Brian Prince

Google is rolling out the use of Secure Sockets Layer encryption technology for its search engine. Right now, the SSL-protected search is being beta tested, and does not extend the extra security beyond the core search engine to features like image search and Google Maps. According to Google, using SSL secures the transmission of search […]

IBM is offering new technology that will allow Sybase users to move to IBM DB2 with virtually no changes to application code. The technology is called DB2 SQL Skin, and will be sold to DB2 customers as a feature starting May 28. Developed jointly by IBM and ANTs Software, the technology is aimed at easing […]

Facebook may change its policy settings as early as next week, but whether that will tame user backlash remains to be seen. In a radio interview this week, Facebook Director of Public Policy Tim Sparapani said the company planned to simplify Facebook’s privacy settings due to ongoing controversy. It’s not clear yet how Facebook will […]

Attackers are targeting Twitter users with a Trojan stealing online banking credentials, according to researchers. “The initial Trojan is downloaded to the victim machine by a malicious Java archive file,” explained Dmitry Bestuzhev of Kaspersky Lab. “It has several malicious features, for example: spreading through USB devices; it disables Windows task manager, the regedit application […]

As IT security has become a bigger part of business discussions, security teams have increasingly shifted their focus from operations to strategic business objectives. For businesses building their security groups, there needs to be a balance between fulfilling operational and strategic goals, and a new report from Forrester Research offers advice on how businesses can […]

Oracle has agreed to buy database security vendor Secerno for an undisclosed sum. Oracle has its eye on Secerno’s database firewall technology, which works for Oracle and non-Oracle databases. Secerno also provides database monitoring and auditing technology as well, and competes with vendors such as Guardium (purchased by IBM), Imperva and Sentrigo. Secerno’s DataWall products […]

Symantec’s plans to buy VeriSign’s identity and authentication unit have been greeted with largely positive reactions from industry analysts, but analysts still see some challenges ahead. After a day of rumors, Symantec confirmed the $1.28 billion deal and outlined where VeriSign’s technology fits in its strategy. However, while the company touted the buy as bolstering […]

A district court judge has shut down rogue ISP 3FN permanently at the request of the Federal Trade Commission. If the name 3FN sounds familiar, it is because the FTC accused it in June 2009 of recruiting and collaborating with criminals to distribute malware and pornography. The FTC alleged that 3FN shielded cyber-criminals by ignoring […]

Rumors are circulating that Symantec will buy VeriSign’s authentication unit for a reported $1.3 billion. If true, the deal would be the latest attempt by VeriSign to sell off its security business. According to reports, speculation about a deal began when VeriSign’s chief financial officer, Brian Robins, withdrew from a JPMorgan Chase industry conference Tuesday. […]

Twenty-four hours after acquisition rumors hit the press, Symantec announced it has signed a definitive agreement to buy VeriSign’s identity and authentication business. Symantec will pay $1.28 billion, and will acquire VeriSign Trust Services along with VeriSign’s SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate services, PKI (public-key infrastructure) services and the VIP (VeriSign Identity Protection) Authentication Service. […]