Enterprises using certain kinds of open source software may be exposing themselves to serious security risks, according to a study from Fortify Software. The study, which focused primarily on non-commercially supported OSS, found many packages have no ground rules for reporting bugs and do not adequately inform users about how to use the applications safely. 22 Jul 2008
Two people were arrested for selling counterfeit tickets outside Newlands Stadium before the opening of the Vodacom Challenge soccer match in Cape Town with a further seven arrested for being in possession of such tickets inside the stadium. 22 Jul 2008
Over 50% of emerging and small businesses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban experienced one or more incidents of crime in the past year. 17 Jul 2008
USA - A judge's ruling in the Viacom vs. YouTube case sets a new and permissive standard for parties seeking to get their hands on the data companies retain about their customers. While not a legal precedent, the ruling will serve as a reference in future cases, potentially laying bare the trail of search terms we all leave behind. 14 Jul 2008
USA - As an 11-year veteran of e-commerce, web design writer and home business expert, Dennis Gaskill, was used to seeing sales slow down in the weeks leading up to the tax filing deadline. At the time, he attributed his sluggish sales to consumer concern over rising oil prices and the overall economy. After a few more weeks of further declining sales, however, it became clear that this was more than a short-term fluctuation. 11 Jul 2008
USA - Retailers should use the standards set by the Payment Card Industry as a starting point when ensuring that their customer data is as secure as possible, suggests Kristin Lovejoy, IBM's director of corporate security strategy. 10 Jul 2008
In June, actor-comedian Desmond Dube led a massive anti-crime march dubbed the Million Man March Against Crime on the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The event signalled South Africans' growing concern and anger about crime. 4 Jul 2008
NEWSWATCH: Major supermarket and retail chains in the Western Cape have said there's been an increase in shoplifting, IOL reports. The focus of these thefts, however, has shifted from luxury goods, such as clothing, jewellery and electronics, to everyday necessities like food and domestic appliances. 3 Jul 2008
Global denim brand Levi Strauss' South African division has thrown down the gauntlet to the counterfeit syndicates that are importing, producing and selling fake merchandise in the country and thereby crippling the local retail industry. 2 Jul 2008
Put down the vendor white papers and turn down the volume on that webinar. If you want to secure your data and pass a PCI (Payment Card Industry) audit, take a look at the past - the long-ago past. 1 Jul 2008
In the past 25 years, retail stores throughout South Africa have developed a 'Security Guard Mentality'. Whenever a retailer suffers losses in a store or a department, the tendency is to place a security guard to solve the problem. 30 Jun 2008
The proliferation of portable computing is fueling the need for mobile embedded security solutions. By enabling new applications while overcoming the risk of thefts and infringements, mobile security has become a vital requirement for both consumer and enterprise applications. 25 Jun 2008
“…Senior executives must understand their responsibilities for the management of information - claiming ignorance of poor practices is no defence…” Many firms are failing to manage their unstructured information, which can comprise 80% of their total data, effectively - and that could be very risky. 25 Jun 2008
Private individuals as well as security industry players are invited to attend a series of topical workshops being held at Securex by the South African Security Association (SASA) from 25 - 27 June 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre, open from 10am - 5pm daily. 24 Jun 2008
Figuring out the state of your security program involves dealing with a lot of noise - vendors, consultants, auditors and other outsiders whose message is coated with layers of personal bias and agendas. Metrics are the objective way to go, writes columnist Ed Moyle. However, tackling a metrics initiative can be overwhelming - unless you start small. 19 Jun 2008
The role of the internet and the effects of cyber crime in the 21st century will be investigated during the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Conference in Korea this week. 18 Jun 2008
US - High-profile data breaches continue to spotlight the growing risks consumers face of identity theft and credit card fraud. Four highly visible data breaches disclosed in the last 18 months are particularly worrisome because they show a systemic failure in the procedures that both the public and regulatory agencies expect companies to get right. 13 Jun 2008
Theft is one of the major concerns facing the retail industry today, a fact that was highlighted during the recent Retail Loss Prevention Conference, held last month at the Southern Sun conference centre in Sandton. 4 Jun 2008
The drive for compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard must begin in the source code, advises Jack Danahy, founder and chief technology officer of Ounce Labs. If there's one thing the slew of high-profile data security breaches have taught everyone, it's this: Data security starts with software security. 2 Jun 2008
Companies who offer their products online, with credit card payment facilities have little or no protection from the banks. This is according to Buy247 sales director Wayne Behrmann. 30 May 2008
