Report: Global Security Threats Increased

IBM released the results of its X-Force 2010 Mid-Year Trend and Risk Report, which showed that vulnerability disclosures are increasing dramatically, having reached record levels for the first half of 2010.

In total, 4,396 new vulnerabilities were documented in the first half of 2010, representing a 36 percent increase over the same…

UK Showcases New Passports for Security

The U.K. Home Office has said new passports with enhanced security features will be issued starting in October.

In an effort to provide what the Home Office terms “strengthened security features,” the new passports will contain a chip with the holder’s details rendered invisible.

The new passport will also have a see-through covering that will display several holograms to protect…

Corporate ID Theft Used to Jack Code Signing Certificate

Security researchers with F-Secure have found a new set of spammed malware that uses corporate identity theft to steal Authenticode code signing certificate.

The attack vector is new because of the use of legitimate contact information.

“This is something we’ve seen before,” the researchers write. “But this case seemed odd because the contact information appeared very genuine. Usually, a valid but malicious certificate uses clearly bogus or…

Apple Fixes Jailbreakme Flaw

Apple has fixed a browse-and-be-hacked flaw in Mac OS X, which was exploited by a website called Jailbreakme.

The flaw was one of 13 fixed in an update released Tuesday, according to The Register.

The iPhone, the iPad and the iPod touch were susceptible to the vulnerability. Jailbreakme allowed users to jailbreak their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch merely by visiting the website and click a slider. The system worked even…

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Location: McLean, VA, US

Cyber Security Analyst-01091125

Description

Key Role: Work in a challenging and dynamic environment that combines knowledge in cyber security with business consulting skills to deliver high-value IT security compliance solutions to federal agencies. Engage in Certification and Accreditation (C&A) Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) work, conduct security reviews, and provide security advisory to a number of high-visibility government clients. Maintain knowledge of…

Researchers Develop Scanners to ID Terrorists

Researchers with Wright State University are working to develop scanners that would identify terrorists and sex offenders from a distance by scanning skeletal features and matching the images against a database.

The new system could be used in airports, theme parks and sports stadiums, as well as other venues, to positively identify the skeletal structure of a criminal at up to 50 meters.

“Trying to recognize terrorists and other criminals through…

Scam Hits iTunes’ PayPal Accounts

A scam targeting PayPal-linked accounts has hit iTunes users, according to media reports.

While neither PayPal nor iTunes has discussed the incident, experts told the BBC users are likely being hit in social-engineering scams via email, rather than through direct hacks of iTunes or PayPal.

“I just got hacked for $1,000 worth of software, videos and music,” a victim tweeted.

Statements by other victims have also been posted on other social-networking sites,…

Zurich Insurance Fined for Customer Data Loss

Zurich Insurance’s UK operation has been fined £2.27m by the Financial Services Authority after losing personal information on 46,000 customers.

This is the highest monetary fine for a single firm that lost information, BBC reports.

“Zurich UK let its customers down badly,” said Margaret Cole, director of enforcement and financial crime at FSA.

Back in 2008, data on around 46,000 customers disappeared, which included bank account and credit card information. The information…

University of Texas Receives $1 Million Cyber Grants

The University of Texas Dallas has received two grants worth $1 million from the National Science Foundation for data security and privacy research. Purdue University, UT Dallas’ partner, will receive half the amount.

The larger of the grants the increasingly common practice of cross-matching datasets to support various activities involving intelligence,…

NetWitness Named One of Fastest-Growing Firms

NetWitness Corporation has been named the 21st fastest-growing private company on Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 500″ annual review.

The company has had 7,745.8 percent three-year growth, making it the fastest-growing privately held enterprise security product company and the fastest growing in the Washington, D.C., area.

“We started NetWitness to address a critical issue facing both …