Chain attack nets 3m e-mail addresses

Security experts have uncovered what they describe as a highly sophisticated global `chain` attack, which uses the pamNet.A Trojan to infect victim PCs with up to 19 malware programs.

The principal goal of the cyber assault is to send out junk mail, and it is estimated to have so far compiled more than three million e-mail addresses worldwide.

If the attack is successful, it installs and executes one of two identical files, Web.exe or Win32.exe, on the computer, vnunet.com reports.

"The fact that more than three million addresses have been compiled to send spam to is an indication of the success the creator of this attack is enjoying," says Luis Corrons, director of PandaLabs.

A security vulnerability in Veritas backup products could put corporate networks at risk of cyber attack.

This is the second serious security issue that has affected Veritas products in recent months, reports News.com.

Those affected include the backup servers for Veritas Backup Exec, media servers running the Veritas NetWare Media Server Option, and the system running the remote agents for Windows, Unix and Linux servers, said Symantec.

By exploiting the flaw, an attacker could get remote access and download arbitrary files, the software maker said in an advisory released last week.

Imation`s Micro Hard Drive, available in 2GB capacity, is the 2005 Guinness Book of World Records` smallest hard disk drive, claims the company.

Weighing around 28g and measuring around 25mm in diameter, the hard drive has a USB 2.0 high-speed interface and can transfer files across PC, Mac and Linux platforms.

Watchguard has introduced an SSL VPN gateway, based on technology licensed from Citrix.

Aimed at small and medium businesses wanting to support up to 205 people, the Watchguard Firebox SSL Core VPN Gateway runs Citrix`s Access Gateway software.

The box supports all protocols and applications, without modification, including newer applications such as IP voice softphones, Techworld.com reports.

"Users will be able to access all their applications and map network drives," says Richard Reid of Watchguard UK.