HSBC strengthens online defences

The HSBC is claiming the largest UK roll out of access code generating key fobs to its business customers. Some 180,000 of its business customers will receive the key fobs, costing the bank around ?3 each, in a bid to combat online fraud following successful roll outs in the US and Hong Kong. A spokesperson told us that HSBC has no plans to offer the security devices to its consumer customers as 'the risk profile is so much higher' for businesses. ...more

Ofcom sets Christmas launch date

Ofcom, the joint regulation body - which replaces the Independent Television Commission (ITC), the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC), Oftel, the Radiocommunications Agency and the Radio Authority - says it will be open for business by the end of the year. With the Communications Bill expected to pass into law this summer, and everyone who is joining Ofcom to be in situ at Ofcom's Riverside House headquarters by mid December, the new body will be flexing its regulatory muscle by then. CEO Stephen Carter described Ofcom as a 'new, leaner, effective and important organisation,' and we are told that there may be redundancies in achieving this. ...more

Man charged in Google AdWords swindle

A man has been charged with fraud and extortion charges over a program that exploits a Google click-though revenue sharing scheme, according to Reuters. The news agency reports that a federal grand jury in San Jose, California, has charged Anthony Bradley with 'one count of interfering with commerce by threats and 10 counts of wire fraud'. The software in question allegedly generates clicks against Google's 'cost-per-click' online advertisements, a revenue sharing scheme by which Google pays website operators who generate traffic for its search services. ...more

Price Check: USB memory drives

Friday is here again, and with your paycheck in your pocket, it's time to head online for the best prices on... ...more

Dell bids to change its name

Dell is bidding to change its name, from Dell Computer to simply 'Dell Inc'. The move is intended to represent the growth of the Texan company from its original PC box-building days. As well as enterprise-scale server systems, Dell is also in the services, networking and storage business. ...more