Microsoft beefs up anti-phishing tools

Microsoft will offer a browser add-in that will help identify known scam sites as well as suspected scam sites, reports CNet.

The report says Microsoft is already building similar anti-phishing features into the next version of its browser, Windows Internet Explorer 7 (IE7).

Microsoft plans to make IE7 available for both Windows XP and Windows Vista, the new version of the operating system that is scheduled to ship next year.

The new browser will warn users when they attempt to connect to a site that is known to record personal information. The browser will also warn users if they visit sites that appear to be carrying out phishing attempts.

Microsoft`s MSN unit will offer the same technology in beta format to users of the current Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) browser via a plug-in to the MSN toolbar that works in conjunction with IE6.

Wireless Internet provider Unwired plans to roll-out its service in Australian capitals after securing $37 million in funding from Intel.

Wireless broadband is currently available only in Sydney, but according to Australia`s News.com, Unwired plans to extend coverage to Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.

Intel hopes that Unwired will serve as an international showcase for the emerging WiMAX 802.16e wireless equipment standard. Unwired has agreed to upgrade its wireless network to be compatible with WiMAX chips to be embedded in future generations of Intel mobile computers.

IBM plans to become the latest and largest entrant into the market for continuous data protection, reports CNet.

The report says IBM Tivoli Continuous Data Protection for Files is designed to enable workers to backup data automatically and continuously as well as send a copy to a remote company server.

The new IBM software contrasts with existing products that take snapshots of data every hour or half an hour, requiring more storage space than a continuous data protection approach in which only the last changes to a file are backed up instead of the whole file.

HP has signed a three-year partnership with Lucasfilm to create visual effects, video games and animation using HP technology.

USA Today quotes Lucasfilms as saying the agreement is aimed at meeting the constantly rising expectations of consumers in the film and video games market.

HP says over a thousand high-powered computers will be sent to Lucasfilm`s new Letterman Digital Arts Centre in San Francisco and Lucasfilm`s Singapore location.