Security News

Smugglers busted sneaking tech into China
2023-03-30 03:02

International Talk Like a Pirate Day is still months away - circle September 19th on your calendar, me hearties! - but The Register has found news of technology smuggling in China that suggests a buccaneering approach to imports. One incident, reported by Chinese media outlet MyDrivers, saw Chinese customs authorities notice a man wearing ill-fitting black clothing attempt to pass through Gongbei Port, the entry point from Macau to China.

In uncertain times, organizations prioritize tech skills development
2023-03-24 04:00

Though 65% of tech team leaders have been asked to cut costs, 72% still plan to increase their investment in tech skill development in 2023. 67% of tech managers reported that workforce reductions in their organization across software, IT, and data have resulted in their teams taking on more responsibility, while 47% of technologists agree they have had to perform additional responsibilities outside of their primary job function.

Boeing signs off design of anti-jamming tech that keeps satellites online
2023-03-08 06:27

Boeing said on Tuesday its anti-jam ground-based satellite communications system had passed the necessary tests to validate it for use in the U.S. Space Force's Pathfinder program. The tests proved PTW was resistant to jamming but also validated hardware and software integration between PTES and the Department of Defense's satellite communications architecture.

Aussie tech worker payroll scheme operators found guilty of tax fraud
2023-03-08 04:04

Three of the principals of an Australian scheme that offered free payroll services to tech contractors have been found guilty of conspiring to defraud the Commonwealth and conspiring to deal with the proceeds of crime. Plutus Payroll claimed it could offer a free service because it was paid in advance by employers that hired contractors, and was not obliged to make income tax payments instantly.

Pro-Putin scammers trick politicians and celebrities into low-tech hoax video calls
2023-03-07 10:01

Pro-Russian scammers using social engineering and impersonation to trick prominent western commentators into conducting recorded video calls have kicked these campaigns "Into high gear" over the past 12 months, according to security researchers. Once their targets bite the email lure, and agree to follow-up hoax video calls, TA499 kicks things off with a serious question or two.

Russian charged with smuggling US counterintel tech to Motherland
2023-02-27 11:30

In brief A Russian national has been hit with a five-count indictment alleging he smuggled hardware and software used for counterintelligence operations out of the US to the Russian Federal Security Service and North Korea. He's being charged with conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, two counts of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act and smuggling.

Ransomware hits Technion university to protest tech layoffs and Israel
2023-02-13 05:06

A new ransomware group going by the name 'DarkBit' has hit Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, one of Israel's leading research universities. The ransom note posted by DarkBit is littered with messaging protesting tech layoffs and promoting anti-Israel rhetoric, as well as the group demanding a $1.7 million payment.

Ransomware hits Technion university, protests tech layoffs and Israel
2023-02-13 05:06

A new ransomware group going by the name 'DarkBit' has hit Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, one of Israel's leading research universities. The ransom note posted by DarkBit is littered with messaging protesting tech layoffs and promoting anti-Israel rhetoric, as well as the group demanding a $1.7 million payment.

US teases more China tech sanctions, this time to deflate balloon-makers
2023-02-10 06:31

The Chinese surveillance balloon that drifted across the US last week looks set to spark a new round of sanctions against Middle Kingdom tech firms. Ned Price, the State Department spokesperson said on Thursday, "We're exploring taking action against PRC entities linked to the PLA that supported the balloon's incursion into US airspace."

Trust, not tech, is holding back a safer internet
2023-02-06 09:30

We have so little reason to trust what's on offer or those offering it. The state has to take on that role - usually late, usually badly, and usually against the wishes of those who like their crimes kept in the private sector, but usually to better effect than the alternatives.