Microsoft wins control of outlaw domains, declares war on botnets |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Social bookmarking site Faves.com to shut down
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- Daptiv cuts staff; CEO Franklin departs
- Daptiv is latest tech company to cut jobs
- Daptiv's Pancottine resigns as company seeks new CEO
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft wins control of outlaw domains, declares war on botnets
A map of past Waledac infections.
Setting a potential precedent in the fight against malicious online networks, a federal court in Virginia is giving Microsoft ownership of more than 270 web domains formerly part of a massive botnet known as Waledac. The network had already been effectively disabled, but the company says the ruling has broader implications.
"It's open season on botnets," says Microsoft senior attorney Richard Boscovich Sr., sounding like a 21st Century John Wayne in this USA Today story today. "The hunting licenses have been handed out, and we're coming back for more."
A botnet is a network of PCs that has been infected with malicious code that allows them to be controlled remotely, often without the user's knowledge. Microsoft has said that Waladec was sending more than 1.5 billion spam messages at its peak, before a court order in February allowed the company to cut the spammers off from the network.
Microsoft explains the background and legal implications in this blog post today. Although the defendants didn't respond in court, the company says it was clear that they were aware of the case because they "actively tried to retaliate, attempting to launch a distributed denial of service (DDOS) attack against the law firm that filed the suit and even going so far as to threaten one of the researchers involved in the case."
Here's information on how to remove the Waledac infection.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
