A researcher at cyber-security firm SecurityReason has posted proof-of-concept source code that poses a significant threat for OSX users. The vulnerability arises from a buffer overflow error in the srtod command in the Unix framework of Mac OS and could allow malicious code to be executed remotely. Although this information has been available for nearly a year, no worms designed to exploit it have yet made their way into circulation. A recent (1/19) Apple security update patches several process-specific buffer-related issues, but makes no reference to this specific flaw. Mac users can expect their first major onslaught of attacks later this year, so beware of email attachments, as well as attacks through Firefox or Google Chrome.
The importance of protecting your personal information and saved data can not be over-emphasized in this age of international networking. Simple precautions like keeping you OS up to date and managing Firewall settings can go a long way, but a professional security consultation can ensure your privacy. Student Experts offers a range of affordable packages to upgrade and maintain the security of your Apple computer and has operators available to offer their advice immediately. The commonly-held belief that there are no Macintosh viruses is simply not true. Is your data protected?
Flurry Analytics, a software package designed for Mobile App developers to track user activity is reporting a veritable flurry of activity from Apple's Cupertino, CA campus. Their platform has sensed 50 non-iPhone devices using iPhone OS 3.2 to run 200 different apps. The patterns of usage suggest that most of the Apps fall under the categories of games, media, and social interaction. The evidence is far from certain, but at least Flurry is betting on a 10" keyboardless computer being revealed Wednesday morning. Stay tuned...
A week ago, Google made an historic announcement that it would no longer comply with Chinese web-censorship standards. Evidence of Gmail surveillance directed towards human-rights activists have driven the search giant to "review the feasibility of business operations in China." Microsoft has since attributed the incident to an Internet Explorer security flaw, adding that the attack required "a level of sophistication above that of typical, isolated cyber criminal efforts." A Google counteroffensive traced the attacks to mainland China, as well as identifying 33 other corporate victims, yet definitive evidence of government involvement could not be uncovered.
Google struck back again yesterday by 'postponing' delivery of new Samsung and Motorola Android phones indefinitely. The intended recipient, Telecom China Mobile is engaged in the screening of text messages for arbitrary "unhealthy content" and denying the service of users sending illicit messages. SMS surveillance combined with the vast array of blocked internet search keywords point to a coordinated national effort to control the information sent and received by Chinese citizens.
Student Experts appreciates the opportunities provided by maintaining the internet as a free medium (such as this blog). Just the inclusion of the phrase 'Chinese democracy' would be enough to blackball this post from Chinese servers. If you are concerned about World of Warcraft-deprived Chinese children, write your representative so that America might lead by example in setting some ground rules for data diplomacy. Google and China are on the front line of a budding civil rights battle, the implications of which have the potential to affect us all.
For those of you that don't already know, there are numerous services out there that allow you to make donations to the Haiti relief effort via text message. To make a $5 donation to Yele Haiti -- Wyclef Jean's foundation -- simply text Yele to 501501 and $5 will be added to your monthly cell phone bill. To make a $10 donation to the Red Cross' efforts, text HAITI to 90999.
Next Wednesday (01/27/2009) marks an Apple conference that could potentially usher in the next level of intuitive computing and a golden age of global good-timery. The event was originally scheduled as an SDK developers meeting (read: iPhone OS 4.0), yet the invitations distributed to media outlets today bear a cryptic message with 'creative' flair. Odds are that Steve Jobs will take the opportunity to unveil a computing device somewhere in between an iTouch and a MacBook with a fresh multi-touch gesture UI; AppStore, iTunes and eBook capabilities, and a gaming-centric graphics chipset. Although tablet computing is a 10-year old failed Microsoft initiative, expect Apple to launch a polished, innovative device and turn "iSlate" into a household name.
Student Experts are ready to keep you up to date on tech news, as well as keeping your home or small business computer updated. Macs are an increasingly popular choice for creative types or Windows refugees, and with Intel equipped Macs you can dual boot and use your favorite applications. SE is equipped with the tools and experience to facilitate your switch over to Apple land, offering services such as installation, setup, data transfers, and security upgrades. Call us today and see just how helpful it can be to have a Student Expert on tap.
