When Microsoft launched Windows Vista, it also introduced a new User Account Control (UAC) feature, one that was supposed to safeguard users against malware by prompting them for permission before allowing applications to proceed.

by Jose Vilches on February 2, 2009, 10:14 AM
TechSpot

However, many have found it intrusive and annoying. In Windows 7, UAC is still there but Microsoft has toned down the default security setting to make it more palatable, in the sense that it no longer bugs you when you perform routine tasks or even when users change Windows settings.

But in making these changes Microsoft may have inadvertently introduced a gaping security hole. Since the default UAC setting is now to alert users only when a third-part program tries to make changes to a PC and not when the actual user makes changes, then using only keystroke commands issued by a malware program, the technology can be deactivated without the user ever knowing that their system's been compromised. [Comments....]

If you use a social network, a Web browser, a public computer, or a cell phone, beware: Your PC, your bank account, and your personal privacy are at risk. Here are 17 common threats, with fixes for each one.

Andrew Brandt, PC World
Jan 26, 2009 5:00 pm

 Network worms. Phishing e-mail. Drive-by downloads. Data sniffed from an open wireless network. To use a computer safely in the 21st century, you have to be prepared to combat a growing number of constantly evolving security threats.

But for every potential pitfall that malware hunters expose and neutralize, there seem to be five more waiting for a careless PC user to plummet into. Your job is to anticipate and evade a vast array of cleverly devised booby traps meant to catch the unwary. [Comments...]

From CNET:

Heartland Payment Systems, which processes payroll and credit card payments for more than 250,000 businesses, reported Tuesday that consumer credit card data was exposed in what may be the largest security breach ever.

One of the world's largest financial institutions, the World Bank has reportedly lost a large amount of sensitive data, continues to deny reports
Jason Mick (Blog) - October 20, 2008 11:50 AM

The World Bank is the world's largest anti-poverty multilateral organization, representing over 185 member nations.  World Bank president Robert Zoellick has been pushing hard for the organization -- which hands out $25B USD yearly in poverty relief -- to be pillar of strength amidst the global economic crisis, and a beacon of hope for the future.  Those efforts have been dealt a major blow as it has been revealed that the World Bank has lost a large amount of confidential information in what can only be called a mammoth security breach.

[DailyTech...]       [Comments...] 

Critics: Homeland Security unprepared for cyberthreats 

September 17, 2008 4:00 AM PDT
Posted by Stephanie Condon

WASHINGTON--When politicians got together six years ago and decided to glue together a medley of federal agencies to create the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, one of the justifications was a better focus on cybersecurity.