ScienceDaily: Hacking News

New software spots, isolates cyber-attacks to protect networked control systems

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:29:29 EDT

Researchers have developed a software algorithm that detects and isolates cyber-attacks on networked control systems -- which are used to coordinate transportation, power and other infrastructure across the United States.

Data storage: Synchronized at the 'write time'

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:49:49 EDT

Numerical simulations show how to avoid imperfections in the next generation of high-density data storage.

Speed test of quantum versus conventional computing: Quantum computer wins

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:28:28 EDT

A quantum computer system is “thousands of times faster” than conventional computing in solving an important problem type, a computer science professor finds.

Use of laser light yields versatile manipulation of a quantum bit

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:51:51 EDT

By using light, researchers have manipulated the quantum state of a single atomic-sized defect in diamond -- the nitrogen-vacancy center -- in a method that not only allows for more unified control than conventional processes, but is more versatile, and opens up the possibility of exploring new solid-state quantum systems.

Best of both worlds: Towards a quantum Internet with combined optical and electrical technique

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in quantum science that brings the prospect of a network of ultra-powerful quantum computers -- connected via a quantum internet -- closer to reality. The team is the first to have detected the spin, or quantum state, of a single atom using a combined optical and electrical approach.

One step closer to a quantum computer

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Scientists have succeeded in both initializing and reading nuclear spins, relevant to qubits for quantum computers, at room temperature.

Teenage password security: Risk of identity theft

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:13:13 EDT

Many of us are sharing increasing amounts of personal information through online social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. However, according to researchers, many of us are side-stepping apparently laborious security measures and putting our data at risk of being hijacked and used in identity theft and other fraud.

High-volume Bitcoin exchanges less likely to fail, but more likely breached, says study

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:11:11 EDT

Online exchanges that trade hard currency for the cyber money Bitcoin have a 45 percent chance of failing -- often taking customer money with them. A new empirical study into the closure of Bitcoin currency exchanges found that exchanges that buy and sell a high volume of Bitcoins are less likely to shut down but more likely to suffer security breaches.

Quantum computing taps nucleus of single atom

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Australian engineers have demonstrated that quantum information can be "written" onto the nucleus of a single atom and "read" out with incredible accuracy. The result was achieved using a silicon chip that can be wired up and operated electronically.

Security holes in smartphone apps

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:19:19 EDT

Popular texting, messaging and microblog apps developed for the Android smartphone have security flaws that could expose private information or allow forged fraudulent messages to be posted, according to researchers.

Quantum cryptography: On wings of light

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:19:19 EDT

Physicists have, for the first time, successfully transmitted a secure quantum code through the atmosphere from an aircraft to a ground station.

Quantum computers counting on carbon nanotubes

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:15:15 EDT

Carbon nanotubes can be used as quantum bits for quantum computers. A study by physicists has shown how nanotubes can store information in the form of vibrations. Up to now, researchers have experimented primarily with electrically charged particles. Because nanomechanical devices are not charged, they are much less sensitive to electrical interference.

Hiding secret messages in email jokes

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:49:49 EDT

It is possible to hide secret messages in simple jokes, according to new research.

Bank card identifies cardholder

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:39:39 EST

From the gas station to the department store – paying for something without cash is commonplace. Now such payments become more secure: Scientists have engineered a solution for inspecting the handwritten signatures directly on the bank card. The biometric “on-card comparison” additionally makes payment transactions more convenient, and it works with any ordinary commercial credit card.

Space race underway to create quantum satellite

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:46:46 EST

A new article describes how a quantum space race is under way to create the world's first global quantum-communication network.

Hello car, what is the password?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:35:35 EST

As cars get clever -- bristling with computer chips and networking capabilities -- an EU-funded project makes sure that your car's data stays safe and the networks are secure from hackers and tampering.

New material interface improves functioning of non-silicon-based electronic devices

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:10:10 EST

For the first time, researchers have designed a special material interface that has been shown to add to and to improve the functioning of non-silicon-based electronic devices, such as those used in certain kinds of random access memory. The new method could be used to design improved, more-efficient, multilevel and multifunctional devices, as well as enhanced nanoelectronic components -- such as non-volatile information storage and processing; and spintronic components -- an emerging technology that uses the natural spin of the electron to power devices.

Quantum cryptography put to work for electric grid security

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

Quantum cryptography researchers completed the first-ever demonstration of securing control data for electric grids using quantum cryptography.

'Acoustic-assisted' magnetic information storage invented

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:18:18 EST

Electrical engineers have discovered a way to use high-frequency sound waves to enhance the magnetic storage of data, offering a new approach to improve the data storage capabilities of a multitude of electronic devices around the world.

Security protocol for online banking and Facebook has ‘serious weaknesses,’ say researchers

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:24:24 EST

The protocol that provides security for online banking, credit card data and Facebook has major weaknesses, according to researchers.

Researchers work to counter spear phishing attacks

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:18:18 EST

Researchers are working to counter threats from spear phishing. The attacks use knowledge of computer users to gain their trust to break into corporate networks.

Computer scientists find vulnerabilities in Cisco VoIP phones

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:50:50 EST

Researchers have found vulnerabilities in Cisco VoIP telephones, recently demonstrating how they can insert malicious code into a Cisco VoIP phone (any of the 14 Cisco Unified IP Phone models) and start eavesdropping on private conversations—not just on the phone but also in the phone’s surroundings—from anywhere in the world.

Turning smartphones into secure and versatile keys

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:09:09 EST

It's already possible to open doors using an app -- but we are a long way from seeing widespread acceptance of this in the market. Now, researchers have developed a piece of software that will make the technology even more secure and versatile.

Secure communication technology can conquer lack of trust

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:55:55 EST

Many scenarios in business and communication require that two parties share information without either being sure if they can trust the other. Examples include secure auctions and identification at ATM machines. Exploiting the strange properties of the quantum world could be the answer to dealing with such distrust.

Trapping malware with honeypots

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:22:22 EST

Hackers systematically scan the Internet for vulnerable systems with the help of self-spreading malware. On average, accessible systems are the target of an attack every three minutes whereby security loopholes are often exploited. In order to protect systems better, cyber experts study their opponents’ work. One possibility is the use of “Honeypots”. These are computers integrated into the Internet and are only there to record attempted attacks.

Data storage: Electrically enhanced recall

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:04:04 EST

Operating tiny magnetic memories under electrical fields reduces power demand and could enable storage and retrieval of data at much higher speeds than conventional devices.

Mobile browsers fail Internet safety test

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:28:28 EST

How unsafe are mobile browsers? Unsafe enough that even cyber-security experts are unable to detect when their smartphone browsers have landed on potentially dangerous websites, according to a recent study.

Preventing 'Cyber Pearl Harbor': Improving cyber attack detection through computer modeling

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:22:22 EST

A new study shows computer network security analysts are not prepared for drawn out cyber attacks.

Mimicking public health strategies could improve cyber security

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:37:37 EST

Mimicking public health strategies, such as maintaining good “cyber hygiene,” could improve cyber security, according to a new article.

Researchers identify ways to exploit 'cloud browsers' for large-scale, anonymous computing

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:39:39 EST

Researchers have found a way to exploit cloud-based Web browsers, using them to perform large-scale computing tasks anonymously. The finding has potential ramifications for the security of 'cloud browser' services.

Beating the dark side of quantum computing

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:56:56 EST

A future quantum computer will be able to carry out calculations billions of times faster than even today's most powerful machines by exploit the fact that the tiniest particles, molecules, atoms and subatomic particles can exist in more than one state simultaneously. Scientists and engineers are looking forward to working with such high-power machines but so too are cyber-criminals who will be able to exploit this power in cracking passwords and decrypting secret messages much faster than they can now.

Georgia Tech Releases Cyber Threats Forecast for 2013

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:31:31 EST

The year ahead will feature new and increasingly sophisticated means to capture and exploit user data, escalating battles over the control of online information and continuous threats to the U.S. supply chain from global sources. Those were the findings released by the Georgia Tech Emerging Cyber Threats Report for 2013.

Is your utility meter getting personal?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:07:07 EDT

As of 2010, more than a third of all utility meters in the United States used wireless automatic meter reading (AMR) technology -- 47 million in all. They make it a lot easier for the utility company to gather data on electricity, natural gas and water usage. But as a University of South Carolina research team has shown, it's possible for their unencrypted broadcasts to be intercepted, giving a sophisticated eavesdropper a window into household activities.

New tool aims to ensure software security policies reflect user needs

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 21:03:03 EDT

Researchers have developed a new natural language processing tool that businesses or other customers can use to ensure that software developers have a clear idea of the security policies to be incorporated into new software products.

Data storage: Going with the grain

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:45:45 EDT

Reducing information stored in magnetic thin films to the physical size of single grains could improve computer hard drives.

An operating system in the cloud: TransOS could displace conventional desktop operating systems

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:19:19 EDT

A new cloud-based operating system for all kinds of computer is being developed.

Training computers to understand the human brain

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:43:43 EDT

Researchers use fMRI datasets to train a computer to predict the semantic category of an image originally viewed by five different people.

Multi-photon approach in quantum cryptography implemented

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:35:35 EDT

Move over money, a new currency is helping make the world go round. As increasing volumes of data become accessible, transferable and, therefore, actionable, information is the treasure companies want to amass. To protect this wealth, organizations use cryptography, or coded messages, to secure information from "technology robbers." This group of hackers and malware creators increasingly is becoming more sophisticated at breaking encrypted information, leaving everyone and everything, including national security and global commerce, at risk.

Android-based network built to study cyber disruptions and help secure hand-held devices

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:17:17 EDT

As part of ongoing research to help prevent and mitigate disruptions to computer networks on the Internet, researchers have turned their attention to smartphones and other hand-held computing devices.

Computers get a better way to detect threats

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:50:50 EDT

Computer scientists have developed a technique to automatically allow one computer in a virtual network to monitor another for intrusions, viruses or other kinds of threats.

Single-atom writer a landmark for quantum computing

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:53:53 EDT

Engineers have created the first working quantum bit based on a single atom in silicon, opening the way to ultra-powerful quantum computers of the future. Scientists were able to both read and write information using the spin, or magnetic orientation, of an electron bound to a single phosphorus atom embedded in a silicon chip.

Seeing through clothing: Radiation-enabled chips could lead to low-cost security imaging systems

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:15:15 EDT

Scientists are reconfiguring existing semi-conductor computer chips and turning them into high-frequency circuits with the capability of seeing through packaging and clothing to produce an image of what is hidden underneath. The chip could be the basis of sophisticated but affordable, portable detection technology able to meet everyday security needs.

Invisible QR codes tackle counterfeit bank notes

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:01:01 EDT

An invisible quick response (QR) code has been created by researchers in an attempt to increase security on printed documents and reduce the possibility of counterfeiting, a problem which costs governments and private industries billions of pounds each year.

Disaster is just a click away: Computer scientist, psychologist look at developing visual system to warn Internet users of safety risks

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:18:18 EDT

Two professors are researching how to help computer users who have little to no computer experience improve their Web browsing safety without security-specific education. The goal is to keep users from making mistakes that could compromise their online security and to inform them when a security failure has happened.

Perfecting email security

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:25:25 EDT

On the whole, security is not a primary concern for most day-to-day emails, but some emails do contain person, proprietary and sensitive information, documents, media, photos, videos and sound files and need protection.

Turn your dreams into music

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:23:23 EDT

Computer scientists in Finland have developed a method that automatically composes music out of sleep measurements.

Cybersecurity experts researching how to keep medical devices secure, communicating on hospital networks

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:09:09 EDT

What if you could shut down several emergency rooms simultaneously without leaving your own home? How about hacking a pacemaker and reprogramming it to cause a heart attack? Although these could be scenes from an espionage film, they are also some of the plausible scenarios that cybersecurity experts are working to prevent.

Frankenstein programmers test a cybersecurity monster

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:59:59 EDT

To catch a thief, you have to think like one. Computer scientists are trying to stay one step ahead of cyberattackers by creating their own monster. Their monster can cloak itself as it steals and reconfigures information in a computer program.

Researchers make quantum processor capable of factoring a composite number into prime factors

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:37:37 EDT

Computing prime factors may sound like an elementary math problem, but try it with a large number, say one that contains more than 600 digits, and the task becomes enormously challenging and impossibly time-consuming. Now, a group of researchers has designed and fabricated a quantum processor capable of factoring a composite number -- in this case the number 15 -- into its constituent prime factors, 3 and 5. Factoring very large numbers is at the heart of cybersecurity protocols, such as the most common form of encoding, known as RSA encryption.

Single sign-on for Internet use had major vulnerabilites: Many now fixed

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:27:27 EDT

Online shopping, cloud computing, online CRM systems: Each day many IT systems require the user to identify himself/herself. Single Sign-On (SSO) systems were introduced to circumvent this problem, and to establish structured Identity Management (IDM) systems in industry: Here the user only has to identify once, all subsequent authentications are done automatically. However, SSO systems based on the industry standard SAML have huge vulnerabilities: Roughly 80 percent of these systems could be broken by the researchers.

Speedy ions could add zip to quantum computers

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:33:33 EDT

Take that, sports cars! Physicists can accelerate their beryllium ions from zero to 100 miles per hour and stop them in just a few microseconds. The researchers think their zippy ions may be useful in future quantum computers.

Quantum cryptography theory has a demonstrated security defect

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:49:49 EDT

Researchers have just demonstrated the incompleteness and limit of the security theory in quantum key distribution. The present theory cannot guarantee unconditional security.

Security risk: Sensitive data can be harvested from a PC even if it is in standby mode, experts say

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:36:36 EDT

When you switch off your computer any passwords you used to login to web pages, your bank or other financial account evaporate into the digital ether, right? Not so fast! Researchers in Greece have discovered a security loophole that exploits the way computer memory works and could be used to harvest passwords and other sensitive data from a PC even if it is in standby mode.

Major step taken towards 'unbreakable' message exchange

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 08:29:29 EDT

Single particles of light, also known as photons, have been produced and implemented into a quantum key distribution (QKD) link, paving the way for unbreakable communication networks.

Data storage: Memory that does it all

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:03:03 EDT

Using the correct annealing temperature is key to making fast, non-volatile computer memory.

Smart wirelessly controlled power outlets

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:13:13 EDT

Many homeowners dream of being able to wash a load of laundry when the photovoltaic panels on the roof are delivering a maximum of electricity, even when they are not at home. A new Internet-enabled power outlet will soon allow users to control household appliances via their smartphone, and reduce their energy costs into the bargain.

Cell phone financial identity theft

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:01:01 EDT

While the cell phone is an amazingly useful device, using it for banking — and consumers are increasingly using mobile phones as banking tools — can lead to identity theft and other financial crimes, if reasonable precautions aren’t taken.

'Control-Alt-Hack' game lets players try their hand at computer security

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:10:10 EDT

Do you have what it takes to be an ethical hacker? A new card game developed by computer scientists gives players a taste of life as modern computer-security professional.

Better security for web and mobile applications

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:57:57 EDT

When it comes to computer security, who checks the checker? Computer scientists have developed a new tool that could lead to increased security and enhanced performance for commonly used web and mobile applications. Called RockSalt, the clever bit of code can verify that native computer programming languages comply with a particular security policy.

Disentangling information from photons

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:17:17 EDT

Theoretical physicists have found a new method of reliably assessing the information contained in photon pairs used for applications in cryptography and quantum computing. The findings are so robust that they enable access to the information even when the measurements on photon pairs are imperfect.