Network Security Spotlight

Database Hack Puts Social Media, Webmail Users at Risk A massive hack has served up the user names and passwords of nearly 2 million Facebook, Twitter, Google and Yahoo accounts. The database breach was made possible by the Pony Botnet Controller.   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.

Enterprise Hardware Spotlight

Cisco, HP Among Winners in Slowing Server Market Although the PC market is declining, the server industry is still posting gains, albeit slight ones. In the third quarter of 2013 worldwide server shipments grew 1.9 percent year-over-year, according to Gartner.   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. Google has opened up its cloud-based Compute Engine, added greater performance, and dropped pricing to better compete with Amazon, IBM, Microsoft and others.