Microsoft Internet Explorer security flaw could put users at risk

Hacker detection

In terms of market share, Internet Explorer remains the top web browser thanks to being the default on Windows and average users not knowing any better. Those with a lean towards technology frequently use alternatives like Chrome and Firefox. This was a major problem in the days of IE 6, but Microsoft has improved its offering with each iteration.

But no software is perfect and security holes are found on a regular basis. This time it seems Microsoft's browser has a major one. The flaw that has been discovered can be used to exploit users via phishing attacks and malicious code insertion.

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Can you trust crowdfunding projects? Not in the UK

Can you trust crowdfunding projects? Not in the UK

Crowdfunding is now an incredibly popular way for startups and individuals to get the funding to get their projects off the ground. It's certainly an interesting approach to things. Ideas that might not otherwise come to fruition receive the money they need to hit production, further development and so on, and investors get the chance to be involved in something from a very early stage, and possibly reap the benefits when it hits the big time.

But in the UK the Financial Conduct Authority found that most British crowdfunding websites were less than honest with the information shared with potential investors. Specifically, the regulator warns that companies are being selective about the information that is shared with would-be investors, whilst simultaneously underplaying the risks that might be involved.

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Lack of trust holds back app downloads

trust

Consumers are increasingly wary of downloading apps according to a new report by mobile commerce community MEF and antivirus company AVG.

The study is based on data from 15,000 mobile media users in 15 countries across five continents. It explores the key areas of trust, privacy, transparency and security to identify their impact on mobile consumers, from purchasing a new device to downloading apps or paying for goods and services.

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Google fails to spot adware-riddled Android apps in Play store

Phone lock

If you want to steer clear of malware on Android, just stick to Google Play. I am sure you have heard this line before. And it makes sense, if you think about it, as Google subjects apps to security checks prior to approving them. So, it makes sense to hand out that piece of advice whenever new Android malware is discovered in the wild. But what if the malicious bits are found in Google Play itself? A change of tune is in order.

Security firm Avast details how three popular, seemingly harmless Android apps -- but, riddled with adware -- have been tricking users into visiting unwanted sites, installing other apps, to fix different non-existent issues, like fake malware infections, porn-filled storage (though, I have to say, it is far from an unlikely scenario, in some cases) and so on.

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New tool to identify website vulnerabilities

web address

Many of the security breaches that have made the headlines over the past year have been due to some form of web vulnerability. It's no surprise that the web has become the main route for cyber attacks as highlighted by things like Shellshock.

But identifying these flaws manually can be a mammoth task. Which is why cloud security provider Qualys is announcing the latest version of its Web Application Scanning (WAS) tool.

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Tweak, process and optimize your JPEGs with Jhead

Jhead200-175

Jhead is a free command line tool which crams a host of JPEG-tweaking power into its tiny 163KB executable.

The program can strip out all unnecessary metadata, reducing file size a little (occasionally, a lot), and maybe protecting your privacy.

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Android 5.1 Lollipop is already here, but you can't get it yet

fearlolli

Android 5.0 Lollipop was the only new Android release that came out in 2014. And that was unusual. Prior to its arrival Google had announced twice as many each year (even more, if we look far enough behind), with less than six months between them. In 2015, Google is shaking things up one more time.

In recent years, the first new Android release of the year usually came in June or July, but in 2015 it arrives much sooner. In fact, Android 5.1 Lollipop is already here, as it is shipping on a new batch of Android One devices slated for Indonesia.

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Samsung launches advanced enterprise mobility solution

Tablet mobile security

The increasing use of mobile devices for business has highlighted the need for solutions to manage devices and keep them secure.

Samsung has recognized the growing importance of this and has announced the release of the Good app container and management system on the Samsung KNOX enterprise security platform for Android.

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iOS outsells Android in US for the first time since 2012

iOS outsells Android in US for the first time since 2012

The latest figures published by Kantar Worldpanel show that US sales of iOS devices are outpacing those of Android handsets. Just. Buoyed by the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple saw sales figures rising across Europe, the US and in China, with the smaller of its two smartphones proving to be the best-selling handset in the US.

Overall, iOS devices accounted for 47.7 percent of smartphone sales, just managing to edge ahead of Android which dropped slightly to a 47.6 percent market share. The holiday period was key to this switch in popularity, as the iPhone 6 proved the most popular gift in 2014. But it's not just in the US that Android is losing its grip on the market.

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Augmented Reality glasses set to become more popular than smartphones, says Augmented Reality promoter

HoloLense headset

In the future, smart glasses (or AR, Augmented Reality glasses) will become more popular than smartphones -- although we are talking about the pretty distant future.

This unlikely sounding conclusion -- particularly given the recent demise of Google’s Glass Explorer project -- was reached by a report from Augmentedreality.org, although it is potentially somewhat biased in that it’s an organization "committed to advancing Augmented Reality".

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J7Z is a simpler, faster 7-Zip gui

J7Z-200-175

It may be more than 15 years old, but 7-Zip is an open source classic, still used as the archiving engine for a host of applications.

7-Zip’s interface isn’t a strong point, though, and if you'd like something simpler then you might prefer the Java-based J7Z.

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Toshiba releases super-secure Encrypted USB Flash Drive with hardware-based encryption

usbtosh

In a cloud-focused world, more and more people are shunning physical storage. It's hard to blame them, as cloud services are very convenient. Best of all, services like Dropbox and OneDrive store your files off-site, keeping them safe from floods, fires and other disasters.

Unfortunately, not everyone can utilize cloud storage. Businesses in particular may be wary of using the cloud to store or transport sensitive information and trade secrets. Yes, a flash drive may be an option, but what if it gets lost? They are small, and can easily fall out of a bag or pocket. Today, Toshiba releases its solution; the unimaginatively named Encrypted USB Flash Drive. While the name may not be impressive, the AES 256-bit encryption surely is.

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'Stop using Windows Server 2003!' says Microsoft

Stop using Windows Server 2003!’ says Microsoft

Microsoft is encouraging users to migrate away from Windows Server 2003. Support for the 12 year old operating system comes to an end in the middle of July, and companies are encouraged to seriously consider moving to Windows Server 2012 R2, Microsoft Azure, or Office 365.

Previously published figures suggest that most of those who are yet to upgrade from Windows Server 2003 will do so before the end-of-life deadline. But this still leaves around a fifth of businesses who have to consider what action to take.

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Did you watch the Super Bowl online? It was powered by Adobe

football

The usual droves of people turned out to watch the big game this past Sunday. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest spectacles in sports. While you may or may not have been pleased with the result you should have been pleased with the quality of the online stream -- if that's how you happened to watch it.

Over the past couple of weeks we've brought you news of Adobe security flaws -- they tend to be more regular than anyone would like. In this case, it's nice to report something good from the software maker.

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Microsoft's Bing is your source for the 2015 Grammy Awards -- Beyoncé, Sam Smith, and more!

samme

Award shows can be rather lame, depending on many things; the host, the nominees and the overall presentation. The Grammy Awards are my favorite of them all, however, as music is one of my favorite hobbies.

Sadly, while I enjoy the overall spectacle and the show, I often disagree with the results. As a Hip-Hop fan, I was disgusted last year when Kendrick Lamar did not win best rap album. Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City should have won, but I digress. This year, Microsoft is making Bing your one stop shop for all things Grammy, including karaoke and predictions.

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