Messaging worm spreads via Skype

The Pykse-A worm is multiplying through Skype, reports Net-security.org.

Posing as a link to a photograph of a young model called Sandra, the link displays a picture of a scantily clad model wearing stiletto-heeled shoes, but only after it has infected the PC with a downloader Trojan, which then installs the worm.

Once installed, the Pykse worm attempts to connect to a number of remote Web sites, in order to boost hits to those sites.

Cellular phones are increasingly being viewed as tools for conservation and development, says Mongabay.com.

Ken Banks, a visiting fellow on the Reuters Digital Vision Program at Stanford University, has established kiwanja.net as a hub for the latest information on how technology, in particular cellphones, can be applied to tackle issues of economic empowerment, conservation, education, human rights and poverty alleviation.

He says cellphones offer conservation groups new ways to engage stakeholders, while reducing overhead costs and inefficiencies. The technology can even allow them to track animals, protect parks and conduct surveys in some of the world`s most remote forests.

Washington`s state Senate has passed a measure that will ban text-messaging while driving, reports Kxly.com.

The measure passed on a 32-15 vote with amendments by the Senate to make the infraction a secondary offence, meaning drivers could receive a ticket only if they were pulled over for a primary offence such as speeding or running a red light.

The Senate version also ensures the ticket does not become part of a driver`s record and clarifies that dialling a phone is not considered text messaging. The changes have to be agreed to by the state House, which earlier this week approved a Bill that requires drivers to use hands-free devices when talking on their cellphones.