Information Protection and Security

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Microsoft Research have come up with a way to combat rootkits by using the machine's own hardware-based memory protection: the so-called HookSafe tool basically protects the operating system kernel from rootkits.
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According to an Adobe security bulletin, vulnerabilities in both Acrobat and Reader could cause the applications to crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. Acrobat 9.2 and Adobe Reader 9.2 address that flaw. Release notes for both the Acrobat and Reader updates also promise more stability.
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It's true that Adobe is getting better at the security game, but they've far from proven themselves. It's also possible that service providers can play some role in forcing users to apply updates, although there's no real sign of that yet.
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Conficker is a worm that caused a big stir a few months ago.  It compromises unpatched computers. 

Apple issued a patch this week to protect against playlists that have been specially crafted to exploit a security hole in iTunes 9.
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News Analysis: Microsoft gets hit hard with criticisms of its inability to adequately protect its users. But a recent study from the SANS Institute indicates users and software developers may also be at fault. It's time for IT managers and individual users to take responsibility for updating and patching all their applications and operating systems in a timely manner.

Apple has released iPhone OS 3.1 and iPhone OS 3.1.1 for iPod touch and QuickTime 7.6.4 to address vulnerabilities in previous versions.
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Updated: Apple directs users a security patch concerning an outdated version of Java, which is applicable to Mac OS X Leopard version 10.5.8 or later.
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