Adobe Systems said on Tuesday that it patched a critical vulnerability that affected the Adobe Download Manager. The Download Manager is used when Internet users download Flash or Reader software from Adobes websites.
A critical vulnerability was discovered that could be used by attackers to remotely install malicious software on a victims PC. In order to fulfill an exploit, an attacker would lead the victim to a special modified link on the adobe.com domain.
The combination of the two combined to make a very serious security threat. The download manager is usually removed from a users’ PC as soon as a computer is restarted. Users of the download manager in the past can ensure security by making sure the directory - C:Program FilesNOS - is not present.
More information on the issue is available at:
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb10-08.html
Result for: internet users
China has arrested over almost 5400 people in 2009 in its latest Internet pornography crackdown, calling the new tougher policy a key piece of China’s “state security.”
In the last month, the Chinese government began offering up to 10,000 yuan (about $1500 USD) to anyone who reported sites featuring porn, and 9000 sites were taken down alongside the arrest of 5394 citizens.
For 2010, China says it will “strengthen punishment for Internet operators that violate the laws and regulations…severely punish operations that have serious problems with harmful information”.
“Purifying the Internet environment and cracking down on Internet crimes is related to long-term state security,” added the ministry, via the AFP.
While the number arrested may seem large, it is important to note that China has 338 million Internet users, and thousands of porn sites and operators remain active today.
Porn, certain Google searches, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are all blocked in the nation.
Result for: internet users
According to a Harris Interactive survey of U.S. Internet users, it appears the average users spends about 13 hours a week online, however, the range is very large.
Over the past decade, online time has doubled from just under 7 hours in 1999 to the current survey results. At its peak, in October 2008 (during the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the upcoming election of President Obama), online time was over 14 hours.
For age breakdowns, the group spending the most time online was the 30-39 age group, with an average of 18 hours. 25-29 year-olds spent 17 hours on average, as did 40-49 year-olds. In total, there are about 184 million adults online, the same number for the most part as 2008.
“The increase in the number of hours spent online in the last two years compared to all previous years is striking. It probably reflects a growing ability to use the Internet, an increase in sites and applications, increased TV watching online and increased purchasing online,” said Harris. “Also, hours online may have increased because of the recession. Going online is free; going out usually costs money.”
