Network Security Spotlight

Win XP, Server 2003 Zero-Day Exploits Use Adobe Reader Microsoft is investigating reports of a zero-day vulnerability in a kernel component of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, accessed using older versions of Adobe Reader.   Akamai Wards Off DDoS Attacks with Prolexic Buy In a move to beef up its security, Akamai Technologies is betting $307 million on Prolexic, an acquisition that could help better protect its customers from distributed denial of service attacks.   Tech Giants Fight To Thwart Government Spying Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter are engaged in a costly tech arms race, with their businesses and cultures at stake. Not against one another, mind you, but a common foe: the NSA.

Enterprise Hardware Spotlight

Here Comes the New USB Plug Time to get ready for a new USB plug. The new connector for USB 3.1 will be reversible, so a user can insert it with either side on the top, and it may be the only connector needed for many devices.   Google Targets Amazon with Price Cuts for Compute Engine The cloud wars continue. This week, Google has opened up its cloud-based Compute Engine, added greater performance, and dropped pricing to better compete with Amazon, IBM, Microsoft and others.   BlackBerry: Rumors of Our Death Greatly Exaggerated Former Sybase CEO John Chen, who is now BlackBerry's interim chief executive, says BlackBerry is returning to its roots, refocusing on delivering devices and services to business users.

Mobile Technology Spotlight

Better Slate than Never for HP's 4 New Android Tablets It missed its November deadline for the release of its new line of four Android-based tablets, but luckily, Hewlett-Packard was able to meet impressive price points with its new Slate devices.   Should the YotaPhone Worry Apple? Should Apple and Samsung be worried? A Russian company is trying to one up them both in the smartphone market with something called the YotaPhone, a dual-screen device that's always on.   Cyber Monday Clicked With Records Sales The day widely regarded as the Super Bowl of online sales ca-chinged its way to a record day for retailers, and marked a shift in shopping preferences as smartphones and tablets drove nearly a third of traffic.

Enterprise Technology Spotlight

Here Comes the New USB Plug Time to get ready for a new USB plug. The new connector for USB 3.1 will be reversible, so a user can insert it with either side on the top, and it may be the only connector needed for many devices.   Google Targets Amazon with Price Cuts for Compute Engine The cloud wars continue. This week, Google has opened up its cloud-based Compute Engine, added greater performance, and dropped pricing to better compete with Amazon, IBM, Microsoft and others.   Tech Giants Fight To Thwart Government Spying Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter are engaged in a costly tech arms race, with their businesses and cultures at stake. Not against one another, mind you, but a common foe: the NSA.