware, security patches, data protection and more

Google to lengthen SSL encryption keys from August

Google plans to upgrade the security of its SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates, an important component of secure communications.
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Microsoft brushes off claim Xbox Live accounts were compromised

Microsoft brushed off a dubious hacker's claim on Thursday that he stole 47 million account credentials for Microsoft's Xbox Live gaming service.

Could the Bitcoin network be used as an ultrasecure notary service?

Manuel Araoz, a 23-year-old developer in Argentina, has an idea for Bitcoin that doesn't focus on money.

U.S. urged to let companies 'hack-back' at IP cyber thieves

U.S. companies should be allowed to take aggressive countermeasures against hackers seeking to steal their intellectual property, contends the private Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property.

Researchers find more versions of digitally signed Mac OS X spyware

Security researchers have identified multiple samples of the recently discovered "KitM" spyware for Mac OS X, including one dating back to December 2012 and targeting German-speaking users.

Microsoft boosts Japan Azure offering, adds data centers

Microsoft will boost its Azure cloud offering in Japan, adding two domestic data centers to speed response times and improve reliability in the face of natural disasters.

Google engineer bashes Microsoft's handling of security researchers, discloses Windows zero-day

A Google security engineer accused Microsoft of treating outside researchers with "great hostility" days before posting details of an unpatched vulnerability in Windows that could be used to crash PCs or gain additional access rights.

SoftBank in talks with U.S. to allay security fears, report says

The U.S. government is in negotiations with SoftBank for greater control over equipment purchases by Sprint Nextel and the selection of one of the Japanese company's nominee to the Sprint board, according to a news report.

Twitter aims to become safer with two-step sign-in

Twitter, in a much-needed move to keep its users safer from cyberattacks, is introducing a more secure login process.

Growing mobile malware threat swirls (mostly) around Android

Mobile devices are getting hit by a boom in malware similar to the one that hit PCs starting with the rise of the Web, a security software executive said Tuesday.

Why you need a security buddy (and how to find one)

At a school event, I noticed my son sitting and talking with a younger boy. When I asked who he was, my son explained, "he's my kinder buddy!"

The true root causes of software security failures

Developers being overly trusting is one of them.

IntegriCell's Aaron Turner: Security managers still don't get mobile security

For the past several months, security veteran Aaron Turner has been making the rounds at industry events presenting some pretty disturbing information about the state of mobile security.

Review: StarTech's flash drive duplicator, eraser is fast and simple

The 1-to-2 Flash Drive duplicator transfers data at up to 1.5GB per minute and like StarTech's hard drive duplicator, it's remarkably simple to use.

Smartphones take center stage in two-factor authentication schemes

We all know that relying on a simple user ID and password combination is fraught with peril. One alternative is to use one of the single sign-on solutions we reviewed last year, but there are less expensive options that could also be easier to install.

Security Manager's Journal: NAC deployment means better access control at last

The deployment has already revealed a whole lot of devices that don't meet the criteria for getting on the corporate network.

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols: Google Glass will be a big deal, so deal with it

Some people are having fits about Google Glass. True, it will change how we think about privacy in public places, but such rethinking started years ago.

Florida's identity-theft rate dwarfs others

Sure, the headline gives away the answer, but if you had been asked to guess which state has the highest rate of reported identity theft you'd likely have chosen Florida: A large population of vulnerable retirees and a generally high crime rate all but guarantee the distinction.

Tech Titans Talk: The IDG Enterprise Interview Series

In the IDG Enterprise Interview Series, you'll hear from technology CIOs and CEOs on today's burgeoning trends, ongoing headaches and upcoming product plans. Check out this informative series from IDG Enterprise Chief Content Officer John Gallant and his team of editors.

How can we keep infosec pros a step ahead of the bad guys?

Attacks on digital assets are on the rise, and the black hats get more inventive every day. How should educators prepare tomorrow's information security gurus?