Cybercriminals in India creating botnets to capture PCs

New Delhi: Cybercriminals in India are increasingly looking at creating botnets, network of computers aimed at attacking and 'capturing' PCs to spread viruses through them to other systems, according to Microsoft report.India ranks 25th in terms of bot infections detected and removed in the quarter ended June 2010, according to the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report version 9. The report covered 200 countries and territories. The country had 38,954 computers with bots cleaned in Q2 this year compared to 37,895 computers in the previous quarter.A Botnet is a network of computers, controlled by one computer (bot herder), which attacks another PC and makes it a part of its network. The main drivers for botnets are for recognition and financial gains.The larger the botnet, the more recognition the herder can claim to have among the cybercriminal community.The bot herder can also offer services of the botnet to third parties, usually for sending spam messages. Due to the large numbers of machines within the botnet, huge volumes of such mails can be generated.

"It is clear that the controllers work hard to sustain, maintain and grow them for financial gain. If it is a consumer the data and financial loss may not amount to a huge amount, but the loss is more severe if we talk about organsiations or at a government level," Microsoft India Chief Security Officer Sanjay Bahl told PTI.

Microsoft estimates that $780 million was lost globally in 2008-09 to spam mails. "It's clear that the evolution of the botnet is a major concern. As well as the prominent rise in infections on a global scale, data from this year's report has also shown that cybercriminals are now using more sophisticated techniques like botnets to further their reach of potential victims," Ovum Analyst Graham Titterington said.Over the past few years, volumes of spam originating from a single computer has dropped in order to thwart spam detection. The trend is moving towards using a larger number of compromised hosts for sending smaller amount of messages. This helps evade detection by anti-spam techniques.

Though the numbers in India might seem small, but such attacks are increasing. "Cybercriminals play with vulnerabilities. For example, in a developing country like Brazil, people are engaging in online payments, so the cyber criminal will try and attack through spam mails promising lottery and bank payments," Bahl said.

Transcend rolls out DRAM modules with 2Gbit DDR3 chips

New Delhi: Transcend Information, today launched three new 4GB DDR3 DRAM modules using high-density 2-gigabit (2Gbit) DDR3 chips: a DDR3 1333MHz Long-DIMM, a DDR3 1333MHz SO-DIMM, and a DDR3 1066MHz SO-DIMM. It is available at Rs. 6800, with a lifetime warranty.

"Our 4GB 240-pin DDR3-1333 Long-DIMM for desktops runs at 1333MHz with latencies of 9-9-9, while the 4GB DDR3-1333 SO-DIMM notebook memory module operates at 1333MHz with latencies of 9-9-9, and the 4GB DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM runs at 1066MHz with CL7 timings. Each module is optimized for stable 1.5V operation and is made with high density energy-efficient 2Gbit chips, enabling conscientious users to take advantage of the best power-performance ratio available for their desktop or laptop computer," said Gordon Wu, Regional Head, South Asia, Transcend.

These high-density chips not only bring the benefits of increased capacity and power efficiency, but also help prolong system lifetime--a crucial factor for server hardware. All DDR3 memory modules fully comply with Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standards and are built with 256Mx8 high-quality DDR3 FBGA chips for their improved electrical and heat dissipation characteristics. Backed by Transcend's lifetime warranty, each new DDR3 module offers unparalleled reliability for today's desktops, laptops and workstations.

Lenovo adds new series in the IdeaPad family

Bangalore: Lenovo, has added a new series in its IdeaPad family, Lenovo IdeaPad Z460 (14") and Lenovo IdeaPad Z560 (15"), are trendy and stylish mainstream laptops with multiple ports and multimedia applications. Powered by the latest technology, the Lenovo IdeaPad Z series is certainly a smart choice for people who need a notebook that is fashionable. These laptops are available now at a price ranging from Rs. 34,000 to Rs. 46,000.

Powered by Intel Core i5-460 processor and excellent features - like the Chiclet keyboard for superior ergonomic comfort, One key theater that customizes display and sound to provide enhanced movie experience and Dolby Advanced Audio for a stunning listening experience, HDMI and E-SATA ports it brings a difference in the market. These Notebooks are ingrained with exceptional safety applications like Lenovo Veriface Face recognition technology, OneKey Rescue System an easy-to-use system to help you detect and remove viruses, restore Windows system and recover file

Vodafone selects Nokia Siemens, Ericsson as 3G partners

Mumbai: Vodafone Essar, one of India's leading cellular service providers, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks and Ericsson India as partners for its 3G network across the country.These allies will enable swift 3G deployment, create synergy between GSM and 3G networks, and maintain leading-edge high speed packet access networks in nine of Vodafone's 3G license circles, a press release issued here stated. These circles - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai & Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (East) and West Bengal - cover over 60 percent of the company's current customer-base.Vodafone will utilise the latest HSPA technology to deliver new services like video telephony, mobile broadband, mobile TV and others. Vodafone selected Ericsson to provide exclusive 3G HSPA services in Indias largest metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.Vodafone has also acquired the services of Nokia Siemens to implement and manage its 3G HSPA network in the six circles of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP (East), Rest of Bengal and Haryana.Both network partners will collaborate with Vodafone to improve the end-user experience.Vodafone Essar's Managing Director, Marten Pieters, said, "Globally, Vodafone provides enhanced 3G experiences to a large base of customers. India is now ready for 3G, and we are committed to offer similar high-quality 3G services to our Indian customers.

"Ericsson and Nokia Siemens are specialists in this area and we view this as a very strategic alliance, in order to deliver and maintain a high-quality network which customers will expect from Vodafone."

Nokia Siemens's Head of India, Urs Pennanen, said, "We are committed to implement a smart 3G network for Vodafone Essar, based on our global experience and local expertise and resources in India."Ericsson India, head of region, Gowton Achaibar, said, "We are extremely honored to be chosen by Vodafone Essar for their 3G HSPA network deployment in India."The contract further strengthens Ericsson's position as the leading mobile communications supplier in the Indian market and demonstrates yet again our long-term strategic partnership with Vodafone Essar."We are confident that our undisputed technology leadership and global experience will contribute to the rapid expansion of India's mobile broadband market."