 Virus writers unleash first ever Mac
OS X Trojan
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Proving that even
platforms thought to be safe from virus attacks eventually
draw the attention of hackers, virus writers last week launched
MacOS/Amphimix, an MP3 file housing a Trojan. It is the first
known virus to target Apple's UNIX-based operating system.
Also known as MP3Concept, MacOS/Amphimix is a
mostly harmless Trojan that appears to have been designed
to make more of a statement about what could be done rather
than actually doing anything itself. When a user is enticed
into double-clicking the MP3 e-mail attachment, the Trojan launches the
popular iTunes application and pops up a window reading "Yep,
this is an application. So what is your iTunes playing right
now?"
Beyond this message, the Trojan does nothing. However, it
could represent a warning shot meant to let Mac users know that they
are not immune to the woes of the Windows world.
This should also serve
as a wakeup call to other non-Windows users, according to the Reno-based
software company, Bytware, Inc. The developer of StandGuard Anti-Virus—the only native anti-virus solution available for the IBM eServer iSeries
and OS/400—warns that it is only a matter of time before other platforms
become targets.
"Like the Mac OS, the iSeries and OS/400 have long been secure
from the kinds of threats that plague the Windows world," said Christopher
Jones, a spokesperson for Bytware. "Another thing that the two platforms
have in common is that they can both serve as carriers for
viruses and pass them on to Windows users even though they
themselves are not affected. This is one reason that Mac users take measures
to guard against viruses even though the threat to their own machines is very
low."
Bytware has been working with IBM and McAfee to educate iSeries users on the threat that hosted viruses
pose to overall business security and productivity.
For the time being
it appears that OS X remains safe from true virus threats,
but the time has come for anti-virus software to become a necessity on
all platforms.
For more information about Bytware and StandGuard Anti-Virus,
visit http://www.bytware.com/products/sgav.html
For more information about MacOS/Amphimix, visit http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=description&virus_k=101173
For more information about Mac OS X, visit http://www.apple.com/macosx/
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Precious Metal Investors Get Gas, Rejoice
NEW YORK, NY -- Investors looking to
diversify and add stability to their portfolios have long
latched onto gold. Now they are abandoning the precious
metal in favor of something with even more value: gasoline.
As gas prices continue to climb, the smelly
product that makes the world go 'round has become the hottest
item on investors' wish lists. With prices approaching $3.00
per gallon in California and increasing all the time, gas is being seen
as a sure bet.
"My broker gave me gas, and I've never been happier," said
Wall Street maven Peter Litton. "My net worth has doubled over the
past six weeks. Gold never did that for me."
The rise in gas prices has
also given birth to a new series of TV infomercials encouraging Americans
to invest in petro.
"For thousands of years, people have turned to gold as an anchor
in the financial storm," begins a snobby old woman in one TV spot. "But
now they've all got gas."
A TV pitchwoman espouses
the virtues of gas.
She
goes on to explain the high points of petroleum products and the reluctance
of consumers to switch to more energy efficient resources such as wind
and hydrogen. "Although it shares many of the same
potentials as wind," she continues, "gas demands much more
attention in the market."
Indeed gas has captured the attention of
an entire nation. With instabilities in the stock market, getting
gas may just be the best investment one can make at the moment.
Americans
are not the only ones paying close attention to this new financial
development. European nations have discussed backing the Euro with gas,
and the Queen has suggested that the Sterling Pound should be redubbed
the Petro Pound.
Retail chains have also jumped onto the bandwagon, offering
free gas as an incentive to pull in shoppers. From discount stores
to supermarkets to restaurants, anyone who wants gas can get it.
For the
moment gas is hot, and investment experts predict that it will remain
that way for some time to come. For those looking for stability in their
investments, the catchphrase "Got Gas?" might
just be the answer.
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Federal Regulators Note that More Data Laws Needed
WASHINGTON, DC -- Eight federal regulators
recently announced their conclusion that additional laws
safeguarding the integrity of corporate data are needed.
The regulators described various
incidents in which sensitive information has been stolen
and passed to outside parties, including a currently hot
case involving Houston-based Evans Business Solutions and Santa Clara-based
Extar Systems.
A
number of acts have been passed in recent years intended
to make companies more accountable in the area of security. Some believe
the acts are working while others are skeptical of government regulation.
"What we have here are situations that vary significantly," explained
business consultant Kirk Lathers. "There are some incidents in which
companies intentionally play fast and loose with customer
information. These companies should be held legally accountable.
But then there are cases in which data is transferred unknowingly
through an act of extrusion, and there are cases in which the data
loss affects primarily the company and not consumers. This
is the case with the Evans-Extar incident."
The approaches that regulatory agencies
could pursue include steep fines for corporate executives,
manadatory prison time or community service, and even public flogging.
"I don't think we'll see legislation going the flogging route," assured
Lathers. "This is 21st century America after all. In fact, what
would be more likely would be for executives to be put into
mandatory 'time out,' standing with their noses in a corner
for as long as 30 minutes. This would be followed by coerced
assurances that they won't do it again... and probably prescriptions
for a little blue pill."
There's also the issue of differences between
federal and state implementation of any acts. In the case
of Evans-Extar, both Texas and California could potentially be involved.
One
rather ludicrous suggestion coming out of Washington is that
a notification requirement be put into place that is modeled on the one
found in the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB).
As noted in a Federal Reserve
Bank press release from December 23, 2003, Section 503 of
the GLB Act requires financial institutions to provide a notice to each
customer that describes the institution's policies and practices regarding
the disclosure to third parties of nonpublic personal information.
In
the Evans-Extar case, the corresponding requirement in any
new legislation would require the person stealing the data and passing
it to another company to issue a notice outlining the method of theft
and the intended uses of the stolen data by the destination company.
This notice would have to be distributed to all employees of the company
whose data is being stolen, as well as all customers of that company.
Regardless
of the direction in which legislation goes, there is no doubt that extrusion
is a serious issue facing corporate America. It can undermine innovation
and consumer confidence, and can in some cases land company management
and employees in legal trouble.
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Other Nation/World Stories
Be sure to uncover all the clues...
Issue 1
Data Theft and Loss an Important Issue for American Corporations
A special committee organized to investigate a growing trend of corporate data theft has released its report. It finds that data theft occuring in American corporations is a real cause for concern. :: View full story.
Nationwide Moving Sidewalk Network Sought
Transportation officials announced today that they are in the initial stages of development for a network of moving sidewalks that will enable Americans to travel anywhere in the country without moving their arms or legs. :: View full story.
Evans Business Solutions Goes Automated on iSeries
Evans Business Solutions, the Houston-based software company known for their accounting technology, recently took steps to remedy system disruptions that were costing the company big money. :: View full story.
Issue 2
Foreign Officials Warn of Attempts to Hack Key American Corporations
A special international agency today announced that they have monitored attempts by Islamic militant groups to hack into the computer networks of several major American corporations. :: View full story.
Manheim Taps StandGuard Anti-Virus for Protection
In a perfect world, there would be no viruses. In reality, news of viruses increases week after week; and the outlook calls for more targeted and malicious attacks. In the face of such risks, the world’s top companies are taking steps to ensure that their systems remain clean and their customers protected. :: View full story.
After Ted, Other Airlines Consider Offshoots
With the initial positive reaction to United Airlines' new low-cost carrier, "Ted," other airlines are considering similar moves. :: View full story.
Issue 3
Virus writers unleash first ever Mac OS X Trojan
Proving that even platforms thought to be safe from virus attacks eventually draw the attention of hackers, virus writers last week launched MacOS/Amphimix, an MP3 file housing a Trojan. It is the first known virus to target Apple's UNIX-based operating system. :: View full story.
Precious Metal Investors Get Gas, Rejoice
Investors looking to diversify and add stability to their portfolios have long latched on to gold. Now they are abandoning the precious metal in favor of something with even more value: gasoline. :: View full story.
Federal Regulators Note that More Data Laws Needed
Eight federal regulators recently announced their conclusion that additional laws safeguarding the integrity of corporate data are needed. :: View full story.
Issue 4
Matt Williams Questioned by Police in L.A.
L.A. city law enforcement officials last night took local waiter and aspiring actor Matt Williams into custody for questioning in connection with the Evans Business Solutions data theft case. :: View full story.
NSS Members Energized by World's First Private Spaceflight
The world witnessed the dawn of a new space age today, as investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen and Scaled Composites launched the first private manned vehicle beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. :: View full story.
Health Insurance Providers Consider New Approach: Appendage Insurance
In an effort to reform the way Americans buy health insurance, and in an effort to make their operations all the more lucrative, health insurance providers are considering a new "a la carte" style of coverage. :: View full story.
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