Carlo Orlando

One of the most malicious computer viruses ever created has been launched against unsuspecting users. Rather than jeopardize the financial well being of an individual, however, this new form of malware looks to ruin reputations by suggesting that ... innocent people are pedophiles. In this twisted practice, hackers are now unloading dozens of prohibited photographs into computers worldwide. Virus Payload Not Random Acts of Chaos The motivation for doing something so sinister is baffling, to say the least. While many would believe that hackers are engaging in this practice for the purpose of ... (view more)

A recent report suggests that cyber criminals are now setting their sights on small- and medium-sized businesses and institutions. According to an alert posted on the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website, there has been a "significant ... increase" in automated clearing house (ACH) fraud over the past few months, targeting small businesses, municipal governments and schools. The FBI believes that about $100 million dollars has moved bank accounts because of this practice. (Source: yahoo.com ) The "weapon of choice" for these fraudsters is online banking and the plan is rather ... (view more)

According to Jeff Williams, the principal group program manager for the Microsoft Malware Protection Center, computers in countries with high rates of software piracy are more likely to be infected by malicious code because users are leery of ... applying security patches. In China , the piracy rate is nearly four times higher than that of the U.S., according to a recent Microsoft report. Oddly enough, the use of Microsoft's Windows Update service (used to patch security flaws) in these countries is significantly less than in the U.S. (Source: networkworld.com ) Brazil and France were identified ... (view more)

Facebook won an unprecedented $711 million dollar legal victory over one of the world's most notorious spammers, Stanford Wallace. While many feel that the triumph over Wallace is a just legal victory, critics argue that the decision could actually ... help spammers. Spam King Forced to Abdicate Throne Late last week, Judge Jeremy Fogel ordered Sanford Wallace to pay $711 million in damages for flooding Facebook with unwanted spam messages. Dubbed the "Spam King", Wallace would assume control of a victim's account and post dubious wall messages. (Source: computerworld.com ) The posts, which began ... (view more)

An unfinished feature has been discovered lurking within Windows 7, which would allow a regular laptop computer to be transformed into a wireless access point. The "secret" WiFi feature is not a foreign or accidental creation, however. Microsoft ... crafted "Virtual WiFi" in an effort to " virtualize " one wireless card as separate adapters for several different devices. Original efforts to forge ahead with "Virtual WiFi" were halted in 2006, when the project was discontinued. However, the work has apparently made a grand re-entrance with Windows 7, now known as Native 802.11 Virtual Wireless ... (view more)

As part of the Japanese Science and Technology Agency's "Erato" project, students at Keio University have created a robot designed to alleviate the burden of performing one specific household chore: folding the laundry. Visitors at the Digital ... Contents Expo in Tokyo were greeted with a plethora of new tech-based innovations this year. The exhibitors demonstrated ideas that were necessary, practical and futuristic. Foldy the Robot Folder For example, "Foldy" the robot works with a camera mounted above a flat surface, like an ironing board. A person comes along and places an article of clothing ... (view more)

In the aftermath of the much-anticipated Windows 7 release , a large number of users are complaining that their copy of Windows 7 downloaded from Digital River will not install correctly. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Digital River is the driving ... force behind Microsoft's $29.99 Windows 7 upgrade offer to students. Digital River is no stranger to handling Microsoft transactions, as the company fulfilled a similar role when Windows Vista and Office 2007 were released. Problems Recorded Within Hours Users began experiencing problems shortly after downloading their new operating system. One ... (view more)

A major anti-corruption crusade has taken shape in Nigeria, formed in the hopes of cracking down on Internet scammers throughout the country. The campaign recently shut down 800 scam websites and busted 18 networks used by email fraudsters. ... According to Farida Waziri, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, "Over 800 fraudulent email addresses have been identified and shut down. There have also been 18 arrests of high profile syndicates operating cyber-crime organizations." (Source: com.au ) Epicenter of Email Scamming Nigeria carries the undesirable reputation of being the ... (view more)

One of the most anticipated aspects of the forthcoming Windows 7 will be its security features . According to Andrew Storms, director of security operations of nCircle Network Security, three specific security facets are the hot items to look for ... when first experimenting with Windows 7, due to be released tomorrow. More Secure, Less Bothersome The first new security improvement can be seen in the presentation of security measures. With Vista, people were always being asked to review their decisions via an "are you sure?" window request. With Windows 7, the user controls the extent with which ... (view more)

An add-on Microsoft slipped into Mozilla Firefox last February now leaves the browser subject to an attack. The threat is being categorized as a " browse-and-get-owned " situation in which hackers lure users to a compromised website. While Microsoft ... and Mozilla have been browser rivals for years now, their respective agendas have never been to cause any direct harm to one another. The two companies have an unspoken understanding that marketing campaigns and external advertisements used to lure potential users is the most ethical way to win the battle. Now, Microsoft is being made to look ... (view more)