Conducting interviews on this topic is the news editor of WND.com, the largest independent Internet news service in the U.S., Bob Unruh.
Forum called 'leading website' for online jihad
By Bob Unruh
(c) 2010 WorldNetDaily
A new report from the Middle East Media Research Institute charges that YouTube has emerged as "the leading website for online jihad," replacing and surpassing even websites that the jihadists themselves are running.
The in-depth report, with dozens of examples, links and illustrations, documents that MEMRI already has briefed members of the U.S. government and Congress on the issue, and has offered its expertise to YouTube directly to identify videos that "incite violence and terrorist acts for possible removal.'
The report by Steven Stalinsky, the executive director of MEMRI, a donor-supported organization that monitors and reports on media issues from the Middle East, calls the use of the video-sharing service by terrorists worldwide "a grave national security issue."
The report was published only days ago, but is part of a series of analyses of the issue that MEMRI has been documenting for some time. And in fact the LA Times reported just yesterday that YouTube has created a new option that users now can flag a video for removal because of its promotion of terrorism.
Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Independent senator from Connecticut, called the protocol a "good first step toward scrubbing mainstream Internet sites of terrorist propaganda," according to the Times.
It was several weeks ago when YouTube banished from its servers videos - numbering in the hundreds - that featured the American-turned-fugitive Anwar al-Awlawki. His videos, however, still can be fouind on the site.
YouTube officials did not comment when WND asked for confirmation that the investigation produced its policy change, but they told the Times that they are committed to making sure the site isn't used to spread "terrorist propaganda or incite violence."
MEMRI said it has investigated thoroughly the issues of YouTube, especially relating to al-Awlaki, and in fact, has reported on the videos he posted, those who watched them, the YouTube work of the Taliban as well as the expanding jihadi base committed to using YouTube.
The newest chapter documents the posting of videos of American soldiers being killed by improvised explosive devices and snipers in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"While YouTube should be applauded for adding new staff and a new function to identify and remove jihadi videos, this is only a beginning," MEMRI reported. "The removal of content is one part of the problem; the other part is keeping these videos from being posted in the first place - as shown by the recent removal of hundreds of Anwar al-Awlaki videos that were quickly reposted to other pages.
"It is no exaggeration to say that hundreds of thousands of assorted jihadi videos can be found on YouTube They include sermons by terrorist leaders, training videos by terrorists, footage of terrorist attacks, songs (nasheeds) to inspire terrorists, and much more. These videos are not only in English, but in dozens of other languages."
The report said the YouTube action followed the reporting that over the last few months, "numerous followers of Anwar al-Awlkai have been found guilty of involvement in terrorism. They all have one thing in common - they were incited by viewing him on YouTube."
Cited as an example was a video from "WachdogofAllah1" who posted a message on Nov. 4, warning of looming violence in Iraq, Egypt and "other countries."
"You have among us hundreds of thousands of followers, and hundreds of churches," the video warned, "and they will all be our targets if you do not respond."
Another video, the report said, praised Nidal Hassan, accused of killing more than a dozen at Fort Hood in Texas, as "a wonderful example."
MEMRI said among those who have been inspired to jihad by YouTube videos, had have subsequently been arrested, include:
* Zachary Adam Chesser, 02, from Virginia, who was arrested in July 2010 attempting to carry out jihad with al-Qaida in Somalia.
* Abdel Hameed Shehadeh, 21, who was arrested in Hawaii on October 21, 2010, for making false statements in a terrorism case.
* Paul and Nadia Rockwood, Alaska, a converted couple who pleaded guilty in July 2010 after being accused of creating a hit list of local media, religious officials, and military who "desecrated Islam."
* Mahmood Alessa and Carlos Eduardo Almonte, New Jersey, arrested in June 2010 en route to join al-Qaida forces in Somalia, hoping to kill U.S. troops.
"Al-Qaida and its affiliates use YouTube to spread propaganda online and to train followers for various actions," the report said. "Most jihadi websites now post links of major terrorist videos directly to YouTube."
Further, the jihadi-promoting videos include disturbing images of U.S. soldiers being killed in IED attacks as well as U.S. soldiers being shot and images of a decapitated soldier.
One YouTube Channel is marked "mujahidRPG's Channel" and features video after video after video of coalition vehicles disappearing into a a flash of flame and black smoke.
"In addition to clips of jihad against the West and the Jews, YouTube also has clips by Islamist groups calling for jihad against Christians. In one recent example, dated November 4, 2010, YouTube user 'WachdogofAllah1' posted a 'message from the soldier of the martyr battalion to the Christians in Egypt,'" the report said.
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
GFI Software Announces Top 10 Malware Threats for November
(BUSINESS WIRE)--GFI Software, a leading IT solutions provider for small and medium-sized enterprises, today announced the top 10 most prevalent malware threats for the month of November 2010. The report, compiled from monthly scans performed by GFI's award-winning anti-malware solution, VIPRE® Antivirus, and its antispyware tool, CounterSpy®, is a service of GFI Labs™.
As in recent months, Trojans dominated the threat landscape in November. ThreatNet data revealed that seven of the top 10 malware threats were classified as Trojans. The number-one detection, Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT, is a Trojan comprising over 20 percent of the ThreatNet detections.
Tom Kelchner, GFI Software communications and research analyst said, “There is another picture in the top-10 numbers. Three of them go after applications or server software that hasn’t been patched. The number six detection, Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen (v), tries to exploit a security flaw in PDF files with embedded JavaScript. That’s aiming at Adobe products. It often installs downloaders that pull down other malware from remote Web sites.”
Worm.Win32.Downad.Gen (v,) the Downadup worm (also called Conficker and Kido) in the number seven spot, is a worm that spreads across a network by taking advantage of a vulnerability in Windows Server service which allows remote code execution when file sharing is enabled. This vulnerability was patched some time ago.
Trojan.ASF.Wimad (v), in the number nine spot, is a VIPRE detection for a group of Trojanized Windows media files that exploit an old vulnerability in Windows Media Player. It redirects the victim’s browser to a web site to download malicious files. This is also is an old vulnerability that’s been fixed.
“If this malcode is still circulating, it means that the malcode writers are seeing a landscape with lots of unpatched and vulnerable machines. The conclusion is pretty clear for both enterprises and consumers: update Windows operating systems (including servers), browsers, Adobe products and media players and keep them updated,” said Kelchner.
ThreatNet is GFI Lab’s monitoring system that retrieves real-time data from VIPRE installations. Statistics come from tens of thousands of machines running VIPRE.
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As in recent months, Trojans dominated the threat landscape in November. ThreatNet data revealed that seven of the top 10 malware threats were classified as Trojans. The number-one detection, Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT, is a Trojan comprising over 20 percent of the ThreatNet detections.
Tom Kelchner, GFI Software communications and research analyst said, “There is another picture in the top-10 numbers. Three of them go after applications or server software that hasn’t been patched. The number six detection, Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen (v), tries to exploit a security flaw in PDF files with embedded JavaScript. That’s aiming at Adobe products. It often installs downloaders that pull down other malware from remote Web sites.”
Worm.Win32.Downad.Gen (v,) the Downadup worm (also called Conficker and Kido) in the number seven spot, is a worm that spreads across a network by taking advantage of a vulnerability in Windows Server service which allows remote code execution when file sharing is enabled. This vulnerability was patched some time ago.
Trojan.ASF.Wimad (v), in the number nine spot, is a VIPRE detection for a group of Trojanized Windows media files that exploit an old vulnerability in Windows Media Player. It redirects the victim’s browser to a web site to download malicious files. This is also is an old vulnerability that’s been fixed.
“If this malcode is still circulating, it means that the malcode writers are seeing a landscape with lots of unpatched and vulnerable machines. The conclusion is pretty clear for both enterprises and consumers: update Windows operating systems (including servers), browsers, Adobe products and media players and keep them updated,” said Kelchner.
ThreatNet is GFI Lab’s monitoring system that retrieves real-time data from VIPRE installations. Statistics come from tens of thousands of machines running VIPRE.
Top 10 detections for November | ||||||
| Detection | Type | Percent | ||||
| 1. | Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT | Trojan | 22.44 | |||
| 2. | Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot.gen | Trojan | 3.88 | |||
| 3. | Trojan.Win32.Generic.pak!cobra | Trojan | 3.53 | |||
| 4. | Trojan.Win32.Generic!SB.0 | Trojan | 3.46 | |||
| 5. | INF.Autorun (v) | Trojan | 1.83 | |||
| 6. | Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen (v) | Exploit | 1.45 | |||
| 7. | Worm.Win32.Downad.Gen (v) | Worm.W32 | 1.42 | |||
| 8. | Trojan.Win32.Malware.a | Trojan | 0.83 | |||
| 9. | Trojan.ASF.Wimad (v) | Trojan | 0.76 | |||
| 10. | Trojan.Win32.Meredrop | Trojan Downloader | 0.68 | |||
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010
From rogue AV to fake disk clean-up utilities
Security researchers are reporting a surge in fake disk clean-up utilities reporting PC errors and demanding an activation fee to fix these problems.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Could This Be the Answer? The Answer Parents, Teachers, Judges, Prison Officials, Government Agencies and Even DOT Secretary LaHood are Searching For? Try Safety First Believes It Is
/PRNewswire/ -- Try Safety First (TSF) has invented new technology which promises a free solution to save lives, create jobs, improve education, reduce taxes, eliminate prison contraband, add $1.7 billion per year toward reducing the federal deficit and save the U.S. up to $450 billion each year.
Sounds sort of like a campaign promise and, in essence, it could be. Try Safety First (TSF) has developed a new set of wireless protocols for which they are seeking a congressional mandate. And various members of Congress have asked them for endorsement letters to show support for their technology. So if this applies to you, a respectful reply of an email, letter or phone call is being requested. A link to your congressman is provided below.
According to TSF, most people including many of our congressional leaders simply are not aware of the number or the magnitude of problems today's wireless technology presents. John Fischer, President and CEO of Try Safety First, says he usually begins by asking the following questions:
1. What piece of technology is the #1 smuggled prison contraband followed by heroin, cocaine and meth?
2. What piece of technology is the #1 cause of roadway accidents, the #1 killer of teens and, according to the World Health Organization, is costing the U.S. as much as three percent of its GDP?
3. What piece of technology is the #1 disruption in middle schools, high schools and colleges across the U.S.?
4. What piece of technology is the #1 cause of mistrials in court systems throughout the U.S.?
5. What piece of technology do terrorists use to detonate more than 60% of their IEDs?
Answer: the cell phone, but you already knew that. There is one simple solution to answer all of these problems and TSF claims to have it. That answer is to include in the operating system of each wireless device a standardized set of protocols expressly directing specific behavior whenever the phone is in a matching protocol limited range environment. In other words, the phone understands how to behave as such:
1. In a prison, the phone becomes disabled. Exception: guard is wearing matching protocol sensor disablement tag or in a common area where cell use is allowed.
2. In a vehicle, within one meter of the driver's seat, the texting and email features will be inhibited while allowing passengers' full use of their phones.
3. In a classroom, the teacher receives a remote classroom protocol switch which encourages use of the phone as a teaching tool, yet affords partial disablement when giving a quiz. All emergency 911 functionality remains intact along with two parental protocols.
4. In a courtroom or high security building, a judge/employer can silence all pedestrian phones and/or disable all juror phones. Again, all emergency 911 functionality remains intact.
5. In the line of fire, bomb experts can disable protocol enabled IEDs, making it increasingly more difficult for a terrorist to use a standard cell phone to detonate a roadside bomb.
When asked if TSF technology is just a tad bit too much government intrusion, Fischer responded emphatically NO. Use of a cell phone is not a right but a privilege, and we must respect it for everything that it is and realize we are not somehow magically immune to its dangers. The cell phone is much greater than a simple toy capable of doing some really cool things. Fischer believes the cell phone may be one of the greatest inventions ever known, but he says it was never envisioned to be smuggled contraband, facilitate massive cheating and disruption among students, cause an accident every 47 seconds or be a terrorist's best friend. Unfortunately, it has become the key ingredient in many disastrous recipes and we must not let good judgment be overtaken by our addiction to these cool gadgets. Fischer is certain the problems will only get worse unless we increase the functionality of our mobile devices to include a simple set of standard safety protocols.
Fischer is looking to start several grassroots efforts among various groups (parents, teachers, judges, prison officials, military personnel, homeland security and governors) to show support for these protocols. Anyone can write an email or make a phone call. Simply tell your congressional representative you support TSF safety protocol adoption. Your congressional representative link is: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml. Fischer is also requesting a copy of your endorsement be sent to admin@trysafetyfirst.com.
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Sounds sort of like a campaign promise and, in essence, it could be. Try Safety First (TSF) has developed a new set of wireless protocols for which they are seeking a congressional mandate. And various members of Congress have asked them for endorsement letters to show support for their technology. So if this applies to you, a respectful reply of an email, letter or phone call is being requested. A link to your congressman is provided below.
According to TSF, most people including many of our congressional leaders simply are not aware of the number or the magnitude of problems today's wireless technology presents. John Fischer, President and CEO of Try Safety First, says he usually begins by asking the following questions:
1. What piece of technology is the #1 smuggled prison contraband followed by heroin, cocaine and meth?
2. What piece of technology is the #1 cause of roadway accidents, the #1 killer of teens and, according to the World Health Organization, is costing the U.S. as much as three percent of its GDP?
3. What piece of technology is the #1 disruption in middle schools, high schools and colleges across the U.S.?
4. What piece of technology is the #1 cause of mistrials in court systems throughout the U.S.?
5. What piece of technology do terrorists use to detonate more than 60% of their IEDs?
Answer: the cell phone, but you already knew that. There is one simple solution to answer all of these problems and TSF claims to have it. That answer is to include in the operating system of each wireless device a standardized set of protocols expressly directing specific behavior whenever the phone is in a matching protocol limited range environment. In other words, the phone understands how to behave as such:
1. In a prison, the phone becomes disabled. Exception: guard is wearing matching protocol sensor disablement tag or in a common area where cell use is allowed.
2. In a vehicle, within one meter of the driver's seat, the texting and email features will be inhibited while allowing passengers' full use of their phones.
3. In a classroom, the teacher receives a remote classroom protocol switch which encourages use of the phone as a teaching tool, yet affords partial disablement when giving a quiz. All emergency 911 functionality remains intact along with two parental protocols.
4. In a courtroom or high security building, a judge/employer can silence all pedestrian phones and/or disable all juror phones. Again, all emergency 911 functionality remains intact.
5. In the line of fire, bomb experts can disable protocol enabled IEDs, making it increasingly more difficult for a terrorist to use a standard cell phone to detonate a roadside bomb.
When asked if TSF technology is just a tad bit too much government intrusion, Fischer responded emphatically NO. Use of a cell phone is not a right but a privilege, and we must respect it for everything that it is and realize we are not somehow magically immune to its dangers. The cell phone is much greater than a simple toy capable of doing some really cool things. Fischer believes the cell phone may be one of the greatest inventions ever known, but he says it was never envisioned to be smuggled contraband, facilitate massive cheating and disruption among students, cause an accident every 47 seconds or be a terrorist's best friend. Unfortunately, it has become the key ingredient in many disastrous recipes and we must not let good judgment be overtaken by our addiction to these cool gadgets. Fischer is certain the problems will only get worse unless we increase the functionality of our mobile devices to include a simple set of standard safety protocols.
Fischer is looking to start several grassroots efforts among various groups (parents, teachers, judges, prison officials, military personnel, homeland security and governors) to show support for these protocols. Anyone can write an email or make a phone call. Simply tell your congressional representative you support TSF safety protocol adoption. Your congressional representative link is: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml. Fischer is also requesting a copy of your endorsement be sent to admin@trysafetyfirst.com.
-----
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Free Report Reveals Why WikiLeaks Backlash is the Beginning of Controversy to Come
/PRNewswire/ -- The WikiLeaks controversy will prove to be the first minor skirmish of an epic battle over unregulated Internet and relinquished freedoms, according to a free report now available from The Socionomics Institute. Researchers at the Georgia-based think tank observe that social polarization and conflict increase during financial bear markets. Their research shows that the WikiLeaks releases are expressions of the rising anger and opposition that accompanies declining stock prices and economic activity.
In a May 2010 report, available now for free, researcher Alan Hall predicted that WikiLeaks would become a lightning rod of conflict. Since then, the whistleblower website has twice published the largest-ever leaks of classified U.S. documents. The latest release embarrasses world leaders. France said the transparency threatens "authority and democratic sovereignty" and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the release an attack on America's foreign policy interests.
The Socionomics Institute studies social behavior as it relates to the financial markets. Researchers use the financial markets and other indicators of social mood to forecast monumental changes in society.
Hall forecasts that as prevailing mood sours and financial markets turn south, governments will increase their efforts to regulate and control the Internet. He observes, "A government that feels threatened by its citizens usually clamps down on the information flow. This makes the Internet a prime battleground." Follow this link to access your complimentary report on WikiLeaks and authoritarianism: http://www.socionomics.net/free-reports/1008/wikileaks-authoritarianism-update.aspx?code=pr
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In a May 2010 report, available now for free, researcher Alan Hall predicted that WikiLeaks would become a lightning rod of conflict. Since then, the whistleblower website has twice published the largest-ever leaks of classified U.S. documents. The latest release embarrasses world leaders. France said the transparency threatens "authority and democratic sovereignty" and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the release an attack on America's foreign policy interests.
The Socionomics Institute studies social behavior as it relates to the financial markets. Researchers use the financial markets and other indicators of social mood to forecast monumental changes in society.
Hall forecasts that as prevailing mood sours and financial markets turn south, governments will increase their efforts to regulate and control the Internet. He observes, "A government that feels threatened by its citizens usually clamps down on the information flow. This makes the Internet a prime battleground." Follow this link to access your complimentary report on WikiLeaks and authoritarianism: http://www.socionomics.net/free-reports/1008/wikileaks-authoritarianism-update.aspx?code=pr
-----
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Digital Bible Project Expands with Redesign of Bible.is Site
/PRNewswire/ -- The Digital Bible Project (DBP), introduced in March of this year by Faith Comes By Hearing, is today announcing the launch of the recently redesigned Bible.is web site. Originally home to information on the ministry's free Bible apps, the revamped site now allows users to read, listen to and even share their favorite verses via social networks like Facebook and Twitter, right from their computer.
The Bible.is site currently offers the Scripture in 96 languages, with more being added regularly. This keeps with Faith Comes By Hearing's mission to use heart-language Audio Bibles to "make disciples from every nation, tribe, language and people."
The same functionality has been available through free Bible apps on iPhone, iPad, iTouch and the Android operating system since this summer. While the ministry continues to develop their app for other smartphones and mobile devices, the Bible.is site allows anyone with an Internet connection to immediately access God's Word in both text and audio.
Scripture in audio continues to be the ministry's primary focus as they attempt to reach out to the 50% of the world's population who are illiterate.
"With half of the world unable to read – not to mention those who interact and get their daily news and information orally by choice – we must continue to provide the Gospel message in a format that engages the listener and keeps their attention," stated Troy Carl, Faith Comes By Hearing's national director.
Carl helped create the DBP for the ministry and he currently oversees the development and implementation of the project. Since its initial release, the average listening time on the audio-based Bible apps has been 37 minutes.
While the redesigned Bible.is site is an important event for Faith Comes By Hearing, Carl is looking down the road to every language recording done by the ministry being available on the site and through their Bible apps.
"Advancements in smartphones and satellite technology make this an exciting time to be working toward fulfilling the Great Commission," says Carl. "We live in a time that could see the vast majority of the world with the potential to hold the Word of God in the palm of their hand."
The ministry has recorded Audio Bibles in 500 languages. Their goal is to complete 2,000 language recordings by 2016. The average cost to record the New Testament in a people's heart language is $25,596.
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The Bible.is site currently offers the Scripture in 96 languages, with more being added regularly. This keeps with Faith Comes By Hearing's mission to use heart-language Audio Bibles to "make disciples from every nation, tribe, language and people."
The same functionality has been available through free Bible apps on iPhone, iPad, iTouch and the Android operating system since this summer. While the ministry continues to develop their app for other smartphones and mobile devices, the Bible.is site allows anyone with an Internet connection to immediately access God's Word in both text and audio.
Scripture in audio continues to be the ministry's primary focus as they attempt to reach out to the 50% of the world's population who are illiterate.
"With half of the world unable to read – not to mention those who interact and get their daily news and information orally by choice – we must continue to provide the Gospel message in a format that engages the listener and keeps their attention," stated Troy Carl, Faith Comes By Hearing's national director.
Carl helped create the DBP for the ministry and he currently oversees the development and implementation of the project. Since its initial release, the average listening time on the audio-based Bible apps has been 37 minutes.
While the redesigned Bible.is site is an important event for Faith Comes By Hearing, Carl is looking down the road to every language recording done by the ministry being available on the site and through their Bible apps.
"Advancements in smartphones and satellite technology make this an exciting time to be working toward fulfilling the Great Commission," says Carl. "We live in a time that could see the vast majority of the world with the potential to hold the Word of God in the palm of their hand."
The ministry has recorded Audio Bibles in 500 languages. Their goal is to complete 2,000 language recordings by 2016. The average cost to record the New Testament in a people's heart language is $25,596.
-----
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Monday, November 29, 2010
Delta to Add Inflight Wi-Fi to 223 Delta Connection Jets
PRNewswire -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it will add onboard Wi-Fi to 223 regional jet aircraft operated by Delta Connection carriers, expanding by 40 percent the number of Delta aircraft featuring Gogo Inflight Internet service. Delta will be the first domestic carrier to deploy Wi-Fi across its entire mainline and regional aircraft fleets with two classes of service.
Delta completed installing Wi-Fi on all mainline domestic aircraft earlier this month.
"Adding Wi-Fi capabilities to our two-class regional jets marks another milestone in our efforts to invest more than $2 billion to enhance our airport facilities, aircraft fleet and onboard services for customers through 2013," said Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president – Marketing. "We continue to make significant progress in aligning the products and services offered by our regional airline partners so that Delta customers have an experience consistent with that available aboard Delta's mainline fleet."
Installations of Wi-Fi on Delta Connection jets will begin in January and will be complete by the end of 2011. Once complete, customers flying on all Delta domestic flights with a First Class cabin will enjoy Wi-Fi access, including service on every Delta Shuttle flight between New York-LaGuardia and Boston, Chicago-O'Hare and Washington, D.C.
Delta began installing Wi-Fi on domestic mainline aircraft in 2008, becoming the first airline to announce plans for inflight Internet service on all domestic aircraft. With 549 mainline aircraft and the addition of 223 regional jets to the Wi-Fi program, more than 80 percent of Delta's domestic fleet – or 772 aircraft – will feature Gogo Inflight Internet access.
Delta Connection aircraft featuring First Class cabins include Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ700 and Bombardier CRJ900 models operated by Delta Connection. The aircraft feature between nine and 12 seats in First Class and between 56 and 64 seats in Economy.
In addition to Wi-Fi, Delta has taken a number of steps to fully align service on Delta Connection and mainline flights. Recent improvements have included adding First Class cabins to 66 additional CRJ700 jets; introducing meal service in First Class on regional jets; adding china, linen and silverware to Delta Connection First Class cabins and installing more jetbridges at Delta hubs to reduce ground-level boarding of regional jets.
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 351 destinations in 64 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.
A portion of travel for some itineraries may be on the Delta Connection carriers: Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Comair, Compass Airlines, Mesaba, Pinnacle Airlines, Shuttle America dba Delta Shuttle, and SkyWest.
Terms and Conditions
Additional restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change. Use of the Gogo Inflight Internet service is subject to terms of use available at gogoinflight.com.
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Delta completed installing Wi-Fi on all mainline domestic aircraft earlier this month.
"Adding Wi-Fi capabilities to our two-class regional jets marks another milestone in our efforts to invest more than $2 billion to enhance our airport facilities, aircraft fleet and onboard services for customers through 2013," said Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president – Marketing. "We continue to make significant progress in aligning the products and services offered by our regional airline partners so that Delta customers have an experience consistent with that available aboard Delta's mainline fleet."
Installations of Wi-Fi on Delta Connection jets will begin in January and will be complete by the end of 2011. Once complete, customers flying on all Delta domestic flights with a First Class cabin will enjoy Wi-Fi access, including service on every Delta Shuttle flight between New York-LaGuardia and Boston, Chicago-O'Hare and Washington, D.C.
Delta began installing Wi-Fi on domestic mainline aircraft in 2008, becoming the first airline to announce plans for inflight Internet service on all domestic aircraft. With 549 mainline aircraft and the addition of 223 regional jets to the Wi-Fi program, more than 80 percent of Delta's domestic fleet – or 772 aircraft – will feature Gogo Inflight Internet access.
Delta Connection aircraft featuring First Class cabins include Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ700 and Bombardier CRJ900 models operated by Delta Connection. The aircraft feature between nine and 12 seats in First Class and between 56 and 64 seats in Economy.
In addition to Wi-Fi, Delta has taken a number of steps to fully align service on Delta Connection and mainline flights. Recent improvements have included adding First Class cabins to 66 additional CRJ700 jets; introducing meal service in First Class on regional jets; adding china, linen and silverware to Delta Connection First Class cabins and installing more jetbridges at Delta hubs to reduce ground-level boarding of regional jets.
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 351 destinations in 64 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.
A portion of travel for some itineraries may be on the Delta Connection carriers: Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Comair, Compass Airlines, Mesaba, Pinnacle Airlines, Shuttle America dba Delta Shuttle, and SkyWest.
Terms and Conditions
Additional restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change. Use of the Gogo Inflight Internet service is subject to terms of use available at gogoinflight.com.
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Friday, November 19, 2010
TV industry beginning 'second digital switchover'
Conference hears that growth of video-on-demand is causing problems for cable operators in the US, and the same trend is coming to the UK. Read more:
http://link.ft.com/r/5F39HH/D4TMQE/EMTMM/FXGQIM/FXPB94/RF/t?a1=2010&a2=11&a3=19
http://link.ft.com/r/5F39HH/D4TMQE/EMTMM/FXGQIM/FXPB94/RF/t?a1=2010&a2=11&a3=19
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Clayton State Student Help Desk Wins Video Contest at USG Computing Conference
Members of the Clayton State University’s IT student help desk, The HUB, have proven equally skilled in the video arena as they are in the information technology arena.
At the University System of Georgia’s recent 39th Annual Computing Conference at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Ga., the HUB won first place in the 2010 Video Contest with their LANDesk Man entry.
“LANDesk Man is our very own resident warrior against evil and viri!” exclaims Shannon Thomas, Clayton State director of Client Services. “LANDesk Man is capable of exterminating the nastiest, most frustrating forms of virtual infections with little effort nor stress to your computer's performance. LANDesk Man is as capable of vanquishing malicious programs within the blink of an eye.”
The HUB staff who created the winning video included Sherry Paul, Corey Wagner, Courtney Pipkins, Chris Baldwin, Simeon Payne, Ryan Belom, Daniel Stone and Broderick McNeal, along with help from the University’s Center for Instructional Development.
The Computing Conference provides the opportunity for technology professionals and technology users throughout the System to exchange information with their peers and gain an accurate picture of the current and future state of technology.
The HUB’s winning video can be seen at; http://thehub.clayton.edu/landesk/. For more HUB videos, visit their YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/CSUTheHUB.
At the University System of Georgia’s recent 39th Annual Computing Conference at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Ga., the HUB won first place in the 2010 Video Contest with their LANDesk Man entry.
“LANDesk Man is our very own resident warrior against evil and viri!” exclaims Shannon Thomas, Clayton State director of Client Services. “LANDesk Man is capable of exterminating the nastiest, most frustrating forms of virtual infections with little effort nor stress to your computer's performance. LANDesk Man is as capable of vanquishing malicious programs within the blink of an eye.”
The HUB staff who created the winning video included Sherry Paul, Corey Wagner, Courtney Pipkins, Chris Baldwin, Simeon Payne, Ryan Belom, Daniel Stone and Broderick McNeal, along with help from the University’s Center for Instructional Development.
The Computing Conference provides the opportunity for technology professionals and technology users throughout the System to exchange information with their peers and gain an accurate picture of the current and future state of technology.
The HUB’s winning video can be seen at; http://thehub.clayton.edu/landesk/. For more HUB videos, visit their YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/CSUTheHUB.
Friday, October 29, 2010
New Trojan Program Attacks Macintosh Computers
The following article is from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information about the newsletter is available at http://www.eogn.com.
Windows users have been plagued for years with viruses, keyloggers, Trojan horse programs, and other forms of malware (malevolent software). During this time, Macintosh users have simply smiled as their computers were safe and secure. Most Mac users don't even bother purchasing anti-virus programs as they have never had a need for such things. This complacency may be ending, however.
A newly discovered Trojan horse spreading through social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, targets Apple's Mac OS X operating system, including the latest version, 10.6 Snow Leopard, by baiting users into clicking a link. Computers become infected when someone visits a social networking site and sees a message that reads, "Is this you in this video?" Clicking the infected link loads an infected file into your computer.
Antivirus firm Intego issued a notice Wednesday suggesting that the Trojan, a Mac version of the "Koobface" worm, carries a "low risk." The security firm said that the current Mac OS X implementation is flawed, though it admitted the threat exists and is likely to become a more legitimate concern in the future. Apple is expected to soon release an operating system update that will block the new Trojan.
The program, called trojan.osx.boonana.a, runs a Java applet that attempts to download files to any Macintosh system. It then automatically launches an installer that modifies system files and allows remote access to all files on the system. It also checks in with control servers to report information from the infected system. The Trojan also automatically runs in the background at startup, and attempts to hide its activities across multiple files. The thieves who write this malware are then free to remotely connect to your computer and copy any files they wish.
If your computer becomes infected, it is easily cured. SecureMac has released a FREE removal tool to eliminate this threat, which can be downloaded by visiting http://www.securemac.com or downloaded directly from http://macscan.securemac.com/files/BTRT.dmg
Intego's VirusBarrier X6 and X5 at http://www.intego.com/virusbarrier/ sells for $49.95 and will detect and remove the malware. It also offers ongoing protection to block future viruses and Trojans, unlike the free SecureMac program that only removes existing problems.
Luckily, the new Trojan is easily avoided. The safest course of action is to not use social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace and Twitter). However, if you insist on using such sites, never click on any messages or links, even if those messages and links that claim to be from people you know. Your friends' names and email addresses are easily forged by malware programs. The message "Is this you in this video?" is an obvious trap but future versions of this malware could easily use different messages.
Users can further protect themselves from infection by turning off Java in their web browser, although this will also block many legitimate web sites. Java can be turned off in Safari by clicking the Security tab under Safari Preferences, and making sure the "Enable Java" checkbox is unchecked. Firefox, Opera, Camino, and other web browsers also can run without Java.
Finally, use the security features built into OS X. Turn on the built-in firewall, especially when a computer is shared by multiple users. Instructions for turning it on may be found on a number of web sites, including at http://www.cmu.edu/computing/doc/security/mac/firewall.html
Again, the simplest and safest solution is to not visit web sites where viruses and Trojans are known to exist. At this time, the highest risk is on the social networking web sites.
Linux computers are not affected by the new Macintosh Trojan or by the various Windows viruses and Trojans.
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Windows users have been plagued for years with viruses, keyloggers, Trojan horse programs, and other forms of malware (malevolent software). During this time, Macintosh users have simply smiled as their computers were safe and secure. Most Mac users don't even bother purchasing anti-virus programs as they have never had a need for such things. This complacency may be ending, however.
A newly discovered Trojan horse spreading through social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, targets Apple's Mac OS X operating system, including the latest version, 10.6 Snow Leopard, by baiting users into clicking a link. Computers become infected when someone visits a social networking site and sees a message that reads, "Is this you in this video?" Clicking the infected link loads an infected file into your computer.
Antivirus firm Intego issued a notice Wednesday suggesting that the Trojan, a Mac version of the "Koobface" worm, carries a "low risk." The security firm said that the current Mac OS X implementation is flawed, though it admitted the threat exists and is likely to become a more legitimate concern in the future. Apple is expected to soon release an operating system update that will block the new Trojan.
The program, called trojan.osx.boonana.a, runs a Java applet that attempts to download files to any Macintosh system. It then automatically launches an installer that modifies system files and allows remote access to all files on the system. It also checks in with control servers to report information from the infected system. The Trojan also automatically runs in the background at startup, and attempts to hide its activities across multiple files. The thieves who write this malware are then free to remotely connect to your computer and copy any files they wish.
If your computer becomes infected, it is easily cured. SecureMac has released a FREE removal tool to eliminate this threat, which can be downloaded by visiting http://www.securemac.com or downloaded directly from http://macscan.securemac.com/files/BTRT.dmg
Intego's VirusBarrier X6 and X5 at http://www.intego.com/virusbarrier/ sells for $49.95 and will detect and remove the malware. It also offers ongoing protection to block future viruses and Trojans, unlike the free SecureMac program that only removes existing problems.
Luckily, the new Trojan is easily avoided. The safest course of action is to not use social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace and Twitter). However, if you insist on using such sites, never click on any messages or links, even if those messages and links that claim to be from people you know. Your friends' names and email addresses are easily forged by malware programs. The message "Is this you in this video?" is an obvious trap but future versions of this malware could easily use different messages.
Users can further protect themselves from infection by turning off Java in their web browser, although this will also block many legitimate web sites. Java can be turned off in Safari by clicking the Security tab under Safari Preferences, and making sure the "Enable Java" checkbox is unchecked. Firefox, Opera, Camino, and other web browsers also can run without Java.
Finally, use the security features built into OS X. Turn on the built-in firewall, especially when a computer is shared by multiple users. Instructions for turning it on may be found on a number of web sites, including at http://www.cmu.edu/computing/doc/security/mac/firewall.html
Again, the simplest and safest solution is to not visit web sites where viruses and Trojans are known to exist. At this time, the highest risk is on the social networking web sites.
Linux computers are not affected by the new Macintosh Trojan or by the various Windows viruses and Trojans.
-----
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Thursday, October 21, 2010
24-Hour Johnny Cash Internet Radio Station Launches
/24-7/ -- Johnny Cash fans around the world can now tune in to Johnny Cash Radio, a new venture launched by Bill Miller who, along with the late Johnny Cash, founded the official Johnny Cash website 14 years ago.
The station, www.johnnycashradio.com, streams Johnny Cash music and content 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Johnny Cash Radio is a dream come true for Johnny's millions of fans around the globe. We are the source for all things Cash, and our lineup includes programming hosted by Johnny's own family members, friends, former band members and others in the music industry," said Miller.
Among the family members who host their own shows is the wife of John Carter Cash (Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's only son), Laura Cash, and Johnny's youngest sister, Joanne Cash Yates. The programs range from DJ-style shows to documentaries featuring interviews with Cash friends and associates to rare vintage performances by the Man in Black spanning his five decades strong career.
Miller and his wife Shannon host the weekly webcast, The Johnny Cash Radio Show, which features guests such as Kris Kristofferson, Graham Nash, Merle Haggard, Rosanne Cash, Jane Seymour, Charlie Daniels, The Oak Ridge Boys and friends, family members and associates who knew Cash.
"There are few other entertainers whose body of work could sustain a 24 hour, seven days a week radio stream. With Johnny Cash's five decades of writing and recording, our station is always fresh and relevant," Miller said.
Johnny Cash began his career in music in 1954 and has sold over 100 million records. He is the only entertainer in history to be inducted into the Country Music, Rock & Roll and Songwriter's Halls of Fame. His life story was chronicled in the 2005 blockbuster film Walk the Line which starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as Johnny Cash and June Carter.
The Johnny Cash Radio stream is powered by Live365.Com
JohnnyCash.Com and JohnnyCashRadio.Com serve fans of the Man in Black from around the world. For further information, please contact Bill Miller at odysgroup@aol.com.
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
The station, www.johnnycashradio.com, streams Johnny Cash music and content 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Johnny Cash Radio is a dream come true for Johnny's millions of fans around the globe. We are the source for all things Cash, and our lineup includes programming hosted by Johnny's own family members, friends, former band members and others in the music industry," said Miller.
Among the family members who host their own shows is the wife of John Carter Cash (Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's only son), Laura Cash, and Johnny's youngest sister, Joanne Cash Yates. The programs range from DJ-style shows to documentaries featuring interviews with Cash friends and associates to rare vintage performances by the Man in Black spanning his five decades strong career.
Miller and his wife Shannon host the weekly webcast, The Johnny Cash Radio Show, which features guests such as Kris Kristofferson, Graham Nash, Merle Haggard, Rosanne Cash, Jane Seymour, Charlie Daniels, The Oak Ridge Boys and friends, family members and associates who knew Cash.
"There are few other entertainers whose body of work could sustain a 24 hour, seven days a week radio stream. With Johnny Cash's five decades of writing and recording, our station is always fresh and relevant," Miller said.
Johnny Cash began his career in music in 1954 and has sold over 100 million records. He is the only entertainer in history to be inducted into the Country Music, Rock & Roll and Songwriter's Halls of Fame. His life story was chronicled in the 2005 blockbuster film Walk the Line which starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as Johnny Cash and June Carter.
The Johnny Cash Radio stream is powered by Live365.Com
JohnnyCash.Com and JohnnyCashRadio.Com serve fans of the Man in Black from around the world. For further information, please contact Bill Miller at odysgroup@aol.com.
-----
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www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Fraud Advisory for Consumers: Involvement in Criminal Activity through Work from Home Scams
Consumers continue to lose money from work-from-home scams that assist cyber criminals move stolen funds. Worse yet, due to their deliberate or unknowing participation in the scams, these individuals may face criminal charges.
Work-from-home scam victims are often recruited by organized cyber criminals through newspaper ads, online employment services, unsolicited emails or “spam”,¹ and social networking sites advertising work-from-home opportunities. Once recruited, however, rather than becoming an employee of a legitimate business, the consumer is actually a “mule” for cyber criminals who use the consumer’s or other victim's accounts to steal and launder money. In addition, the consumer’s own identity or account may be compromised by the cyber criminals.
Example of a Work-From-Home Scheme:
• An individual applies for a position as a rebate or payments processor² through an online job site or through an unsolicited email.
• As a new employee, the individual is asked to provide his/her bank account information to his/her employer or to establish a new account using information provided by the employer.
• Funds are deposited into the account that the employee is instructed to wire to a third (often
international) account. The employee is instructed to deduct a percentage of the wired
amount as their commission.
• However, rather than processing rebates or processing payments, the individual is actually
participating in a criminal activity by laundering stolen funds through his/her own account or a newly established account.
In February 2010, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) coordinated with state law enforcement officials and other federal agencies to announce a sweeping crack down on job and work-from-home fraud schemes fueled by the economic downturn. Individuals who are knowing or unknowing participants in this type of scheme could be prosecuted.
Protect Yourself:
• Be wary of work-from-home opportunities. Research the legitimacy of the company through the Better Business Bureau³ (for US-based companies) or WHOIS/Domain Tools⁴ (for international companies) before providing personal or account information and/or agreeing to work for them. In addition, TrustedSource.org can help you identify companies that may be maliciously sending spam based on the volume of email sent from their Internet Protocol (IP)⁵ addresses. See also the FTC’s recommendations⁶.
• Be cautious about any opportunities offering the chance to work from home with very little work or prior experience. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
• Never pay for the privilege of working for an employer. Be suspicious of opportunities that require you to pay for things up front, such as supplies and other materials.
• Never give your bank account details to anyone unless you know and trust them.
• If you think you may be a victim of one of these scams, contact your financial institution
immediately. Report any suspicious work-from-home offers or activities to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)⁷ at http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
For more information, visit:
• PhishBucket.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting job seekers fromfraudulent job offers.
• OnGuardOnline.org. Sponsored by the FTC, this site provides practical tips from the
federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet
fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
• Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/us/article/work-at-home-schemes-408.
¹ Cyber criminals may also spoof a legitimate business to entice you into opening the email, which may contain a fraudulent application for information or malware.
² Other common job titles for these schemes include trading partner or currency trader.
³ http://www.bbb.org/
⁴http://www.domaintools.com/
⁵An IP address identifies the company’s website host or network interface and location.
⁶http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/email-scams.aspx#3
⁷The IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
-----
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Work-from-home scam victims are often recruited by organized cyber criminals through newspaper ads, online employment services, unsolicited emails or “spam”,¹ and social networking sites advertising work-from-home opportunities. Once recruited, however, rather than becoming an employee of a legitimate business, the consumer is actually a “mule” for cyber criminals who use the consumer’s or other victim's accounts to steal and launder money. In addition, the consumer’s own identity or account may be compromised by the cyber criminals.
Example of a Work-From-Home Scheme:
• An individual applies for a position as a rebate or payments processor² through an online job site or through an unsolicited email.
• As a new employee, the individual is asked to provide his/her bank account information to his/her employer or to establish a new account using information provided by the employer.
• Funds are deposited into the account that the employee is instructed to wire to a third (often
international) account. The employee is instructed to deduct a percentage of the wired
amount as their commission.
• However, rather than processing rebates or processing payments, the individual is actually
participating in a criminal activity by laundering stolen funds through his/her own account or a newly established account.
In February 2010, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) coordinated with state law enforcement officials and other federal agencies to announce a sweeping crack down on job and work-from-home fraud schemes fueled by the economic downturn. Individuals who are knowing or unknowing participants in this type of scheme could be prosecuted.
Protect Yourself:
• Be wary of work-from-home opportunities. Research the legitimacy of the company through the Better Business Bureau³ (for US-based companies) or WHOIS/Domain Tools⁴ (for international companies) before providing personal or account information and/or agreeing to work for them. In addition, TrustedSource.org can help you identify companies that may be maliciously sending spam based on the volume of email sent from their Internet Protocol (IP)⁵ addresses. See also the FTC’s recommendations⁶.
• Be cautious about any opportunities offering the chance to work from home with very little work or prior experience. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
• Never pay for the privilege of working for an employer. Be suspicious of opportunities that require you to pay for things up front, such as supplies and other materials.
• Never give your bank account details to anyone unless you know and trust them.
• If you think you may be a victim of one of these scams, contact your financial institution
immediately. Report any suspicious work-from-home offers or activities to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)⁷ at http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
For more information, visit:
• PhishBucket.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting job seekers fromfraudulent job offers.
• OnGuardOnline.org. Sponsored by the FTC, this site provides practical tips from the
federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet
fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
• Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/us/article/work-at-home-schemes-408.
¹ Cyber criminals may also spoof a legitimate business to entice you into opening the email, which may contain a fraudulent application for information or malware.
² Other common job titles for these schemes include trading partner or currency trader.
³ http://www.bbb.org/
⁴http://www.domaintools.com/
⁵An IP address identifies the company’s website host or network interface and location.
⁶http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/email-scams.aspx#3
⁷The IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
-----
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Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Friday, October 8, 2010
President Obama Signs Historic Technology Access Bill
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, joined by disability-rights advocates and tech industry representatives, President Obama signed into law the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. The legislation requires smart phones, television programs and other modern communications technologies to be accessible to people with vision or hearing loss.
"This law is life-changing for the millions of us with disabilities who are too often unable to take advantage of new technologies," said Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Programs & Policy at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). "It opens the door to the digital age, and gives Americans with visual or hearing impairments equal access to smart phones, emergency broadcast information, the menus and controls on televisions and cable TV guides, and much more."
Signed into law during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this legislation is expected to create more opportunities in the work place, the classroom, and everyday life. "It will help Americans with disabilities work more productively, respond to emergencies more effectively, and participate even more in society and culture," said Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy at AFB and a principal negotiator with the communications and TV industries.
"This law builds on the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensures people with disabilities can fully participate in the 21st century," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB's President & CEO. "We applaud the many advocates and lawmakers who fought tirelessly to make this law a reality."
The legislation gives individuals with vision or hearing loss improved access to television programming, smart phones, the Internet, menus on DVD players, program guides on cable TV, and more. Specifically, it:
* Mandates mobile phone companies to make web browsers, text messaging, and e-mail on smart phones fully accessible.
* Restores and expands requirements for video description of television programs, in addition to requiring cable companies to make their program guides and selection menus accessible to people with vision loss.
* Ensures people with vision loss have access to emergency broadcast information.
* Provides $10 million in funding each year for assistive technology for deaf-blind individuals.
* Ensures that Internet-enabled mobile phones are hearing aid compatible.
The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act passed Congress with bipartisan support. A number of members played a key role in moving the legislation forward. In the U.S. Senate, the bill was championed by Senator Pryor (D-AR), with the support of Senator Kerry (D-MA), Senator Rockefeller (D-WV), Senator Hutchison (R-TX), and Senator Ensign (R-NV). In the U.S. House, it was championed by Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), with the support of Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL).
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at www.afb.org.
-----
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
"This law is life-changing for the millions of us with disabilities who are too often unable to take advantage of new technologies," said Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Programs & Policy at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). "It opens the door to the digital age, and gives Americans with visual or hearing impairments equal access to smart phones, emergency broadcast information, the menus and controls on televisions and cable TV guides, and much more."
Signed into law during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this legislation is expected to create more opportunities in the work place, the classroom, and everyday life. "It will help Americans with disabilities work more productively, respond to emergencies more effectively, and participate even more in society and culture," said Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy at AFB and a principal negotiator with the communications and TV industries.
"This law builds on the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensures people with disabilities can fully participate in the 21st century," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB's President & CEO. "We applaud the many advocates and lawmakers who fought tirelessly to make this law a reality."
The legislation gives individuals with vision or hearing loss improved access to television programming, smart phones, the Internet, menus on DVD players, program guides on cable TV, and more. Specifically, it:
* Mandates mobile phone companies to make web browsers, text messaging, and e-mail on smart phones fully accessible.
* Restores and expands requirements for video description of television programs, in addition to requiring cable companies to make their program guides and selection menus accessible to people with vision loss.
* Ensures people with vision loss have access to emergency broadcast information.
* Provides $10 million in funding each year for assistive technology for deaf-blind individuals.
* Ensures that Internet-enabled mobile phones are hearing aid compatible.
The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act passed Congress with bipartisan support. A number of members played a key role in moving the legislation forward. In the U.S. Senate, the bill was championed by Senator Pryor (D-AR), with the support of Senator Kerry (D-MA), Senator Rockefeller (D-WV), Senator Hutchison (R-TX), and Senator Ensign (R-NV). In the U.S. House, it was championed by Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), with the support of Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL).
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at www.afb.org.
-----
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fake iTunes Bill Can Drain Your Bank Account
The following article is from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information about the newsletter is available at http://www.eogn.com.
I received one of these email messages a few days ago. Luckily, Gmail placed it in my spam folder so I didn't see it until today when I went looking for it. You have to hand it to these scam artists: they certainly are clever at devising methods of stealing your money.
I wrote a couple of days ago at http://goo.gl/nvl9 about a "trojan" email message that steals your user IDs and passwords to your online banking account. This new scam is a different Trojan message with a very clever delivery method.
The new scam sends a fake "iTunes receipt" email message to millions of people. The message appears to be completely authentic, except for the price shown in your bill. The message I received was for nearly $1,000. That's part of the trap.
Most people are likely to take action when seeing an "incorrect amount" appear on their bill. (I didn't do that because I never saw the "bill" in my spam folder until I went looking for it later, after reading about the new scam.) Most people will click on the "report a problem" link that is included in the email message. However, that link takes you to a rogue web page that downloads the same Zeus trojan malware as described in the earlier article to your Windows computer. (Linux and Macintosh computers will not be affected.)
The program then waits for the user to log onto a list of targeted banks and financial institutions, and then steals login credentials and other data which are immediately sent to a remote server hosted by cybercriminals. It can also modify, in a user’s browser, the genuine web pages from a bank’s web servers to ask for personal information such as payment card number and PIN, one time passwords, etc.
Panda Labs released a statement explaining the infection process:
"After clicking the link, the victim is asked to download a fake PDF reader. Once installation is complete, the user is redirected to an infected web page containing the Zeus Trojan, which is specifically designed to steal personal data."
Here is the full announcement from Panda Labs:
Massive Phishing Attack Uses iTunes as Lure to Steal Bank Details, Reports PandaLabs
ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 4 -- PandaLabs, Panda Security's antimalware laboratory, has discovered that Apple's popular iTunes platform has become a major target for hackers looking to steal credit card data from the service's millions of users.
Victims receive a cleverly-crafted email informing them that they have made an expensive purchase on iTunes. The user, having never made the purchase to begin with, is concerned by the email and naturally tries to resolve the problem – in this case by clicking on the proffered (fake) link. An example of this fraudulent iTunes receipt can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/panda_security/5050360091/
After clicking the link, the victim is asked to download a fake PDF reader. Once installation is complete, the user is redirected to an infected Web page containing the Zeus Trojan, which is specifically designed to steal personal data. This phishing attack was uncovered shortly after a similar phishing attack targeting LinkedIn users appeared last week, which appears to have originated in Russia.
"Phishing is nothing new," said Luis Corrons, Technical Director of PandaLabs. "What never ceases to surprise us is that the techniques used to trick victims continue to be so simple, but the design and content is so very well-orchestrated. It's very easy to fall into the trap. When using services such as iTunes, it is absolutely crucial that users never go to the website via email, but rather from the platform itself where they can verify their account status."
This technique has been reported to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, which has started to block some of the Web addresses linked to in the fake email.
PandaLabs advises all users to be wary of any emails related to iTunes, regardless of how genuine they seem. Users who think they may have been affected are urged to scan their computers thoroughly to locate and remove any possible active threats. [Windows] Users who do not have an antivirus installed can use Panda Cloud Antivirus, a free security service available at www.cloudantivirus.com.
More information is available in the PandaLabs Blog.
About PandaLabs
Since 1990, its mission has been to detect and eliminate new threats as rapidly as possible to offer our clients maximum security. To do so, PandaLabs has an innovative automated system that analyzes and classifies thousands of new samples a day and returns automatic verdicts (malware or goodware). This system is the basis of collective intelligence, Panda Security's new security model which can even detect malware that has evaded other security solutions.
Currently, 99.4 percent of malware detected by PandaLabs is analyzed through this system of collective intelligence. This is complemented through the work of several teams, each specialized in a specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc.), who work 24/7 to provide global coverage. This translates into more secure, simpler and more resource-friendly solutions for clients.
More information is available in the PandaLabs blog: http://www.pandalabs.com.
-----
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I wrote a couple of days ago at http://goo.gl/nvl9 about a "trojan" email message that steals your user IDs and passwords to your online banking account. This new scam is a different Trojan message with a very clever delivery method.
The new scam sends a fake "iTunes receipt" email message to millions of people. The message appears to be completely authentic, except for the price shown in your bill. The message I received was for nearly $1,000. That's part of the trap.
Most people are likely to take action when seeing an "incorrect amount" appear on their bill. (I didn't do that because I never saw the "bill" in my spam folder until I went looking for it later, after reading about the new scam.) Most people will click on the "report a problem" link that is included in the email message. However, that link takes you to a rogue web page that downloads the same Zeus trojan malware as described in the earlier article to your Windows computer. (Linux and Macintosh computers will not be affected.)
The program then waits for the user to log onto a list of targeted banks and financial institutions, and then steals login credentials and other data which are immediately sent to a remote server hosted by cybercriminals. It can also modify, in a user’s browser, the genuine web pages from a bank’s web servers to ask for personal information such as payment card number and PIN, one time passwords, etc.
Panda Labs released a statement explaining the infection process:
"After clicking the link, the victim is asked to download a fake PDF reader. Once installation is complete, the user is redirected to an infected web page containing the Zeus Trojan, which is specifically designed to steal personal data."
Here is the full announcement from Panda Labs:
Massive Phishing Attack Uses iTunes as Lure to Steal Bank Details, Reports PandaLabs
ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 4 -- PandaLabs, Panda Security's antimalware laboratory, has discovered that Apple's popular iTunes platform has become a major target for hackers looking to steal credit card data from the service's millions of users.
Victims receive a cleverly-crafted email informing them that they have made an expensive purchase on iTunes. The user, having never made the purchase to begin with, is concerned by the email and naturally tries to resolve the problem – in this case by clicking on the proffered (fake) link. An example of this fraudulent iTunes receipt can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/panda_security/5050360091/
After clicking the link, the victim is asked to download a fake PDF reader. Once installation is complete, the user is redirected to an infected Web page containing the Zeus Trojan, which is specifically designed to steal personal data. This phishing attack was uncovered shortly after a similar phishing attack targeting LinkedIn users appeared last week, which appears to have originated in Russia.
"Phishing is nothing new," said Luis Corrons, Technical Director of PandaLabs. "What never ceases to surprise us is that the techniques used to trick victims continue to be so simple, but the design and content is so very well-orchestrated. It's very easy to fall into the trap. When using services such as iTunes, it is absolutely crucial that users never go to the website via email, but rather from the platform itself where they can verify their account status."
This technique has been reported to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, which has started to block some of the Web addresses linked to in the fake email.
PandaLabs advises all users to be wary of any emails related to iTunes, regardless of how genuine they seem. Users who think they may have been affected are urged to scan their computers thoroughly to locate and remove any possible active threats. [Windows] Users who do not have an antivirus installed can use Panda Cloud Antivirus, a free security service available at www.cloudantivirus.com.
More information is available in the PandaLabs Blog.
About PandaLabs
Since 1990, its mission has been to detect and eliminate new threats as rapidly as possible to offer our clients maximum security. To do so, PandaLabs has an innovative automated system that analyzes and classifies thousands of new samples a day and returns automatic verdicts (malware or goodware). This system is the basis of collective intelligence, Panda Security's new security model which can even detect malware that has evaded other security solutions.
Currently, 99.4 percent of malware detected by PandaLabs is analyzed through this system of collective intelligence. This is complemented through the work of several teams, each specialized in a specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc.), who work 24/7 to provide global coverage. This translates into more secure, simpler and more resource-friendly solutions for clients.
More information is available in the PandaLabs blog: http://www.pandalabs.com.
-----
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
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Twitter: @FayetteFP
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
EarthLink Demonstrates Comcast-NBCU Merger Will Increase Prices of Comcast's Broadband Service
/PRNewswire/ -- EarthLink, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELNK), one of the nation's leading Internet service providers, has presented an economic report to the Federal Communications Commission on the proposed merger of Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal. The findings demonstrate that control of NBC Universal's content and assets will result in Comcast raising the prices that consumers pay for standalone broadband service. This report was prepared by Professor Simon J. Wilkie, Former Chief Economist of the Federal Communications Commission, and is available at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020915403.
The report shows that an increase in the price of standalone broadband service will harm consumers in several ways. In response to higher prices, existing subscribers may be forced to drop their broadband service subscription and new subscribers may not be able to afford Comcast's broadband service. Further, Comcast customers who wish to "cut the cord" from the higher-priced Comcast cable television subscription in order to access lower-cost online video and voice services via standalone broadband or simply "break the bundle" and subscribe only to broadband services will face increased charges. As a result, the market for innovative online video services will be stifled and the nation's goals of ubiquitous broadband adoption and usage will be dampened.
In June, EarthLink asked the FCC to deny the merger or adopt a condition requiring Comcast to offer wholesale standalone broadband access service to independent Internet service providers. Professor Wilkie determined that allowing consumers to have a choice for broadband services will allow consumers to "break the bundle," promote and discipline Comcast's pricing and protect the development of online video. This remedy will impose little or no costs on Comcast while at the same time generating significant benefits.
"Professor Wilkie has confirmed through substantial findings that the Comcast-NBCU transaction will result in a real and significant harm to consumers," said EarthLink General Counsel Samuel R. DeSimone, Jr. "The FCC must step in to ensure that consumers have access to affordable standalone broadband service."
-----
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
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Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
The report shows that an increase in the price of standalone broadband service will harm consumers in several ways. In response to higher prices, existing subscribers may be forced to drop their broadband service subscription and new subscribers may not be able to afford Comcast's broadband service. Further, Comcast customers who wish to "cut the cord" from the higher-priced Comcast cable television subscription in order to access lower-cost online video and voice services via standalone broadband or simply "break the bundle" and subscribe only to broadband services will face increased charges. As a result, the market for innovative online video services will be stifled and the nation's goals of ubiquitous broadband adoption and usage will be dampened.
In June, EarthLink asked the FCC to deny the merger or adopt a condition requiring Comcast to offer wholesale standalone broadband access service to independent Internet service providers. Professor Wilkie determined that allowing consumers to have a choice for broadband services will allow consumers to "break the bundle," promote and discipline Comcast's pricing and protect the development of online video. This remedy will impose little or no costs on Comcast while at the same time generating significant benefits.
"Professor Wilkie has confirmed through substantial findings that the Comcast-NBCU transaction will result in a real and significant harm to consumers," said EarthLink General Counsel Samuel R. DeSimone, Jr. "The FCC must step in to ensure that consumers have access to affordable standalone broadband service."
-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
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