Hackers deploy code obfuscation techniques

Hackers are employing new methods to hide malicious code away from the attention of security products. Called dynamic code obfuscation, the technique is used by an attacker to hide a malicious payload away from signature-based security products such as anti-virus and web filters. Hackers use different strategies to hid malware including providing each visitor to a malicious site with a different instance of obfuscated malicious code, based on random functions and parameter name changes. ...more

3G live within the UK

It didn't win the race to be the world's first 3G network - DoCoMo took the honours in Tokyo - but the UK competitor has finally gone live. Manx Telecom - a subsidiary of the formerly BT-owned mmO2 - has switched on a 'fully operational' third-generation (3G) mobile network in the Isle of Man. Its purpose is to serve as a test bed - within the relatively small, hilly island - for a variety of user trials. ...more

Microsoft: We won't sue, but run Novell

Microsoft has warned customers worried about open-source patent infringement to buy Linux software from its partner, Novell. Last week, Microsoft stipulated that 235 of its patents had been breached by open-source software. The claims were strongly criticised by open-source advocates such as Linus Torvalds, who said the company's failure to name which specific patents had been violated 'should tell you something'. ...more

Comment: Are we really ready for 3G mobile comms?

The question is prompted by market research - carried out on behalf of Nokia, no less - which suggests a gushing welcome awaits the new mobile services. Nokia has been doing some research in to market readiness for third-generation mobile comms (3G) and - rather unsurprisingly - finds a demand for services that it is keen to supply. Respondents apparently declared a strong demand for applications, enthusiasm for the future of mobile telephony and also a willingness to pay for the 3G privileges. ...more

Storm worm thunders into February malware chart

The deluge from the Storm worm places it at the top of the malware charts in February, according to findings from security appliance vendor Fortinet. The worm, also known as Tibs, accounted for 3.91 per cent of all malware detected in the month. ...more