Matt Hines

IBM unveiled an updated version of Internet Security Systems desktop security package on Nov. 20, adding new anti-virus and anti-spyware capabilities to the offering via an alliance with software maker BitDefender. Expected to arrive before the end of 2006, ISS Proventia Desktop Endpoint Security aims to help companies manage the protection of PCs from external […]

Enterprise security systems will continue to be challenged by increasingly sophisticated threats launched by criminals seeking to steal sensitive information and material assets, according to top researchers at Symantec. While less-organized hackers and spammers will hammer away at network defenses with large volumes of simplistic threats, the emerging generation of professional cyber-criminals armed with cutting-edge […]

Responding to analyst reports that elements of its Windows smart phone software may leave users open to data exposure, Microsoft officials contend that the companys wireless e-mail application is secure enough for enterprise adoption today. In a recent report published by J. Gold Associates, a wireless research company, analysts proposed that Microsofts decision not to […]

The SANS Institute released its annual rankings of the Top 20 Internet-based attack vectors on Nov. 15, pointing to the continued rise of targeted threats aimed at newly discovered zero-day flaws and vulnerabilities in Microsoft products. Among the other trends highlighted by SANS, a Washington, D.C.-based cooperative research and education group focused on IT security […]

FaceTime Communications introduced a new version of its gateway security appliance on Nov. 14, adding new tools for protecting against malware attacks while limiting end users access to Web-based communications systems. Dubbed FaceTime Internet Security Edition, the product is due out at the end of November and offers a range of upgrades over existing security […]

Microsoft announced Nov. 14 that it has filed a lawsuit against an organization believed to be responsible for attacking users with spyware programs hidden in celebrity-themed screen savers, including some bearing pictures of pop singer Jessica Simpson. One day after the United States Federal Trade Commission took its own legal action against ERG Ventures, its […]

Despite having technology and procedures in place to prevent and remediate attacks from spyware, many companies still have difficulty stopping the threats, researchers report. According to a new study published by Ponemon Institute, based on interviews of over 500 North American IT security professionals, a resounding majority of workers admit that their companies are still […]

Juniper Networks released a revamped version of its unified access control platform on Nov. 13, adding new features that promise faster installation and improved ability to enforce corporate security policies. The companys Unified Access Control 2.0 package, which competes head-to-head with the NAC (Network Access Control) technologies marketed by longtime rival Cisco Systems, offers a […]

Online fraudsters are turning their attentions away from large banks and increasingly targeting wealthy consumers as phishing schemes continue to lure large numbers of people into unknowingly sharing their private information with criminals, reports Gartner. Americans are losing fewer dollars to online phishing schemes as a whole, but Internet-savvy, affluent PC users are being hit […]

NEW YORK—Analysts in the field of regulatory compliance say enterprises should increasingly build their IT auditing processes around database governance efforts. A panel of analysts, consultants and software vendors gathered here Nov. 9 for a discussion of IT security and regulatory compliance issues stumped hard for companies to increase their focus on better managing their […]

Microsoft confirmed on Nov. 9 that it will ship at least six security bulletins as part of its monthly effort to patch vulnerabilities discovered in its products. The Redmond, Wash. software maker said that it will deliver fixes for five Windows security issues in Novembers Patch Tuesday release, at least one of which will be […]

While cyber-criminals are becoming more organized in order to monetize their malware and online fraud efforts, researchers contend that technologically simple attacks remain just as effective for stealing information as newer, more sophisticated programs. Criminals continue to steal millions of forms of identification using phishing schemes and spyware programs, and there is little evidence to […]