Cybercrooks Hacking Power Grid

Anonymous-linked hacker tried to extort $50K from antivirus firm

(NEWSER) - A hacker has made good on a threat to release the source code for Symantec's pcAnywhere tool after failing to extort $50,000 from the antivirus company. The release raises fears that other hackers could find security holes in the product, but Symantec says it was prepared for the move, and it has issued patches, Reuters reports. Hackers are also expected to release source code for an old version of Norton antivirus software, Symantec says. More»

Firm is responsible for delivering people to more than half of all websites

(NEWSER) - Hackers managed to break into the servers of a crucial web company responsible for delivering users to more than half the websites in the world. VeriSign doesn't believe the attackers infiltrated its Domain Name System network—which is responsible for directing traffic to .com, .net, and .gov addresses on the Internet—but it can't rule it out. The attacks occurred in 2010, but only came to light today, when Reuters spotted them in an October SEC filing. More»

(NEWSER) - US and UK law enforcement authorities are planning a preemptive strike on hackers to protect national security, reports the Guardian. The secret plans are triggered by skyrocketing computer crimes launched from China, Russia and North Korea believed to be state sponsored. The "strikeback" attacks will target hackers' computers, disrupt them, and, in some cases, block internet access, according to officials. More»

Malware allowed hacker access to fans' computer data

(NEWSER) - Paul McCartney's official web site was infected with malware that allowed hackers to access computer data of fans who logged on, reports the Telegraph. An internet security surveillance firm spotted the LuckySpoilt invasion early this week and purged the site. It's unclear how many users may have been affected. Hits to McCartney's website have skyrocketed since the singer reappeared with Ringo Starr for a benefit concert last Saturday. More»

Hackers seek revenge for state's crackdown on immigrants

(NEWSER) - It's been another busy Friday for the hackers of Anonymous: They're claiming credit for taking down the CIA website (again) and for hacking into police and government websites in Alabama, reports CNN . The hackers say they stole the personal information of 46,000 people, with the city of Mobile a particular target, notes AP . Anonymous said it was taking revenge for Alabama's "racist legislation" on illegal immigrants . More»