Rob Waugh

Networking giant Cisco has launched a “grand challenge” to invent a security solution for the “internet of things” - a broad term used to describe connected devices from industrial equipment to cars to smart home appliances.

CIA Director John Brennan says that connected appliances and networked vehicles will make the agency’s job harder - with more systems to protect, and more platforms which could be used to launch attacks.

Phishing is unique among cyber attacks - it doesn’t rely on weaknesses in computer software, or new vulnerabilities - it relies, initially at least, on human gullibility. Our guide offers advice on how to avoid the latest scams - and why tablet and smartphone users need to stay alert.

Boeing has unveiled a smartphone fit for James Bond - the Boeing Black, which can connect to satellites and secret government telecoms networks, will self-destruct if tampered with, deleting all data and rendering the device useless.

A virus designed to infect Wi-Fi networks can spread through cities “as efficiently as the common cold spreads between humans”, researchers at the University of Liverpool have found.

Mastercard is piloting a scheme where smartphone GPS systems are used to authenticate purchases for travellers - which could spell an end to the frustrating and common experience where cards are blocked instantly when used abroad.

Businesses in America have increased security spending after the wave of high-profile cyber attacks late last year, including the Target breach - and most U.S. companies expect such attacks to increase over the next two years.

Trading has been suspended on the Bitcoin exchange Mt Gox and its website has closed, amid rumors that the exchange has lost 744,000 Bitcoins in an online theft - worth around $350 million at Monday’s trading prices, according to Wired

Researchers have demonstrated an attack that completely bypasses the protections offered by EMET - a Microsoft toolkit used to provide safeguards against zero-day attacks, according to Ars Technica.