Technology Briefs- Jan. 20-27
The Latest Headlines:
- Virus Could Slow Internet to Start Week
- Online Crime on the Rise, Report Says
- Homeland Security Dept. Goes Online
- Unisys, Freight Carriers Announce Launch of Portal Service
- Online Crime on the Rise, Report Says
Virus Could Slow Internet to Start Week
The “SQL Slammer” worm virus could clog Internet connections and slow down traffic on the World Wide Web, technology experts warned Monday morning, news services reported.The worm, which attacked Saturday, was not affecting the files stored on computers across the country, CNN reported. Instead, it was replicating itself and sending query messages to other computers, slowing Internet connections and clogging the Web.
Computer security experts said that Monday could revive the worm as companies reboot their computers to start business for the week, CNN reported.
The worm did most of its damage in Asia, but Bank of America said customers could not withdraw money at some ATMs over the weekend and Continental Airlines also reported widespread computer problems, the Associated Press reported. Transport Topics
Online Crime on the Rise, Report Says
A report in the New York Times said that the cybercrime rate is soaring, and criminals are moving beyond just diverting cash from bank accounts into other transgressions.The report cited online watchdog groups that said online criminals, ranging from thrill hackers and highly skilled thieves to rank-and-file employees are stealing money, business plans and other documents from companies via the Internet.
Trucking companies rely heavily on computers to manage their businesses, and can be vulnerable to attack from the outside.
An independent firm told the Times that just for January alone, there are likely to be about 20,000 separate incidents of hacking worldwide. Mi2g, a London-based computer security firm, said that the previous record for hacking was 16,000 incidents in October, the Times reported. Transport Topics
Homeland Security Dept. Goes Online
The newly forged Department of Homeland Security launched its online headquarters Friday, even before it finalized its plans for a physical nerve center, the Washington Post reported Jan. 24.The new site, www.dhs.gov, went live to the world on Jan. 24, and includes information on the department, its role and its many agencies, the Post said.
Previously, the homeland security information had been posted as part of the White House’s Web site. Transport Topics
Unisys, Freight Carriers Announce Launch of Portal Service
Unisys Corp., along with Air Canada Cargo, Northwest Airlines Cargo and United Airlines Cargo, said that Cargo Postal Services, an Internet-based freight forwarding portal, has been launched on the World Wide Web.The group said that CPS allows freight forwarders to more easily book and manage shipments online, while reducing costs.
Unisys is a global information technology provider and Northwest and United Airlines and Air Canada are all cargo units of North American airlines. Transport Topics
(Click here for the full press release.)
