Kelihos spam engine lives on

February 22nd, 2012

The Websense Security Labs Spam Trap system has detected a variant of Kelihos that is apparently still active.

Google Maps showing geographically how widespread the Kelihos command and control and peers infrastructure is, and therefore how well protected the botnet is.

Google Maps showing geographically how widespread the Kelihos command and control and peers infrastructure is, and therefore how well protected the botnet is.

“Kelihos is yet another example of how botnets shut down and reappear. Malware authors have a motive to get them up and running again. Websense Labs detected this new variant of Kelihos as we are constantly monitoring web and email exploits. More importantly, we are able to join the dots between these different attack vectors and protect against cybercriminals achieving their ultimate goal – stealing data,” said Carl Leonard, Senior Security Research Manager (EMEA), Websense Security Labs.Over the last half a year, the spam engine Kelihos has attracted the attention of many people, including security company researchers and analysts.

Microsoft had partnered with Kyrus Tech Inc. and Kaspersky Lab to take down the Kelihos botnet in September 2011.

However, Microsoft has recently confirmed, on its official blog, a new generation of Kelihos variants derived from the original Kelihos botnet.

Websense Security Labs has written up a detailed account of their investigations into this resilient nuisance.

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Posted in Enterprise IT, Security, Study, Websense | No Comments »

New Android smartphone: LG Optimus Vu:

February 21st, 2012

LG has unveiled the unique 4:3 ratio, 5-inch, LTE smartphone in anticipation of MWC 2012. It will be introduced in Korea in March and launched in Singapore in the last quarter of 2012.

Update (20 August, 2012):

The Optimus Vu: will have the 4-PLUS-1 NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-Core processor  and Android 4.0 (ICS) OS when the 5-inch smartphone heads out of Korea and Japan to make its global debut in September.

Optimus Vu: LTE Android smartphone from LG has a 5-inch IPS display and 4:3 ratio.

Optimus Vu: LTE Android smartphone from LG has a 5-inch IPS display and 4:3 ratio.

The LG Optimus Vu: has an 5-inch IPS display, and offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability, similar to the Samsung Note.

Running on a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GB internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: is suited for consuming multimedia on the go.

The large 5-inch display with bright 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, Internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable.

The 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for viewing to grasp more at a glance and note taking to increase productivity in everyday life.

“The Optimus Vu: was designed to maximize what customers could do with a smartphone … by offering an optimal 4:3 ratio viewing experience, 5-inch display combined with superfast LTE technology,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company.The IPS display boasts natural color which can be viewed even under bright sunlight.

Its unique built-in QuickClip hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push.

Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium pen.

Polaris Office is included to enable opening of documents, spreadsheets or presentations while on the road.

The LG Optimus Vu: measures 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5 mm.

The LG Optimus Vu: measures 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5 mm.

At only 8.5mm, the Optimus Vu: is the slimmest among all LTE phones currently on the market.

Despite the large 2,080mAh battery, LG’s exclusive floating mass technology makes the Optimus Vu: appear slimmer than its actual dimensions.

In addition to HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Optimus Vu: comes with 32GB memory and an 8-megapixel camera.

While it will initially launch running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is in the works.

Additional information on the unique Optimus Vu: can be found at the LG Stand in Hall 8 at the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2012) in Barcelona, Spain, from February 27 to March 1.

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Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, LG, Optimus, Phones, Specifications | 1 Comment »

Three Nikon COOLPIX compact cameras and one lens available today

February 16th, 2012

The Nikon COOLPIX L25 (S$129), L26 (S$159) and S6300 (S$349) compact cameras are available from today. So is the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G (S$729).

The Nikon COOLPIX L25, L26 and S6300, together with the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G.

The Nikon COOLPIX L25, L26 and S6300, together with the NIKKOR Lens AF-S 85mm f/1.8G.

The three COOLPIX compact cameras were first unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s COOLPIX Spring 2012 collection of 14 camera models.

The NIKKOR lens was initially announced on 6 January 2012.

Below are the details:

Nikon COOLPIX L25, S$129 COOLPIX L25

S$129

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • White
  • 5x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens for super image quality
  • Equipped with a CCD image sensor and a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • Wide-angle of 28 mm (equivalent in 35 mm [135] format)
  • Large And Clear 3-Inch TFT LCD Monitor
  • Dedicated Movie-Record Button
Nikon COOLPIX L26, S$159 COOLPIX L26

S$159

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • 5x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens for super image quality
  • Equipped with a CCD image sensor and a 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • Wide-angle of 26 mm (equivalent in 35 mm [135] format)
  • Large And Clear 3-Inch TFT LCD Monitor
  • Dedicated Movie-Record Button
Nikon COOLPIX S6300, S$349 COOLPIX S6300

S$349

  • Silver
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Gold
  • Pink
  • Wide-Angle Multi-Focal Length 10× Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • Slim And Stylish Body
  • Full-HD Movies utilising the newly integrated movie-record button
  • Numerous Shooting and Editing Functions – 3D Photography, Special Effects, Filter Effects, and Easy Panorama
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G, S$729 AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

S$729

  • Black
  • A fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens with a focal length of 85 mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8 compatible with the Nikon FX-format
  • An all new optical design that enables maximum utilization of digital-SLR camera capabilities in shooting high quality images
  • Enables shooting of portraits with pleasing background blur characteristics only possible with a fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens
  • Very lightweight at approximately 350 g, even with the large aperture
  • Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing.  Autofocus shooting is also possible when the lens is used with entry-level Nikon DX-format digital-SLR cameras such as the D5100 and D3100, which are not equipped with an autofocus drive motor.
  • Equipped with two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)

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Posted in Announce, Cameras, Compact camera, COOLPIX, Gadgets, Lens, Nikon, Prices, Specifications | 3 Comments »

SolarWinds launches SeUM to Monitor Web Transactions

February 16th, 2012

SolarWinds launches the industry’s­ first affordably-priced SaaS (Software as-a Service)-like product to monitor web transactions from cloud-based locations.

SeUM web console has wizards to guide the creation of Amazon EC2 Cloud Player instances.

SeUM web console has wizards to guide the creation of Amazon EC2 Cloud Player instances.

SolarWinds Synthetic End User Monitor (SeUM) v.1.5 works to streamline the process of monitoring websites and web based applications from the cloud, offering users the ability to monitor their web based services from various geographical locations around the globe.

Leveraging the cloud allows users to inexpensively monitor performance and availability from locations beyond their data center, central office, or remote office locations to where their mobile work force, home offices, or customers are located.

SeUM allows system administrators and application support staff to monitor response time proactively for multi-step web transactions.

The latest version of SeUM introduces the Cloud Player Portal that allows users to deploy transaction players easily to Amazon EC2.

New Features in v. 1.5

  • Cloud Player Portal: Easily deploys transaction players to Amazon EC2 to enable web transaction monitoring from cloud-based locations and does not require users to pay subscription fees.
  • Multi-Tenant UI: Monitors website and web application performance for large deployments or in MSP environments.
  • Rich Content Recording and Playback: Record and playback dynamic web pages to include support for Flash and Silverlight; also validates the existence or absence of text and other website content.
  • Firewall-Friendly Communication: Transaction players make their monitoring data available for polling from the SeUM server, eliminating any need to open in-bound Firewall connections.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Cloud, Enterprise IT, Internet, Launch, Utility | No Comments »

New ultrabook: Toshiba Satellite U840 Series

February 15th, 2012

Toshiba has unveiled today its first 14-inch ultrabooks – from the Satellite U840 Series. Available from mid-May, prices will start from S$1,399 – depending on configuration.

(Update: Read the review for the Toshiba Satellite U840 Series ultrabook here.)

Toshiba Satellite U840 Ultrabook - S$1,399

Toshiba Satellite U840 Ultrabook - S$1,399

At a weight starting from 1.59kg and thinness of 19.9mm, the Windows 7 Satellite U840 series offers a mix of style, portability and performance.

Metallic brushed aluminum chasis on the outside.

Metallic brushed aluminum chasis on the outside.

The Toshiba Satellite U840 is based on 2nd Generation Intel Core processors, and sports a metallic silver colour on the outside with a brushed aluminum chasis that provides strength and durability of lugging it around.

The Satellite U840 uses DDR3 memory, and offers a choice of 128GB solid state drive or Hybrid HDD with 16GB solid state drive, to couple responsive experience with increased durability and energy efficiency.

Illuminated tiled keyboard allows typing even in the dark.

Illuminated tiled keyboard allows typing even in the dark.

Paired with Toshiba’s new Hi-Speed Start Technology, the Satellite U840 can power on and get users up and running at work or home in just seconds.

Despite being ultra-portable, the Satellite U840 is equipped with Bluetooth and WLAN plus a selection of full-size ports including HDMI and 3 USB ports, one of which is a USB 3.0 port.

The system also includes Toshiba’s USB Sleep & Charge technology to give users the freedom to charge their smartphones even while the system is powered down.

Sleek and thin but with ample connectivity options.

Sleek and thin but with ample connectivity.

The bright 14.0” non-reflective high-definition display and powerful stereo speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound 3D technology make the Satellite U840 ideal for listening to music, watching movies and video chatting.

Complemented with a super-thin illuminated raised-tiled keyboard and multi-gesture Clickpad, it also provides good contrast and typing comfort even in the dark.

The new Satellite U840 series comes with standard 1-year Regional Limited Warranty (parts & labor), 1-year battery (carry-in).

Key specifications of the Toshiba Satellite U840 Series Ultrabooks is listed below.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Announce, Gadgets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Specifications, Toshiba, Ultrabooks, Windows 7 | 2 Comments »

CA Technologies earns Overall Positive Vendor Rating from Gartner

February 14th, 2012

CA Technologies has also earned a “positive” rating in the following categories: Identity and Access Management; Service Management; Portfolio Management; and Service Assurance; and Capacity Management.

For the Mainframe Modernization category, it earned a “strong positive.”

Gartner rates CA Technologies with an overall Positive rating in the latest Vendor Rating report.

Gartner rates CA Technologies with an overall Positive rating in the latest Vendor Rating report.

According to Gartner, a positive rating means that “potential customers should consider this provider a viable choice for strategic or tactical investments, while planning for known limitations.”

“With a deep commitment to focusing on high-growth markets in areas such as automation, cloud computing security and software as a service (SaaS), we believe CA Technologies has laid out a strong roadmap for the future,” said Peter Griffiths, executive vice president, Enterprise Solutions Technology Group, CA Technologies.A “Strong Positive” is the highest possible rating given.

The Mainframe Modernization category includes new products geared to simplify mainframe management, such as CA Mainframe Chorus and CA Mainframe Software Manager.

Gartner is a leading provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry.

Its Vendor Ratings assess all the different aspects of a technology provider, such as its strategy, organization, products, technology, marketing, financials and support.

These ratings are periodically revised to reflect changes in assessment when a significant internal or external event directly affects the provider.

Here is the Vendor Rating report.

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Posted in Announce, CA Technologies, Enterprise IT, Study | No Comments »

New Customer Care Centre for Leica Camera Asia Pacific

February 13th, 2012

Leica Camera Asia Pacific reveals newly renovated and improved Leica Customer Care Centre at the International Building, Orchard Road, in Singapore.

Staff at the new Leica Customer Care Centre

Staff at the new Leica Customer Care Centre

The Customer Care Centre is now equipped with new Leica Rangefinder and sensor calibration machine for the M digital cameras.

The new equipment carries out adjustment and calibration checks. In particular, it confirms and aligns sensor flatness.

These services were previously conducted only in the Leica Customer Care Centre back in Solms, Germany.

The arrival of the new machines in Singapore will substantially shorten the waiting period for servicing for M-camera users since basic servicing can now be conducted in Singapore.

The waiting period for servicing will now take at least 7 working days and is subjected to parts availability from the factory.

The Leica Customer Care team has also been expanded into a 4-person team.

Leica Camera Asia Pacific’s chief Leica technician, Mr Andrew Chan is now joined by new technician, Mr Ser Lay Ghee.

Andrew has in-depth experience of over 30 years in photographic equipment, while Lay Ghee, brings along 20 years of experience in technical servicing.

Ms Juliana Yeo and Ms Adeline Lau will represent the Leica Customer Care Centre as main contact persons for Customer Care enquiries.

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Posted in Announce, Cameras, Events, Leica | 1 Comment »

Fujifilm FinePix compact cameras for Spring 2012

February 12th, 2012

Here is the Spring 2012 collection of compact cameras from Fujifilm. 11 of these models are being released for Singapore, out of which seven have already hit the shelves.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

Fujifilm has a range of FinePix cameras ranging from the light and compact JZ100 to the superzoom HS25EXR.

The FinePix cameras in the Spring collection are listed below.

Model SRP To release in Singapore?
F770EXR TBD Yes
F750EXR TBD Yes
HS30EXR S$799 Yes
HS25EXR S$699 Yes
JZ100 TBD Yes
JZ250 TBD Yes
S2980 S$299 Yes
S4200 S$379 Yes
S4300, S4400, S4500 – No
SL260, SL280 – No
SL300 S$519 Yes
XP150 S$469 Yes
XP50 S$329 Yes

Key specifications for those models being released in Singapore are tabulated below.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Announce, Cameras, Compact camera, FinePix, Fujifilm, Gadgets, Photography, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

TODAY! Samsung GALAXY Nexus and Tab 7.7 arrives in Singapore

February 11th, 2012

As scheduled during their launch in January, the GALAXY Nexus (S$948, Black and White) and GALAXY Tab 7.7 (S$898) are available in Singapore from today. All prices include GST but exclude line contract.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Nexus smartphone,S$948, available from today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available today.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 7.7 tablet, S$898, available from today.

Also the Samsung GALAXY S II (Coral Pink) will be available in Singapore from 18 February at S$888, inclusive of GST, without line contract.

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Posted in Gadgets, Galaxy, Phones, Prices, Samsung, Tablets | 2 Comments »

TODAY! New BlackBerry Curve 9380 arrives in Singapore

February 11th, 2012

The Curve 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display. Check with Telcos for plans and pricing.

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is available in Singapore TODAY!

The sleek and stylish all-touch BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphone is powered by BlackBerry 7 OS, which delivers a faster and richer user experience.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

The 9380 is the first BlackBerry Curve smartphone with a touch display.

It also includes the ability to manage personal content separately from corporate content, and comes with a variety of personal and productivity apps out of the box.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9380 comes with a sleek new all-touch design that features a larger display that enhances web browsing, games and multimedia,” Hastings Singh, Vice President, South Asia at Research In Motion.The new BlackBerry 7 OS introduces an enhanced browser that provides a significantly faster, more fluid web browsing experience.

It also offers optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.

The popular universal search capability has also been enhanced with support for voice-activated search, so users can simply speak to begin searching for information on their device and the web.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

Here is the specs sheet for the BlackBerry Curve 9380.

In addition, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 includes built-in support for Augmented Reality and NFC, allowing users to connect with the world around them in fresh new ways.

With the Wikitude Augmented Reality application, users can find nearby BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) contacts in real-time, read reviews about restaurants close to them, or get the story behind an interesting landmark and points of interest.

NFC enables many new and exciting capabilities, including the ability to make mobile payments, pair accessories or read SmartPoster tags with a simple tap of the smartphone.

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Posted in BlackBerry, BlackBerry OS, Curve, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, RIM, Specifications | No Comments »

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