Adobe fixes 'critical' Flash flaw

Adobe has fixed a "critical" security flaw that had the potential to allow hackers to take control of affected computer systems, says The BBC.

The bug was first spotted in early June, following a small number of targeted attacks.

The security update is one in a bumper update package that fixes a total of 32 documented vulnerabilities.

As the US government begins deploying whole-body imaging machines to replace metal detectors at airports nationwide, some security experts worry that the new technology could make it easier, not harder, to sneak weapons and explosives onto airplanes, reports LA Times.

In the wake of the attempted Christmas Day airline bombing, the Transportation Security Administration decided to double its investment in the new machines, with a goal of installing 450 across the country by the end of the year and 1 800 by 2014.

The machines are best-known for the privacy issues they pose, because they can peer through clothes and present screeners with an image that some have likened to a virtual strip search. The government has addressed those concerns by obscuring the faces of those being screened, preventing examiners from seeing the passengers, and allowing the option of a physical pat down.

A report in ZDNet Australia this week reveals the attorney-general's department has been holding discussions with industry on setting up an Australian data retention regime, writes The Register

Such an approach would oblige ISPs to hold not only the private Web browsing history of their subscribers, but also all e-mails sent by subscribers for a set period of time, and to make both of these available to law enforcement agencies on request.

However, Australia is thinking of going much further than Europe: a period of up to 10 years appears to be under consideration. This would dwarf the term set out by EU directive on this issue, which appears to be the model of choice, and which envisages such records being maintained for between six months and two years. It even beats the UK's RIPA regime, which requires ISPs to hold records for six years.

Analysts have predicted that the major UK mobile networks will follow O2 and cap data use, but stressed that such a move will affect only a small proportion of consumers, reveals Computing.co.uk.

O2 is to introduce a three-tier data allowance system under which customers paying up to £35 per month will have a 500MB allowance. This rises to 750MB for those paying £45, and is capped at 1GB for those on contracts costing £60 per month.

Steven Hartley, principal analyst at Ovum, believes it is just a matter of time before the other networks follow suit.