Trojan poses as Adobe update utility

Miscreants have begun creating malware that overwrites software update applications from Adobe and others, reports The Register.

E-mail malware that poses as security updates from trusted companies is a frequently used hacker ruse. Malware posing as update utilities, rather than individual updates, represents a new take on the scam.

Vietnam-based anti-virus firm Bkis said the tactic is a logical follow-on from earlier approaches where viruses replace system files and start-up program files.

British Gas will roll out two million smart meters by 2012, to enable customers to cut down on energy use, as well as reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions, says Computing.co.uk.

The suppliers involved in developing the smart metering system include SAP for the billing component, as well as Vodafone, smart meter manufacturer Landis+Gyr, and software and communications firms OSIsoft and Trilliant.

Zigbee Smart Energy will provide the wireless home area network, which will connect the home-based devices.

A study suggests that some forms of piracy are on the rise in France, despite the passing of a tough anti-piracy law, reveals the BBC.

In late 2009, France adopted a "three strikes law", which means persistent pirates can be thrown offline.

A small-scale study shows some French people are changing their habits, and getting pirated music and movies from sources not covered by the law.

A former senior IBM executive pleaded guilty on Monday to securities fraud in a case that has also reached the executive ranks at hi-tech giants Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, writes CNet.

Robert Moffat, once thought to be a candidate for chief executive at IBM, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud at a Manhattan federal court, according to the Associated Press. He will face up to six months in prison, based on federal sentencing guidelines.

Moffat, 53, provided confidential information about a reorganisation at chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices, among other confidential data.