Ryan Naraine

Microsofts security response Center is recommending that businesses consider blocking Excel spreadsheet attachments at the network perimeter to help thwart targeted attacks that exploit an unpatched software vulnerability. The Redmond, Wash., software maker published a prepatch advisory on June 19 with a list of workarounds that include blocking Excel file types at the e-mail gateway. […]

In an unusual move, Microsoft has released a formal security advisory to warn of the publication of “detailed exploit code” that targets a critical Windows vulnerability. The software makers security response unit is strongly urging Windows users—especially businesses running Windows 2000—to patch the vulnerabilities addressed in the MS06-025 bulletin because of the potential for a […]

Symantec is reshaping its push into the network and gateway security business. The Cupertino, Calif., security vendor on June 26 confirmed it was “reducing its investment” in certain security appliances and laying off staff members as part of the move. About 80 employees have been given pink slips, and Symantec said the strategy shift will […]

Five spreadsheet files with personal data on approximately 28,000 sailors and family members were found on an open Web site, the U.S. Navy announced June 23. The personal data included the name, birth date and social security number on several Navy members and dependents. The Navy said it was notified on June 22 of the […]

Botnet herders have found a crafty new way to lure computer users to maliciously rigged Web sites—via text messaging on cell phones. The latest social engineering trick is to send SMS (short messaging service) alerts to mobile phones with a warning that the target has subscribed to an online dating service that racked up expensive […]

A private security company has found a way to nuke the controversial callback component in Microsofts Windows Genuine Advantage anti-piracy tool. Firewall Leak Tester, a company that provides tools to test the quality of personal firewall software, has released a utility called RemoveWGA that blocks Microsoft from “phoning home” from Windows PCs on a daily […]

Allegations of “predatory pricing” are beginning to swirl around Microsofts emergence as a player in the security software space. On the heels of the software giants release of its Windows OneCare PC care bundle for consumers and a massive rebranding effort in the enterprise security sector, competitors are crying foul, charging that Microsoft is using […]

Microsoft is adding a brand-new feature to Windows Vista to allow businesses to load ActiveX controls on systems running without admin privileges. The new feature, called ActiveX Installer Service, will be fitted into the next public release of Vista to provide a way for enterprises to cope with the UAC (User Account Control) security mechanism. […]

Officials at the Microsoft Security Response Center are scrambling to investigate a second zero-day flaw in the Excel spreadsheet program, after a private researcher released exploit code to prove the extent of the vulnerability. A company spokesperson confirmed to eWEEK that the new vulnerability could be exploited if a user is tricked into clicking on […]

Unpatched versions of some of the most popular software applications present a bigger threat to enterprise networks than malicious software, according to a warning from Bit9, an endpoint security vendor. Bit9, of Cambridge, Mass., on June 20 released a list of 15 widely deployed applications with critical vulnerabilities that go unnoticed in enterprise IT organizations […]

Microsofts windows Vista has a date with some of the worlds smartest hackers. The software maker will use the spotlight of the Black Hat security conference Aug. 2-3 in Las Vegas to show off some of the key security features and functionality being fitted into Vista. Microsofts appearance on the Black Hat stage is a […]

Microsofts security response center is recommending that businesses consider blocking Excel spreadsheet attachments at the network perimeter to help thwart targeted attacks that exploit an unpatched software vulnerability. The Redmond, Wash., software giant published a pre-patch advisory on June 19 with a list of workarounds that include blocking Excel file-types at the e-mail gateway. File […]