The challenges of securing Active Directory [Q&A]
As we saw in the recent SolarWinds attack, Active Directory can be exploited as a means of attacking corporate networks.
But why is AD such an attractive target? And why are companies struggling to secure it even though it's hardly a new technology? We spoke to Carolyn Crandall, chief security advocate at AttivoNetworks to find out.
SMB developers trust big cloud providers -- but not completely
A new survey for cloud computing company Linode, carried out by ClearPath Strategies, looks at how much developers trust their third-party cloud providers.
Based on responses from 800 developers at small and mid-sized businesses, it finds that while developers generally say they trust their provider of choice in general, deeper examination uncovers some issues when it comes to major cloud providers.
Norton snaps up Avast in $8 billion merger deal
Following on from news of merger talks last month, NortonLifeLock has confirmed that it is buying Avast in a deal that values the Czech-based and London stock exchange listed firm at up to $8.6bn (£6.2bn).
In a joint statement the companies say that the combined business will serve more than 500 million cybersecurity customers, including around 40 million direct customers.
Remote Desktop Connection Manager is back after receiving important security update
Last year, Microsoft issued advice to stop using Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) and turn to either Remote Desktop Connection or a universal Remote Desktop client instead.
The advice came after Microsoft deprecated RDCMan following the discovery of a serious security vulnerability which the company had said would not be fixed. But having been made part of the Windows Sysinternals tools collection, a fix has now been issued meaning that RDCMan is now safe to use once again.
Microsoft finally fixes PrintNightmare vulnerability with KB5005031 and KB5005033 updates
To help address the ongoing problems with the so-called PrintNightmare vulnerability (CVE-2021-34527), Microsoft has announced a change to the default behavior of the Point and Print feature in Windows.
The change has been delivered via the KB5005033 and KB5005031 update and means that in order to install printer drivers, users will have to have administrative privileges. This mitigates against the Windows Print Spooler vulnerability that allowed any user to install drivers via Point and Print, a fact that could be exploited to install a malicious drivers to allow for remote code execution and SYSTEM privileges.
Blue Icepop is a microphone upgrade for Logitech G PRO and Astro A40 headsets
It feels like just yesterday that Logitech bought Blue Microphones, but believe it or not, it has been about three years already! In that time, Logitech has integrated Blue technologies into some of its products, such as the G PRO X gaming headset.
And now, in a synergistic move, Logitech is launching a special "Blue Icepop" microphone upgrade for its own Logitech G PRO headset and the Astro A40 headset. If you aren't familiar, Logitech also owns Astro Gaming. This product is rather clever -- I never thought of upgrading the removeable microphone on an existing headset, but it totally makes sense.
Zorin OS 16 Pro brings Microsoft's Windows 11 interface to Linux
Windows 11 looks quite beautiful, but let's be honest... it is pretty much just Windows 10 with a fresh coat of paint. Sadly, Microsoft is requiring some pretty strict hardware requirements for the upcoming operating system, meaning many people could find themselves unable to upgrade. Even worse, the company has provided confusing communications regarding TPM requirements.
Thankfully, even if Microsoft thinks your perfectly fine computer is obsolete, the Linux community doesn't think that. In other words, if your computer is incompatible with Windows 11 due to a lack of a TPM chip or other hardware issue, it can still run a modern Linux distro just fine. In fact, thanks to the upcoming Zorin OS 16 Pro, you can experience the all-new Windows 11 interface on Linux! Wow!
Ubuntu-based elementary OS 6 'Odin' Linux distribution is now available for download
Why don’t more desktop computer users run Linux-based operating systems? Well, software compatibility aside, there is fear of change and the unknown. For a user to switch from Windows, it need to be a fairly simple affair. For years, just installing a Linux distribution was a daunting task. These days, however, it can be faster and easier than installing Windows -- depending on the distro, of course.
For Linux beginners, once installed, their chosen distro should be easy to use with an intuitive desktop environment. I'm a big fan of GNOME, but understandably, not all folks like it -- especially Linux novices. One particular Linux-based desktop operating system has been focusing on accessibility to all -- elementary OS. This distribution is polished and focuses on being easy to use. It is a good choice for both experts and beginners alike. Today, elementary OS 6, code-named "Odin," becomes available for download, and it is loaded with exciting changes.
Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac is here with support for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey
Virtualization software Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac is now available, and the latest update brings with it a host of important changes and additions. Among the highlights of the latest version is full support for not only Windows 11, but also macOS Monterey. Both of these operating systems have yet to be released, but Parallels is ready for them, meaning eager testers can get on and try them out.
Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac also boasts support for Apple's M1 chip as well as more traditional Intel-based platforms. The update also sees huge performance improvements with an improved gaming experience and better USB support.
Businesses need to focus on the basics to defend against ransomware
A new whitepaper released today by O'Reilly and based on a survey of tech professionals experiences of ransomware concludes that basic security practices like backups are key to surviving an attack.
Of 950 respondents to the study only six percent had experienced a ransomware attack directly in the organization they work for and, by and large, these organizations have strong security measures in place.
YHE's BP Doctor Smart Watch measures your blood pressure with an inflatable wrist band [Review]
Although my Apple Watch is capable of doing a lot of things, such as delivering messages and letting me reply to them, reporting on the weather, and controlling my music, it’s the many health functions I get the most from.
BP Doctor Smart Watch is much more affordable alternative to the Apple Watch that offers a wealth of similar health monitoring tricks, including recording your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, sleep time and HRV (Sleeping Heart Rate Variability), activity (outdoor walking, and indoor or outdoor running) and calories burned. It also has another impressive ability, and one that gives the device its name -- it can record your blood pressure.
Banks speed up their AI adoption to combat money laundering
A third of financial institutions are accelerating their AI and machine learning adoption for anti-money laundering (AML) technology in response to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, another 39 percent of compliance professionals say their AI/ML adoption plans will continue, despite the pandemic's disruption, this is according to a new study by analytics company SAS, consultancy KPMG and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).
Firefox 91 improves its Total Cookie Protection to block more third-party trackers
Another month, another major Firefox update. This time, Firefox 91 brings with it two major changes of note: improvements to its Total Cookie Protection feature, and support for logging into Microsoft, work and school accounts through Windows single sign-on.
Total Cookie Protection, introduced back in February when Firefox was a mere 86 iterations old, aims to confine cookies to the site where they were created as part of an attempt to put the brakes on invasive tracking cookies from third-party companies.
Enterprise network access for sale on underground forums
We know that cyber criminals are increasingly operating in a businesslike way and using underground marketplaces to sell services and information.
A new report from threat intelligence specialist IntSights looks at one particular aspect of this trend which is the sale of access to already compromised networks.
Salesforce misconfiguration can expose sensitive data
Researchers at Varonis are warning about a Salesforce misconfiguration that can expose sensitive data to anyone on the internet.
The issue is in the Salesforce Community, which lets Salesforce customers create their own websites to connect with users outside their organization and collaborate.
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