Computer Security | featured news

A Russian computer security firm says it has uncovered a new, far-ranging cyberspying campaign that targets government secrets. The firm malicious software behind the attack is nicknamed "Red October," a nod to the famous Tom Clancy novel.

Kidnappers used to make ransom notes with letters cut out of magazines. Now, notes simply pop up on your computer screen, except the hostage is your PC.

The FBI issued a warning Thursday about a new malware scheme that is meant to deceive and frighten computer users into thinking it's from the law enforcement agency itself. Worse, the malware also tries to immediately extort users into paying a fine online and it can lock your computer

Phandroid has announced that a hacker has recently accessed its user database, making off with usernames, email addresses and hashed passwords—and the problem looks like it could affect all of its one million-plus users.

Microsoft is speeding up plans to kill off the Windows Gadget platform after receiving word that serious security vulnerabilities will be disclosed at the upcoming Black Hat security conference. According to a brief abstract from the Black Hat site, researchers Mickey Shkatov and Toby Kohlenberg plan to discuss weaknesses associated with Windows Sidebar and Gadgets and demonstrate "nastiness" that can be done on the platform.

As technology enables smartphones to function like cash, lawmakers seek answers to questions about competing systems for mobile payments and their security and privacy. When Abraham Lincoln allowed the Treasury to print money for the first time in the depths of the Civil War, it was a major innovation born of a pressing reality.

In a letter posted on the Zappos Web site, the company's chief executive said a "criminal" might have obtained customers' names, addresses, phone numbers and partial credit card information.

If you've seen the 1983 movie "WarGames," in which a young Matthew Broderick accidentally uses computers to bring the world to the edge of "global thermonuclear war," then you have a pretty good idea what hackers and security researchers are super-concerned about these days -- in real life.

Forget computer viruses and worms. What's maybe the worst thing a hacker could do to your laptop?

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that Google's allegations of Chinese hacking of its email system are "very serious" and will be investigated by the FBI.