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Apple plugs security gap

By Bandile Sikwane, ITWeb journalist
Johannesburg, 26 Jan 2007

Apple plugs security gap

Apple has released a security update to plug a publicly-known security hole in its AirPort product, reports CNET News.

The update fixes a vulnerability that affects both the server and client versions of Mac OS X, Apple said in its alert. The problem was disclosed in November as part of the Month of Kernel Bugs campaign.

An attacker could exploit the flaw over a wireless network by sending malicious data to a vulnerable Mac, Apple said.

No wireless entertainment in-flight

Boeing says it will not use a wireless network to deliver in-flight entertainment on the 787 Dreamliner plane because of problems involving plane weight and the technology, CNET News reports.

A wireless network would add 200 pounds per plane, rather than 50 pounds for a wired network. Also, Boeing could not get permission to use certain wireless frequencies from some countries, said spokesperson Lori Gunter.

That would make it difficult to deliver entertainment such as DVD-quality movies, which consume high amounts of spectrum, she said.

IBM discloses code to open source project

IBM has developed software designed to let people keep personal information secret when doing business online and donated it to the Higgins open source project, reports CNET News.

The software, Identity Mixer, was developed by IBM researchers. The idea is that people provide encrypted digital credentials issued by trusted parties like a bank or government agency when transacting online, instead of sharing credit card or other details in plain text, Anthony Nadalin, IBM's chief security architect, said in an interview.

"Today, you traditionally give away all of your information to the man in the middle and you don't know what they do with it," Nadalin said. "With Identity Mixer you create a pseudonym that you hand over."

AMD strikes key market vein

Chinese PC manufacturer TCL Computer Tech plans to offer notebooks and desktops powered by Advanced Micro Devices' AMD64 processors. Financial terms were not disclosed, reports InformationWeek.

Desktop systems with AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-code processors are immediately available, and AMD64-powered notebooks are set for release in April.

TCL is among the largest computer makers in China. Its products include mobile phones, personal computers, home appliances, electric lighting and digital media. Much of the company is owned by the city of Huizhou. Other investors include Philips and Toshiba.

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