Long-lasting DDoS attacks make a comeback as numbers of attacks and targets rise

Long-lasting DDoS attacks made a return in the first quarter of 2018 with the longest attack seen lasting 297 hours (more than 12 days). The last time a longer attack than this occurred was at the end of 2015. This is among the findings of Kaspersky Lab's latest DDoS intelligence report which reveals that in the first quarter of 2018, DDoS attacks were registered against targets in 79 countries. The report sees a significant increase in both the total number and duration of DDoS attacks compared to the final quarter of 2017. The new Linux-based botnets Darkai (a Mirai clone)… [Continue Reading]

Configuration vulnerability could leave SAP systems open to compromise

A vulnerability arising from the default installation of popular business management platform SAP could lead to a full compromise of the system say researchers. SAP security and compliance specialist Onapsis has revealed the flaw which is found in SAP Netweaver and can be compromised by a remote unauthenticated attacker with only network access to the system. Driven by a security configuration originally documented by SAP in 2005, the problem is still present in the majority of SAP implementations, either because they've neglected to apply security configurations or due to unintentional configuration drifts of previously secured systems. Onapsis has spent the past… [Continue Reading]

Following Apple's lead from 2016, Microsoft, Facebook and Google replace gun emoji with water pistol

It is now two years since Apple decided that an image of a gun had no place as an emoji. The company replaced the handgun icon with an image of a water pistol, leading to a debate about whether it was the right thing to do. With further serious shootings and gun crimes bringing firearms into the spotlight time and time again, more technology companies decided to follow suit. The latest names to follow Apple's lead are Microsoft, Facebook and Google, all of whom plan to kill the gun emoji and replace it with a water pistol. See also: Apple… [Continue Reading]

Exploit emerges for Microsoft's duff Meltdown patch for Windows 7 and Server 2008

For Microsoft, the patches it produced for the Meltdown chip vulnerability proved to be just about as problematic as the original issue, further reducing the security of systems. Following the emergence of an exploit for the Windows-maker's first patch, users are advised to hurry up and install the patch-for-a-patch that was later released. Last month, Ulf Frisk from Sweden revealed that Microsoft's Meltdown patches were making things worse for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008, making it possible to read and write kernel memory and gain total control over the system. Now code has been posted online that can be… [Continue Reading]

Digg is now owned by ad-tech company BuySellAds

Digg used to carry some major clout on the internet, but this all changed back in 2012 when the site was bought by Betaworks. Now the site has been sold again, this time to an ad-tech company. Boston-based BuySellAds has just bought Digg's assets and its editorial and revenue teams for an undisclosed amount. The company says that it "plans to streamline Digg and build up its ad stack", which will come as sad news for those who still cling onto a nostalgic image of what Digg used to be. See also: Warning for RSS fans -- Digg Reader is… [Continue Reading]

Philips Momentum 43-inch 4K Quantum Dot Monitor is HDR1000 certified

These days, 4K televisions and monitors are becoming much more common. Operating systems support them well, and there is a lot of available UHD content -- including on Netflix and YouTube. Not to mention, prices have dropped dramatically -- these 4K monitors are finally achievable by the average consumer. Philips has announced an all-new 4K display called "Momentum" (model 436M6VBPAB) that is downright breathtaking. First of all, it is huge -- a massive 43 inches. Size aside, it has Quantum Dot technology, an insane 1,000 nits max brightness, 10-bit color, and most impressive of all, it is HDR1000 certified. "The Momentum… [Continue Reading]

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Redstone 5 Build 17655 for Skip Ahead

While we’re still waiting for a release date for the next feature update of Windows 10 -- the April Update expected in May -- Microsoft has rolled out another Redstone 5 build for Insiders who have opted to Skip Ahead. Build 17655 introduces a makeover for mobile broadband (LTE) connectivity and there’s a number of other changes and fixes to be aware of. Microsoft is transforming the networking stack after 20 years through the Net Adapter framework and in Build 17655 the software giant introduces a new Mobile Broadband (MBB) USB class driver based on this. If you have a… [Continue Reading]