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Newsletter - May 2006

Security flaws on Firefox web browser

There have been at least 21 reported security flaws in various versions of Firefox web browser that uses the Mozilla software which could allow malicious hackers to hijack computers. All users are being urged to download the latest versions of all Mozilla programs to protect their computers from attacks.

US based Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Cert) has warned that other Mozilla products could be affected, such as, email client, Thunderbird and the internet application Seamonkey. Some of these flaws have been fixed by Mozilla. It is known that Firefox is more secure than other browsers such as Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, who were both hit by the same security bug last year. All users should make sure they have the most up to date version of Firefox which is 1.5.0.2.

Firms slow on fixing security flaws

A recent study by security firm McAfee has revealed that many European firms are open to security attacks. Almost half of those questioned felt that their IT infrastructure was never completely protected from software and network vulnerabilities especially viruses. 27% said that it took at least 48 hours to fix the software loopholes and almost one in five said it took a week or more for this process. This is more than enough time for malicious hackers to attack again.

One of the reasons for the delay is due the large number of vulnerabilities being discovered. In 2005, more than 5,128 were recorded. To some firms delaying security breaches could be critical, leading to loss of productivity, loss of customer confidence not to mention loss of company time and resources, where IT specialists spend at least an hour a day searching for vulnerabilities and patches. In the UK alone, there has been a drop in the number of attacks since 2004 where 50% of firms were affected by viruses, which has now dropped to 35% and the overall spending on IT security is approximately 5% of technology budgets.

Other security firms such as Cisco Systems have claimed that 72% of professionals felt that their organisations are more secure than they were a year ago. Meanwhile many companies have been putting in contingency plans in the event of a disaster to ensure business continues as normal. Of those questioned in their survey, 96% have contingency plans for power failure (with this being the most common disaster that can affect any business); 95% for fire; 93% for loss of data and 80% for flooding.

Sky to launch broadband service

It has been reported that Sky is to launch its residential broadband service in the summer. Rupert Murdoch, Sky’s boss, has been tight lipped about the plans since its merger with Easynet last year. When questioned about Talk Talk’s “free” broadband service and whether or not Sky will be able to match that, he replied by saying Sky’s proposal will be “aggressive… as we expected.”

Industry whispers are that Sky are going over several different pricing options with a possibility of offering free broadband access to premium subscribers. The service is expected to be available to consumers, from June onwards.

Microsoft in EU court

At the end of April, software giants Microsoft have been in court with the European Commission appealing against a ruling made in 2004 that the company broke competition law. The story so far is, according to the EC, Microsoft have abused its position in the computer world by muscling out smaller software firms, especially those who make media players and software for servers. Microsoft was also told by Brussels that it needed to produce a version of Windows without the Media player software and share information about how its Windows programme operates in order for smaller companies to compete.

Earlier this year, the smaller competitors such as Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Nokia and IBM amongst others said that Microsoft were dragging its heels when it came to sharing information about software codes such as how Windows works. They have argued that it is almost impossible for them to provide any similar software if they are not told how Windows works.

On the other hand, Microsoft said in their defence, that just because they are a successful company, they do not have to share their software secrets and innovations with rivals.

This is not the first time Microsoft has been in court. In 2000, a US federal judge ruled that they had abused the market dominance and that it should to be broken up. Microsoft appealed and much of the original ruling was thrown out but it was still found guilty of monopolistic behavior. Since then there haven’t been other similar court cases although a few questions are being asked about the launch of Microsoft’s Vista software which is due out next year.

The Best Practice Network

From time to time our clients contact us with questions that are outside the expertise of this company. We want to do our best to help, however and we can now signpost them to a free service – The Best Practice Network (www.bestpracticenetwork.co.uk)

The Best Practice Network, which is a service provided by Business Link for West Yorkshire, offers information and advice to help your business get the most from IT.

It provides access to over 400 articles about all aspects of IT and an online booking service for IT courses, seminars and workshops across West Yorkshire. Best of all, a panel of experts will provide you with advice in a Forum on any IT topic. Stefan Morrell, from our company is a member of the Expert Panel, along with specialist IT lawyers, accountants and experts on databases, networks, security, ebusiness and many other areas.