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OPERATION WEB SNARE GOES AFTER CYBERCRIMINALS
MORE THAN 150 CHARGED WITH INTERNET CRIMES
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In this issue of the FINFlash Update...
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LEAD STORY: CYBERCRIMINALS ROUNDED UP IN MASSIVE STING
Last month, federal authorities announced more than 150 arrests or convictions as a result of an enormous law enforcement effort dubbed Operation Web Snare. Drawing on local, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies, this joint effort targeted online fraud, identity theft, software piracy and other cybercrimes. “The wide range of investigations included in Operation Web Snare reflects law enforcement’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting all types of online crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Christopher Wray.
Read more:
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,117585,00.asp
NEWS FEATURE: SP2 MAKES ITS DEBUT
After months of anticipation, Microsoft released a major update to Windows XP called Service Pack 2 -- or SP2, for short. The release received wide news coverage and praise from tech columnists. The update improves security in Windows, adds a pop-up ad blocker to Internet Explorer and turns on Windows XP integrated firewall. Computer users should still exercise caution when downloading software and opening attachments, but SP2 helps keep your computer safe. You can find out more about SP2 at:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.aspx
Home users are encouraged to download SP2 or order a CD with the update. At your workplace, check with your IT department before installing SP2.
Read more:
http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/07/27/HNcourtdateset_1.html
TECH POLICY FEATURE: CALIFORNIA PERFORMANCE REVIEW FAVORS OPEN SOURCE
The California Performance Review (CPR), a commission charged with investigating ways to make California government more efficient and effective, released its recommendations earlier this summer. Rather than upholding a neutral procurement policy in which technology purchases are based on value and performance, the report recommends that California favor open source alternatives over traditional commercial software.
Read a summary of the CPR open source recommendations
http://www.report.cpr.ca.gov/cprrpt/issrec/stops/it/so10.htm
You can submit your comments about the CPR recommendations using the online tool at:
http://report.cpr.ca.gov/feedback/index.htm
LEGAL NEWS: CALIFORNIA MUNICIPALITIES FILE SUIT AGAINST MICROSOFT
On August 27, several local California governments, including the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, filed suit against Microsoft, alleging that the company overcharged for its software. Plaintiffs are seeking to make the case a class action on behalf of all California cities and counties and other government entities. Microsoft previously settled a consumer class action suit in California, but the certified class in that case did not include government entities.
Read more
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1640501,00.asp
EXTRA! REGISTER TO VOTE
Time is running out. If you want to vote in the November election, you must register or apply for an absentee ballot soon. Visit the FIN Get Out the Vote web page for links to forms and information.
http://www.freetoinnovate.com/gotv/
TECH TIP: ONLINE SAFETY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
It’s the start of the school year for millions of children. And every year, more and more kids use the Internet to learn and communicate. Children and parents should take a few minutes to learn the basics of online safety and age-appropriate Internet use. At GetNetWise, families can find helpful information, Internet tools and links to kid-friendly Web sites:
http://kids.getnetwise.org/
Microsoft also provides tips for keeping kids safe online and making the most of privacy and security tools in Microsoft applications:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/childrenonline.mspx
News, policy updates, voter information and more. You can find it all at the Freedom to Innovate Network Web site at: www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate/
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