Stories by Michael Kan

The WannaCry ransomware might have a link to North Korea

As security researchers investigate last Friday’s massive attack from the WannaCry ransomware, they’ve noticed clues that may link it with a North Korean hacking group that has been blamed for attacking banks across the world.

Paying the WannaCry ransom will probably get you nothing. Here's why.

Last Friday’s massive WannaCry ransomware attack means victims around the world are facing a tough question: Should they pay the ransom? Those who do shouldn't expect a quick response -- or any response at all. Even after payment, the ransomware does...

Old Windows PCs can stop WannaCry ransomware with new Microsoft patch

Users of old Windows systems can now download a patch to protect them from this week’s massive ransomware attack.

A 'kill switch' is slowing the spread of WannaCry ransomware

Friday’s unprecedented ransomware attack may have stopped spreading to new machines -- at least briefly -- thanks to a "kill switch" that a security researcher has activated.

HP rolls out patch to fix keylogging bug in certain laptops

Consumers with HP laptops that have been accidentally recording their keystrokes can easily address the problem with a patch from the PC maker.

New IoT malware targets 100,000 IP cameras via known flaw

Over 100,000 internet-connected cameras may be falling prey to a new IoT malware that’s spreading through recently disclosed vulnerabilities in the products.

Vulnerability hits Intel enterprise PCs going back 10 years

Intel is reporting a firmware vulnerability that could let attackers take over remote management functions on computers built over the past decade.

NSA ends surveillance tactic that pulled in US citizens' emails, texts

The U.S. National Security Agency will no longer sift through emails, texts and other internet communications from U.S. citizens that mention foreign targets under surveillance.

Hackers use old Stuxnet-related bug to carry out attacks

Users that run unpatched software beware. Hackers have been relying on an old software bug connected to the Stuxnet worm to carry out their attacks.

A vigilante hacker may have built a computer worm to protect the IoT

Is a vigilante hacker trying to secure your IoT device from malware? The mysterious developer behind a growing computer worm wants people to think so.

Leaked NSA exploits plant a bull's-eye on Windows Server

Friday’s release of suspected NSA spying tools is bad news for companies running Windows Server. The cyberweapons, which are now publicly available, can easily hack older versions of the OS.

New NSA leak may expose its bank spying, Windows exploits

A hacking group has released suspected U.S. government files that show the National Security Agency may have spied on banks across the Middle East.

Microsoft Word exploit linked to cyberspying in Ukraine conflict

A severe Microsoft Office vulnerability was recently used to deliver spyware to Russian-speaking targets, in a possible case of cyberespionage.

US dismantles Kelihos botnet after Russian hacker's arrest

The arrest last week of a Russian man in Spain was apparently for his role in a massive spam botnet and not related to an ongoing investigation into foreign tampering with last year's U.S. election.

Suspected CIA spying tools linked to hacks in 16 countries

The suspected CIA spying tools that WikiLeaks has dumped have been linked to hacking attempts on at least 40 targets in 16 countries, according to security firm Symantec.