http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//sandbox-for-security.htm http://apcmag.com//sandbox-for-security.htm

It makes sense to sandbox selected applications for a safer PC, as Link Harris explains.]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 17:25:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//protecting-your-online-identity.htm http://apcmag.com//protecting-your-online-identity.htm

With much of our lives spent online, protecting yourself from online threats is no longer just about viruses and spam. We reveal how to counter the other threats that are out there]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:38:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-sites-get-hacked.htm http://apcmag.com//how-sites-get-hacked.htm

Jon Thompson shows you how attacks on sites are carried out and how to tell if you’ve been compromised.]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//beware-of-smartphone-malware.htm http://apcmag.com//beware-of-smartphone-malware.htm

Security threats common to the web are now attacking smartphone users. Jenneth Orantia explains the dangers and what you can do to prevent them.]]> Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:03:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//becoming-big-brother.htm http://apcmag.com//becoming-big-brother.htm

You can turn your server or PC into a serious security hub by drawing video feeds from a variety of cameras, both local and remote.]]> Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:27:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//watching-the-watchers.htm http://apcmag.com//watching-the-watchers.htm

Did you know that personal information is collected every time you surf the web? Here's how to stay safe.]]> Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:57:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//decoding-microsofts-free-security-tools.htm http://apcmag.com//decoding-microsofts-free-security-tools.htm

After all the flak Windows has received over the years about security, it's no surprise Microsoft invested in improving the Windows image from Vista through to Windows 7.]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-threat-landscape-how-its-changing-and-what-it-means-for-you.htm http://apcmag.com//the-threat-landscape-how-its-changing-and-what-it-means-for-you.htm

The arrival of the cloud and mobile computing has changed the rules again for staying safe. We examine how anti-malware vendors are responding.]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//travellers-beware-are-you-sharing-too-much.htm http://apcmag.com//travellers-beware-are-you-sharing-too-much.htm

In-hotel Internet access can be a boon for travellers – but it can also be a security nightmare, as David Braue found out.]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//govt-wants-to-dictate-the-software-you-run-on-your-pc.htm http://apcmag.com//govt-wants-to-dictate-the-software-you-run-on-your-pc.htm

Do it, or lose your internet access, the government proposes to threaten.]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-didnt-collect-bank-data-privacy-commissioner.htm http://apcmag.com//google-didnt-collect-bank-data-privacy-commissioner.htm

The Federal Privacy Commissioner has directly contradicted claims by Senator Conroy that Google collected banking passwords in its WiFi scanning mistake.]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:07:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ozlog-ludlam-raises-isp-snooping-issue-in-senate.htm http://apcmag.com//ozlog-ludlam-raises-isp-snooping-issue-in-senate.htm

The Greens have questioned the government over its ISP data logging and snooping plans in the Senate.]]> Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:04:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//facebook-continues-to-flip-the-bird-at-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//facebook-continues-to-flip-the-bird-at-australia.htm

Facebook sent a rep to speak to the Australian government last week, but the social networking giant says it's not sure it would be helpful to have local personnel here.]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:44:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//government-isp-snooping-policy-totally-insane-linton.htm http://apcmag.com//government-isp-snooping-policy-totally-insane-linton.htm

The CEO of ISP Exetel has described as a "nanny state gone totally insane" a govt proposal which could see telcos required to store customers' web browsing and emails.]]> Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:23:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rudd-backs-conroy-in-wifi-attack.htm http://apcmag.com//rudd-backs-conroy-in-wifi-attack.htm

The Prime Minister has backed internet Senator Conroy in his sustained attack on Google over its bungled WiFi collection error.]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:13:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroys-tubes-moment-scams-through-the-portal.htm http://apcmag.com//conroys-tubes-moment-scams-through-the-portal.htm

At the launch of National Cyber Security Awareness Week Communications Minister Stephen Conroy plainly wasn’t having a good day.]]> Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:01:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sysadmins-slam-conroys-wi-fi-misinformation.htm http://apcmag.com//sysadmins-slam-conroys-wi-fi-misinformation.htm

Senator Conroy claims Google might have collected online banking passwords in its WiFi trawl -- a claim Sage-AU is calling "misinformation verging on fear-mongering"]]> Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:28:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-conroys-daughter-wrecked-his-unsecured-iphone.htm http://apcmag.com//how-conroys-daughter-wrecked-his-unsecured-iphone.htm

The filter-loving Senator's phone was disabled by a persistent 3 year old. ]]> Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:29:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-australian-federal-police-tackle-google.htm http://apcmag.com//the-australian-federal-police-tackle-google.htm

An official Australian investigation into the search giant's Wi-Fi privacy debacle has launched. ]]> Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:35:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-australia-details-dodgy-wifi-code-.htm http://apcmag.com//google-australia-details-dodgy-wifi-code-.htm

Google's Engineering Director yesterday explained how the company came to accidentally collect payload data from people's WiFi networks.]]> Wed, 26 May 2010 16:07:37 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-shouldnt-stop-collecting-wi-fi-data.htm http://apcmag.com//google-shouldnt-stop-collecting-wi-fi-data.htm

Google's decision to stop its Street View cars collecting harmless data on the location of Wi-Fi hotspots is an over-reaction to baseless concerns of privacy zealots.]]> Mon, 17 May 2010 16:46:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mcafee-is-calm-collected-and-doomed.htm http://apcmag.com//mcafee-is-calm-collected-and-doomed.htm

The dulcet tones of McAfee's spinmeister drift down the phone line into my ear, lulling me into believing they'll never root my computer, ever again. Wait, WHAT?!]]> Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:32:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//americas-nsa-developers-usb-drive-detector-to-protect-windows-networks.htm http://apcmag.com//americas-nsa-developers-usb-drive-detector-to-protect-windows-networks.htm

The National Security Agency says it now has tech to spot USB keys being used to steal data from PCs.]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:35:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//give-poor-huawei-a-break.htm http://apcmag.com//give-poor-huawei-a-break.htm

opinion Telstra has selected Chinese network maker Huawei for its 4G/LTE network trial. Let's stop the Chinese spy propaganda right now.]]> Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:58:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//defence-hiring-cyber-security-staff-in-bulk.htm http://apcmag.com//defence-hiring-cyber-security-staff-in-bulk.htm

Following successful online attacks by "anonymous", the Australian government's Department of Defence is hiring a large number of internet security staff.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:04:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//norton-jumps-on-the-ipad-and-android-bandwagons.htm http://apcmag.com//norton-jumps-on-the-ipad-and-android-bandwagons.htm

Latest version of 360 "supports" iPad, iPhone and Android. Sort of...]]> Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:38:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//attacks-on-conroy-work-better-than-petitions-anonymous.htm http://apcmag.com//attacks-on-conroy-work-better-than-petitions-anonymous.htm

The loosely-knit group known as Anonymous has brought out war rhetoric to defend their continuing distributed denial of service attacks on the Australian government.]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//government-websites-buckle-as-operation-titstorm-launches-ddos-attack.htm http://apcmag.com//government-websites-buckle-as-operation-titstorm-launches-ddos-attack.htm

It was hard to know whether to take a press release from "Anonymous" threatening Senator Conroy and co. seriously -- but a live DDoS attack shows it was a very real threat.]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:26:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//anonymous-attacks-govt-websites-over-filtering.htm http://apcmag.com//anonymous-attacks-govt-websites-over-filtering.htm

"Anonymous" has swung its focus away from Scientology and onto Stephen Conroy and Kevin Rudd, over their internet censorship plans in Australia.]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:39:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//update-ie-chinese-hacker-fix-due-at-5am-tomorrow.htm http://apcmag.com//update-ie-chinese-hacker-fix-due-at-5am-tomorrow.htm

Microsoft says it will issue a software fix to block Chinese hackers at 5.00am Friday, Australian time after "working round the clock" to fix the problem. ]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:23:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internet-explorer-patch-imminent-as-microsoft-gets-into-gear.htm http://apcmag.com//internet-explorer-patch-imminent-as-microsoft-gets-into-gear.htm

Hot on the news of a major security flaw in Internet Explorer 6 and 7, Microsoft has finally got its act together as governments and security experts condemn its inaction. ]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:36:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-warns-stop-using-ie6-ie7-now.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-warns-stop-using-ie6-ie7-now.htm

Microsoft has dropped its softly-softly approach to IE upgrades, warning people to stop using Internet Explorer 6 and 7 immediately due to security risks. ]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:46:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-big-china-hacking-lesson-ditch-ie.htm http://apcmag.com//the-big-china-hacking-lesson-ditch-ie.htm

Browser flaw seen as key to hack attack on Google and others.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:03:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//iphone-virus-writer-could-be-charged-under-hacking-laws.htm http://apcmag.com//iphone-virus-writer-could-be-charged-under-hacking-laws.htm

It may have just been a bit of fun, but Aussie iPhone virus developer Ashley Towns has opened himself up to criminal penalties under laws banning malicious damage to computers.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:54:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-dont-trust-us-about-windows-7-security.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-dont-trust-us-about-windows-7-security.htm

Microsoft admits that its new TV advertisements about the security features of Windows 7 are potentially misleading, saying users “can get better guidance at retail or on the Web”.]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:40:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-releases-free-security-essentials-software.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-releases-free-security-essentials-software.htm

The free anti-malware shield for Windows XP, Vista and 7 goes live today, replacing OneCare (and Windows Defender) as a simplified and streamlined solution.]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:58:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//police-go-on-patrol-for-open-wi-fi-networks.htm http://apcmag.com//police-go-on-patrol-for-open-wi-fi-networks.htm

Queensland Police will soon add unprotected wireless networks to the Sunshine State’s ‘most wanted’ list.]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:15:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-releases-free-beta-of-security-essentials-software.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-releases-free-beta-of-security-essentials-software.htm

Now in public beta phase, Microsoft Security Essentials will not only replace the OneCare security suite but also deep-six Windows Defender. ]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:04:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-preps-beta-of-free-morro-security-software-for-windows-7.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-preps-beta-of-free-morro-security-software-for-windows-7.htm

Free software will protect against malware such as viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans, but won’t be bundled with the OS.]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:29:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//commonwealth-bank-targeted-in-massive-phishing-scam.htm http://apcmag.com//commonwealth-bank-targeted-in-massive-phishing-scam.htm

A phishing scam has reached new levels with Commonwealth Bank customers targeted by fake call centres.]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:23:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mobile-phone-location-technology-fighting-credit-card-fraud.htm http://apcmag.com//mobile-phone-location-technology-fighting-credit-card-fraud.htm

Mobile phones beaming their owners' locations back to banks could dramatically cut credit card fraud, Ericsson says.]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:40:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sophos-releases-klingon-anti-virus-software.htm http://apcmag.com//sophos-releases-klingon-anti-virus-software.htm

This is what happens when you let software developers off their leash: Star Trek-themed malware scanner. Raise shields and scan for intruders, Mr Worf..!]]> Sat, 23 May 2009 21:04:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-7-flaws-start-to-show.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-7-flaws-start-to-show.htm

Tossed like a clay target into the air, everyone is now taking potshots at the Windows 7 Release Candidate]]> Fri, 08 May 2009 08:40:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//changes-to-autoplay-for-non-optical-storage-devices-in-windows.htm http://apcmag.com//changes-to-autoplay-for-non-optical-storage-devices-in-windows.htm

The Conficker virus has prompted a rethink in Redmond, and Auto Play in Windows will be largely disabled in Windows 7 as a result.]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hackers-break-into-pentagons-fighter-jet-project-.htm http://apcmag.com//hackers-break-into-pentagons-fighter-jet-project-.htm

The Pentagon computer hack which gave access to the Joint Strike Fighter Project, could have been prevented. ]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:52:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//brazil-cracking-down-on-satellite-hijacking.htm http://apcmag.com//brazil-cracking-down-on-satellite-hijacking.htm

What do you do if you can't get a home phone with decent long distance rates? Hijack a US military satellite, of course. ]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:10:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//spam-a-massive-carbon-polluter-mcafee.htm http://apcmag.com//spam-a-massive-carbon-polluter-mcafee.htm

Forget electric cars. Or clean coal. Or CFL lightbulbs. The energy use to send spam could power 2.4 million homes, McAfee reckons.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:31:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//experts-to-microsoft-set-your-windows-patches-free.htm http://apcmag.com//experts-to-microsoft-set-your-windows-patches-free.htm

There’s a growing call for Microsoft to drop its Windows Genuine Activation process so that every Windows user can keep their PC completely up to date.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:32:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//symantec-says-credit-card-data-could-have-leaked-from-india.htm http://apcmag.com//symantec-says-credit-card-data-could-have-leaked-from-india.htm

Did you buy or renew software over the phone from Symantec? Check your statements carefully -- your credit card details may have been leaked by a rogue staffer.]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-worm-can-infect-home-modemrouters.htm http://apcmag.com//new-worm-can-infect-home-modemrouters.htm

A new botnet, “psyb0t” is the first known to be capable of directly infecting home routers and cable/DSL modems.]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-access-us-only-sites-from-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-access-us-only-sites-from-australia.htm

Ever wondered how you can access US only Internet sites from Australia? It's easy, and free.]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//classified_us_military_secrets_on_mp3_player.htm http://apcmag.com//classified_us_military_secrets_on_mp3_player.htm

A New Zealander has inadvertently gained access to US military secrets after buying an old MP3 player for $NZ18 ($14.50) from an op-shop.]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:50:37 +1000 http://apcmag.com//barack_obama_refuses_presidency.htm http://apcmag.com//barack_obama_refuses_presidency.htm

A raft of new malware has been released to cash in on Barack Obama's inauguration as President tomorrow.]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:30:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ethical_trojan_blocks_bittorrent_sites.htm http://apcmag.com//ethical_trojan_blocks_bittorrent_sites.htm

A fake keygen for pirated software tries to stop you pirating anything at all by blocking out popular Torrent sites. Hollywood probably loves it. Perhaps they even programmed it. ]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//lenovo_creates_sms_kill_pill_for_thinkpads.htm http://apcmag.com//lenovo_creates_sms_kill_pill_for_thinkpads.htm

New service will allows users to disable a lost or stolen 3G notebook by sending it an SMS message.]]> Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft_to_release_free_security_software.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft_to_release_free_security_software.htm

Anti-trust ruling would prevent it from building virus protection into Windows, so Microsoft is doing the next best thing: giving away its security software for free.]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:57:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oops_avg_accidentally_kills_windows.htm http://apcmag.com//oops_avg_accidentally_kills_windows.htm

Update to popular AV tool kills critical Windows file; AVG scrambles for a variety of fixes.]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:48:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google_health_goes_live.htm http://apcmag.com//google_health_goes_live.htm

Google continues its quest to rule the world's data by releasing Google Health, a product designed to make tracking your medical history as easy as writing an email.]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 12:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vista_less_secure_than_2000_researchers.htm http://apcmag.com//vista_less_secure_than_2000_researchers.htm

Machines running the beleaguered operating system are more likely to suffer from malware attacks than either Windows 2000 and Windows 2003, new research suggests.]]> Mon, 12 May 2008 17:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//1password_to_rule_them_all.htm http://apcmag.com//1password_to_rule_them_all.htm

Use the same password for everything? Is it different from your PIN number? If you've got a Mac, now's the time to get serious about security with 1Password.]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 12:08:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ebay_no_idea_how_account_was_compromised.htm http://apcmag.com//ebay_no_idea_how_account_was_compromised.htm

Despite eBay claiming forcing people onto PayPal will make things safer, here's a clear example of eBay fumbling and tripping over its own tail when my eBay account was hacked.]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:11:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wireless_and_dell__a_match_made_in_heaven.htm http://apcmag.com//wireless_and_dell__a_match_made_in_heaven.htm

If there’s any sign that wireless broadband is gaining momentum, just take a look at Dell’s notebook lineup — the 1520 is a reasonably priced mobile option.]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:36:11 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_2_web_browsing_security_and_multimedia_formats_dvds_and_entertainment.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_2_web_browsing_security_and_multimedia_formats_dvds_and_entertainment.htm Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//seagates_selfencrypting_hard_drive.htm http://apcmag.com//seagates_selfencrypting_hard_drive.htm

The guy who sold his notebook on eBay and found his embarrassing personal photos and details published on the internet must be kicking himself that he didn't data-scrub the hard-drive properly. If only he'd had Seagate's new self-encrypting hard-drive that was announced today.]]> Thu, 08 Jun 2006 06:47:57 +1000