Authorities have smashed one of the world’s biggest networks of virus-infected computers, a data vacuum that stole credit cards and online banking credentials from as many as 12.7 million poisoned PCs. The “botnet” of infected computers included PCs inside more than half of the Fortune 1,000 companies and more than 40 major banks, according to…
Category: Malware
Computer Breach At Southern Illinois University
Ryan Kruger reports: Nearly one thousand former SIU students are at risk for identity theft. University officials say an old computer in the math department was hit by a virus last month. That computer contained the names and social security numbers of 900 students who took a particular math class five years ago. SIU spokesman…
Broad New Hacking Attack Detected
Siobhan Gorman reports: Hackers in Europe and China successfully broke into computers at nearly 2,500 companies and government agencies over the last 18 months in a coordinated global attack that exposed vast amounts of personal and corporate secrets to theft, according to a computer-security company that discovered the breach. The damage from the latest cyberattack…
Humboldt State University employee info possibly compromised after computer virus
Chris Durant reports: A Humboldt State University computer infected with a virus may have exposed the personal information of 3,500 people employed by the school between 2002 and 2006. HSU spokesman Paul Mann said no employees or former employees have yet reported having their information — like Social Security numbers — being used or stolen….
AU: Privacy Commissioner delays zombie code
Ben Grubb reports: The finishing touches to an e-security code of conduct which will prevent compromised computers, also called “zombies”, from accessing the internet is being delayed following concerns flagged by the Privacy Commissioner. It aims to make formal existing voluntary security arrangements that internet service providers (ISPs) currently follow under a scheme run by…
AU: Support Staff survives data theft attempt
Ry Crozier reports: A recruiter hit by a thief attempting to install malware had fielded calls from government departments anxious for assurances that the business’s IT systems were not breached. Support Staff Australasia’s managing director Richard Gilham told iTnews he had assurances from police investigators and his IT team that the thief did not access…