Desktop search the new front line for security battle

The IT industry should stop worrying about PDA and mobile phone malware and should instead be preparing itself for an onslaught of desktop search engine attacks, top security experts say. Future predictions of malware trends were key to a number of different presentations and discussions held at last week's Virus Bulletin Conference in Dublin and it seems that current fears could be heading in the wrong direction. In a discussion on malware trends, some of the security industry's top experts said that current developments in PDA and phone malware are not a cause for concern. ...more

Motorola fends off network attacks

With denial of service attacks on servers an ever-increasing threat, Motorola has stepped up to provide a software system that can analyse network data and provide a visual representation of possible attacks. The Motorola Intrusion Vision provides a single visual representation of network data and correlates "attack data" to let network operators know of a serious attack. The data is presented in near real time, so the user can react quickly, and the system uses a graphical representation of a bull's eye that operators can easily interpret. ...more

UK album charts adopt digital sales

The UK Official Albums Charts will now include digital downloads for the first time. Responding to the rising importance of the Internet, the Official UK Charts Company (OCC) has apparently been running test charts since the beginning of the year The UK Official Albums Charts will now include digital downloads for the first time. Responding to the rising importance of the Internet, the Official UK Charts Company (OCC) has apparently been running test charts since the beginning of the year. ...more

Sony to produce ROM Memory Stick

Electronics giant Sony has been keen to promote its range of Memory Stick storage media by including Memory Stick ports in a number of its consumer products. Now the company is planning a ROM version of its media card. The new Memory Stick ROM (that's a tentative name) will be compatible with 8Mb to 32Mb capacities and be used to distribute content such as musical ring tones for mobile phones, databases and other protected content like software demos. ...more

Government's UK Online annual report targets the digital divide

The Office of the e-Envoy has pubished its annual report, outlining the successes so far and future targets for its digital strategy. The department patted itself on its collective back for the hard work bringing the UK second only to the US as a top place to do ecommerce, according to an 'independent benchmarking report', having two thirds of government services online and that 96 per cent of the British populace knew where the nearest place they could get on the Internet was. Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary and E-Minister, said: 'Today's report shows that we have made substantial progress over the last four years in extending the benefits of the Internet to everyone who wants access to it. ...more