technology / Top Stories
Three Indicted In Huge Identity/Data BreachScentCone and other readers let us know about an indictment just unsealed in federal court for stealing 130 million credit cards and other data useful in identity theft, or just plain money theft. The breaches were at payment processor Heartland (accounting for the bulk of the 130M), Hannaford, 7-11, and two unnamed "national retailers." Interestingly, the focus of the indictment, Albert "Segvec" Gonzalez, is currently awaiting trial for masterminding the TJX break-in, which until Heartland counted as the largest credit-card theft ever. The indictment cites SQL injection attacks as the entry vector. Two unnamed Russia-based conspirators were also indicted. Securosis has analysis of the security implications of the breach ("These appear to be preventable attacks using common security controls. It's possible some advanced techniques were used, but I doubt it") and the attackers' methodology.Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Slashdot Monday, August 17, 2009IBM Scientists Build Computer Chips From DNAsnydeq writes "Scientists at IBM are experimenting with using DNA molecules as a way to create tiny circuits that could form the basis of smaller, more powerful
computer chips. The technique builds on work done by Cal Tech's Paul Rothemund, who found that DNA molecules can be made to 'self-assemble' into tiny forms [PDF] such as triangles, squares and stars. 'To make a chip, the scientists first create lithographic templates using traditional chip making techniques. After, they pour a DNA solution over the surface of the silicon and the tiny triangles and squares — what the scientists call DNA origami — line themselves up to the patterns etched out using lithography.' DNA-based chips may sound like crackpot tech, but those involved believe the methodology could lead to a new way of fabricating features on the surface of chips that allows semiconductors to be made even smaller, faster and more power-efficient than they are today."Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Slashdot Monday, August 17, 2009Wireless Power Consortium Pushes for ''Qi'' StandardThe Wireless Power Consortium (comprised of Samsung, Sanyo, Olympus, Philips, Texas Instruments, and others) has started a push towards a wireless charging standard under the moniker "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). "Members of the Wireless Power Consortium are reviewing version 0.95 of its technical specification which defines a proposed standard for charging devices, using up to 5Watts power, delivered by electromagnetic induction. The spec could evolve into a standard — and will be demonstrated by multiple vendors on September 15th to 16th. ... It is less ambitious than the system demonstrated this summer by Witricity, which operates at a distance of a few meters, using resonance, which the company claims has green benefits through replacing disposable batteries."Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Slashdot Monday, August 17, 2009Bits: Tennis in TwitterlandTennis stars like Andy Roddick and Serena Williams use Twitter to exchange barbed comments and photos.
International Herald Tribune Monday, August 17, 2009Study: Future wars will include cyberattacksAn independent research group predicts that cyberwarfare will accompany future military conflicts and is recommending international action to blunt its impact.
CNN Monday, August 17, 2009IBM and Caltech experiment with DNA-sized computer chips[More] Sponsored Topics: California Institute of Technology - California - Technology - Biotechnology - Pasadena
Scientific American Monday, August 17, 2009Google: We defended Cyxymu attack to protect free speechKeeping Blogger.com up and running during a politically-motivated attack indicates
google's dedication to free speech, says the company. But is that just spin?The saga of Cyxymu, the Georgian blogger who was at the heart of the recent spate of attacks on major websites, continues with a piece of intriguing spin from
google.Blogger product manager Rick Klau has released a public statement which points out the political nature of the attacks - but also seems to suggest that Google's main objective in repelling the attacks was defending the right to freedom of expression."Google collaborated with the other targeted services... to help identify the origins of the attacks and minimise their impact," he writes on the
google Public Policy Blog. "While Blogger was able to withstand the attack this time around, we hope that governments and companies will recognize the threats to free expression that exist today and will work together to ensure that the internet continues to provide many safe ha
Guardian Monday, August 17, 2009Latest In Tech News ReviewedOmar Gallaga, technology reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, discusses the latest tech news. This week's stories include one bank's efforts to allow its customers to deposit checks via
iphone camera and a banjo afficionado who takes his expertise online, with a new, interactive banjo school.
NPR Monday, August 17, 2009Here come the Twitter 'we did it first' lawsuitsA
service that makes emergency-management messaging software has sued Twitter over alleged patent infringement. Unfortunately, the legal documents are pretty vague.
CNET Monday, August 17, 2009Best Finds: Back to School With Budget LaptopsWhat are the best finds for back-to-school laptop computers?
ABC News Monday, August 17, 2009 1 2 3 4 5
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