MacBook wireless hackers to work with Apple

A computer security firm that wirelessly hacked an MacBook at a recent Black Hat security conference has revealed that it is now working with Apple to help prevent any further vulnerabilities. SecureWorks researchers David Maynor and 'Johnny Cache' showed how easy it was to gain access to the Apple portable. They revealed that they had used a third-party wireless card and drivers rather than Apple's built-in AirPort technology and maintained the security problem could be replicated using different hardware instead of a Mac. ...more

Hewlett-Packard and Compaq to merge

All hail the new "Global Technology Leader". Two of the major players in the IT industry have decided to merge, seeing a united front as the best way to face the falling PC sales and tough economic conditions. The $25bn stock-swap will see the new joint entity operating in more than 160 countries involving over 145,000 employees. ...more

In the wake of Donk-D, comes the Randex worms

Following in the recent wake of Donk-D comes reports of more network worms, according to anti-virus specialist Sophos. Like the Donk worm, the Randex variants are network worms with backdoor capabilities. Potentially, this allows a remote attacker to control an infected computer. ...more

Web server attacks on the increase

Attacks on Web servers and websites rose by more than a third in 2004, according to a new report. The Zone-H survey for the Infosecurity Europe conference found that the 36 per cent rise meant there were more than 400,000 server attacks and website defacements. Two thousand five hundred servers are attacked each day, with the US government a frequent target. ...more

RUNE II?

Rune II? Well not quite, but apparently Human Head Studios is planning to release an add-on pack for its Viking hack-and-slash game RUNE. Once more around the Ragnar dear friends, once more! RUNE: The Halls of Valhalla will be a multiplayer-only addition, but get this: you can either use it with the original game or it will stand up on its own two feet! Providing more exciting Internet or LAN action, the pack will contain new features, new maps and, best of all, two new game modes. Arena presents players with a kind of gladiatorial combat idea, and it has primarily been designed for one-on-one slashing frenzies although some of the new levels will be large enough to support more than two players. ...more