The program, known asConficker( http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-088A.html), uses flaws in Windows software to co-opt machines and link them into a virtual computer that can be commanded remotely by its authors. With more than five million of these zombies now under its control government, business and home computers in more than 200 countries…
After posting two articles on this Web site here and here related to the Obama administration seriously considering allowing much greater flexibility regarding the use of cookies and tracking devices on government Web sites, I thought I was finished with the topic. That is until this morning August 25 when…
In her interesting and provocative article, “Transparency Chic”, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Senior Editor at Reason Magazine, writes: “…Privacy is dead. But one kind of information is still cozily tucked away, the law…[W]ith the possible exception of the ever-leaky CIA, no aspect of government remains more locked down than the secretive, hierarchical…
Volume 2 Number 8 August 2009. From the Desk of David G. Badertscher Mmmm… cookies – chocolate chip and oatmeal with raisins! Cookies are one of the most popular snacks that exist today. Did you know you can get “browser” cookies almost every time you go on the Internet? These…
A summary of an article, “Black Hat to expose attacks,” by Tim Greene August 5, 2009 This summary was forwarded by Judge Herbert B. Dixon,Jr of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia with the permission of the Center for Legal and Court Technology, formerly the Courtroom 21 project,…
David Badertscher* The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within the White House is considering whether federal web sites should be permitted to use cookies and other web tracking technologies and is asking for input from the public. According to Michael Fitzpatrick, an associate administrator with the OMB Office of…
Volume 2 Number 7 July 2009. From the Desk of David Badertscher Monthly Cyber Security Tips Cybercrime What is Cybercrime? The term “cybercrime” is usually referred to as any criminal offense committed against or with the use of a computer or computer network. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) interchangeably…
Can the offering of goods and services such as Google searches free of charge be considered in violation of antitrust? Many librarians have expressed an interest in this issue. They are concerned about what any resolution of this question wll have on their continuing efforts to provide knowledge based goods…
Lyonette Louis-Jacques of the D’Angelo Law Library at the University of Chicago has conducted a quick, informal, but very interesting survey asking law school librarians how many of their faculty members use Kindles. As often happens with such surveys, the results or responses reveal more than was originally intended, thus…
Volume 2 Number 6 June 2009. From the Desk of David Badertscher All This Functionality in One Device! Mobile communication devices (includes Blackberrys, iPhones, smart phones in general) have become indispensable tools for today’s highly mobile society. Small and relatively inexpensive, these multifunction devices can be used not only for…