Hello auDA/Australia! In the lead-up to Christmas and the slowing of the news, it?s most likely the next and last news for 2014 will be next Wednesday ? 24/12. Should here be some major stories in the meantime I?ll post a news on Monday. Kind regards, David *************************************************** The domain name news is supported by auDA *************************************************** ICANN Targeted in Spear Phishing Attack | Enhanced Security Measures Implemented < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-16-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-16-en> Results Available for 17 December 2014 New gTLD Program Auction < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-17-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-17-en> Attackers Compromise ICANN, Access Zone Files System < <http://threatpost.com/attackers-compromise-icann-access-zone-files-system/109941> http://threatpost.com/attackers-compromise-icann-access-zone-files-system/109941> ICANN hackers sniff around global DNS root zone system < <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/17/icann_hacked_admin_access_to_zone_files/> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/17/icann_hacked_admin_access_to_zone_files/> Terror bomb victims demanding Iran's *.ir to appeal US ruling < <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/terror_bomb_victims_appeal_iran_domain_judgment/> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/terror_bomb_victims_appeal_iran_domain_judgment/> ICANN: data breaches not due to new TLDs [CSO] < <http://www.csoonline.com/article/2858896/browser-security/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> http://www.csoonline.com/article/2858896/browser-security/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> Still No Ranking Advantage Using New gTLDs: Google < <http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/16/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-gtlds-google/> http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/16/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-gtlds-google/> au: Counting the real cost of cyber attacks < <http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/security-it/counting-the-real-cost-of-cyber-attacks-20141216-128ehk.html> http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/security-it/counting-the-real-cost-of-cyber-attacks-20141216-128ehk.html> ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** How does the US government run the internet? This is how The US government has posted a step-by-step guide to how it authorizes changes to the internet's root zone ? the heart of its crucial domain-name system. < <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/this_is_how_the_us_government_runs_the_internet/> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/this_is_how_the_us_government_runs_the_internet/> De cromnibus non disputandum est: What happens now with the ?IANA Transition? and the USG handoff? Buried amidst the 1600+ pages of the Cromnibus bill is this small nugget: SEC. 540. (a) None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to relinquish the responsibility of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during fiscal year 2015 with respect to Internet domain name system functions, including responsibility with respect to the authoritative root zone file and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority functions. < <http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/12/16/de-cromnibus-non-disputandem-est-what-happens-now-with-the-iana-transition-and-the-usg-handoff/> http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/12/16/de-cromnibus-non-disputandem-est-what-happens-now-with-the-iana-transition-and-the-usg-handoff/> The GOP tried again to stop Obama from giving up a key Internet oversight role. It won?t work. After several attempts, Republicans in Congress managed to slip a provision into the massive $1.1 trillion spending bill passed by the Senate this weekend that would prevent the Obama administration from giving up part of its oversight of how the Internet runs. Observers say, though, that there's little chance that the GOP's legislative language will actually slow the process at all. < <http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/15/the-gop-tried-again-to-stop-obama-from-giving-up-a-key-internet-oversight-role-it-wont-work/> http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/15/the-gop-tried-again-to-stop-obama-from-giving-up-a-key-internet-oversight-role-it-wont-work/> Why is ICANN rushing its 'UN 'net security council'? So it can be announced at Davos Despite rejections from its closest allies and calls for delay, ICANN is determined to create a "coordination council" for its internet-steering NetMundial Initiative this month. Why? < <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/17/why_the_netmundial_rush_so_it_can_be_announced_at_davos/> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/17/why_the_netmundial_rush_so_it_can_be_announced_at_davos/> NETmundial Initiative Lacks Backing, and ICANN Should Not Lead by Steve DelBianco A fledgling attempt to create a new global Internet governance clearinghouse has run into trouble as leading business and civil organizations said they are not yet prepared to participate in the NETmundial Initiative (NMI) championed by ICANN President Fadi Chehade. In highlighting that there remain several unanswered questions, the Internet Society (ISOC), Internet Architecture Board (IAB), and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC-BASIS) raised serious concerns. < <http://www.circleid.com/posts/20141217_netmundial_initiative_lacks_backing_and_icann_should_not_lead/> http://www.circleid.com/posts/20141217_netmundial_initiative_lacks_backing_and_icann_should_not_lead/> How the 'Internet with Chinese Characteristics' Is Rupturing the Web China is openly undermining the United States' vision of a free and open Internet. Motivated by maintaining the fragile balance between information control, social and political stability, and continued modernization and economic growth for an online population of over 600 million, the Chinese government is attempting to alter how nations understand their role in Internet governance through a concept called "Internet sovereignty." < <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chang-/china-internet-sovereignty_b_6325192.html> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chang-/china-internet-sovereignty_b_6325192.html> ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** ICANN Targeted in Spear Phishing Attack | Enhanced Security Measures Implemented ICANN is investigating a recent intrusion into our systems. We believe a "spear phishing" attack was initiated in late November 2014. It involved email messages that were crafted to appear to come from our own domain being sent to members of our staff. The attack resulted in the compromise of the email credentials of several ICANN staff members. < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-16-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-16-en> Results Available for 17 December 2014 New gTLD Program Auction On 17 December 2014, Power Auctions LLC, ICANN's authorized auction service provider, conducted a New gTLD Program Auction to resolve string contention for two new gTLD strings: .BABY and .MLS. < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-17-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-17-en> ICANN Announces 2014 IANA Functions Customer Service Survey Results | Organization Achieves 93 Percent Overall Customer Satisfaction ICANN today published the results of its third annual IANA Functions Customer Service Survey, which reflected a 93 percent overall customer satisfaction rate. < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-17-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-17-en> Survey Says: Customer Satisfaction Strong for the IANA Functions Today, ICANN published the findings from our third annual study on customer satisfaction with IANA functions and the results are quite positive. < <https://www.icann.org/news/blog/survey-says-customer-satisfaction-strong-for-the-iana-functions> https://www.icann.org/news/blog/survey-says-customer-satisfaction-strong-for-the-iana-functions> Selection of Advisors to the Enhancing ICANN Accountability Process The Accountability & Governance Public Experts Group (PEG) announces the selection of Advisors to the Cross Community Working Group on Enhancing ICANN Accountability (CCWG). < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-17-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-17-en> International Security and Diplomacy in Cyberspace The Colombian ICT Ministry, along with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the ICT4Peace Foundation organized an event called "International Security and Diplomacy in Cyberspace", that took place in Bogota on November 18-20. The governments of Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, Simon Fraser University in Vancouver Canada and the Simons Foundation also participated. < <https://www.icann.org/news/blog/international-security-and-diplomacy-in-cyberspace> https://www.icann.org/news/blog/international-security-and-diplomacy-in-cyberspace> Public Comment Open on Initial Report from the GNSO's PDP Working Group on Translation and Transliteration of Contact Information The Working Group has published its Initial Report that contains its discussion and put the arguments it has gathered to the community. The report provides both detailed arguments in favor and opposing mandatory transformation and indicates that a majority of the Working Group currently recommends against mandatory transformation and/or transliteration of Contact Information. < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-16-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-16-en> IDN Variant TLDs - LGR Procedure Implementation - Maximal Starting Repertoire Version 2 is Now Open for Public Comment ICANN is releasing for public comment version 2 of the Maximal Starting Repertoire (MSR-2). This upwardly compatible version of the MSR adds six additional scripts to the repertoire. < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-15-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-3-2014-12-15-en> Second Annual Report on WHOIS Improvements Now Available ICANN releases its 2014 Annual Report on WHOIS Improvements. This Report is inline with ICANN's commitment to WHOIS and its ongoing improvement. < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-15-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-12-15-en> Join Us for the Middle East's First Regional Webinar on the IANA Stewardship Transition and ICANN's Accountability The ICANN Middle East team invites you to participate in the first regional webinar on the IANA Stewardship and ICANN's Accountability. There will also be an opportunity to contribute to the discussion. < <https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-15-en> https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-12-15-en> Arab Internet Governance Forum Gaining More Ground by Baher Esmat 2014 marks the second year of progress towards fulfilling our commitment to improve WHOIS. ICANN achieved several key milestones in 2014, and is on track to deliver on the remaining commitments stemming from the WHOIS Review Team's recommendations. < <https://www.icann.org/news/blog/arab-internet-governance-forum-gaining-more-ground> https://www.icann.org/news/blog/arab-internet-governance-forum-gaining-more-ground> Steve Crocker to Thomas Schneider New gTLD Program Safeguards < <https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/crocker-to-schneider-16dec14-en.pdf> https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/crocker-to-schneider-16dec14-en.pdf> David Gudelunas, Associate Professor of Communication and Chair, Department of Communication, Co-Director of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies | Fairfield University, to ICANN and the Board Governance Committee New gTLD application for .GAY < <https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/gudelunas-to-icann-bgc-redacted-15dec14-en.pdf> https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/gudelunas-to-icann-bgc-redacted-15dec14-en.pdf> Attackers Compromise ICANN, Access Zone Files System Unknown hackers were able to compromise vital systems belonging to ICANN, the organization that manages the global TLD system, and had access to the system that manages the files with data on resolving specific domain names. < <http://threatpost.com/attackers-compromise-icann-access-zone-files-system/109941> http://threatpost.com/attackers-compromise-icann-access-zone-files-system/109941> ICANN hackers sniff around global DNS root zone system Domain-name overseer ICANN has been hacked and its root zone administration system compromised, the organization has said. < <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/17/icann_hacked_admin_access_to_zone_files/> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/17/icann_hacked_admin_access_to_zone_files/> ICANN e-mail accounts, zone database breached in spearphishing attack Unknown attackers used a spearphishing campaign to compromise sensitive systems operated by ICANN, a coup that allowed them to take control of employee e-mail accounts and access personal information of people doing business with the group. < <http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/12/icann-e-mail-accounts-zone-database-breached-in-spearphishing-attack/> http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/12/icann-e-mail-accounts-zone-database-breached-in-spearphishing-attack/> Human glitch lets hackers into ICANN It?s 2014. Does anyone in the domain name business still fall for phishing attacks? Apparently, yes, ICANN staff do. ICANN has revealed that ?several? staff members fell prey to a spear-phishing attack last month, resulting in the theft of potentially hundreds of user credentials and unauthorized access to at least one Governmental Advisory Committee web page. < <http://domainincite.com/17796-human-glitch-lets-hackers-into-icann> http://domainincite.com/17796-human-glitch-lets-hackers-into-icann> Terror bomb victims demanding Iran's *.ir to appeal US ruling A US judge's decision that Iran's internet registry cannot be seized by victims of an Iranian-backed bomb attack will be challenged on appeal in Washington DC. < <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/terror_bomb_victims_appeal_iran_domain_judgment/> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/terror_bomb_victims_appeal_iran_domain_judgment/> Terrorism Victims Wanting Control Of ccTLDs Appeal US Court Decision In November, a US federal court that ccTLDs are not "subject to attachment" in a case brought by victims of terrorism. However the plaintiffs are now appealing that decision. < <http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=23280> http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=23280> < <http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/16/terrorism-victims-appeal-us-court-decision/> http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/16/terrorism-victims-appeal-us-court-decision/> < <http://www.domainnews.com/terrorism-victims-appeal-us-court-decision.html> http://www.domainnews.com/terrorism-victims-appeal-us-court-decision.html> Multilingualism Online: An Arabic Script Perspective An Arab IGF 2014 session overview by Mahdi Taghizadeh < <http://igmena.org/Multilingualism-Online-Arabic-Script-Perspective> http://igmena.org/Multilingualism-Online-Arabic-Script-Perspective> ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** SWITCH Warns .CH Registrants To Beware Aggressive Tactics From Registrars SWITCH, the .ch registry, is warning .ch domain registrants to beware of registrars aggressively touting for business now that SWITCH is getting out of the registrar business. < <http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/15/switch-warns-registrants-beware-aggressive-tactics-registrars/> http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/15/switch-warns-registrants-beware-aggressive-tactics-registrars/> < <http://www.domainnews.com/switch-warns-registrants-beware-aggressive-tactics-registrars.html> http://www.domainnews.com/switch-warns-registrants-beware-aggressive-tactics-registrars.html> AgriClimateChange project wins prize at European web awards ... The awards are organised by EURid, the registry that manages the .eu ccTLD, and it recognises .eu websites that are leaders in five different categories. < <http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/news/newsarchive2014/december/index.htm> http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/news/newsarchive2014/december/index.htm> ?Nigeria Still Far from Meeting Domain Name Registration Target? The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), the body in charge of the registration of Nigeria's ccTLD, otherwise known as '.ng domain name', has said Nigeria is still far from meeting the set target of registering 250, 000 domain names in the country. < <http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/-nigeria-still-far-from-meeting-domain-name-registration-target-/197030/> http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/-nigeria-still-far-from-meeting-domain-name-registration-target-/197030/> ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** ICANN: data breaches not due to new TLDs [CSO] An ICANN spokesman dismissed accusations that the recent growth in the number of gTLDs has caused data breaches, on Thursday. < <http://www.csoonline.com/article/2858896/browser-security/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> http://www.csoonline.com/article/2858896/browser-security/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> < <http://www.networkworld.com/article/2859486/security0/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> http://www.networkworld.com/article/2859486/security0/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> < <http://www.cio.com/article/2859814/data-breach/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> http://www.cio.com/article/2859814/data-breach/icann-data-breaches-not-due-to-new-top-level-domains.html> ICANN Plan to Change Geo System Would Create an ?Unsafe New Domain Name Environment? The Association of National Advertisers (ANA), which represents the interests of major global advertisers, filed comments today in strong opposition to a new ICANN proposal on the use of geographic-based Internet names. This proposal, ANA emphasized, risks undermining long-standing systems of international and national legal protections for trademarks and consumers. < <http://www.ana.net/content/show/id/32829> http://www.ana.net/content/show/id/32829> Still No Ranking Advantage Using New gTLDs: Google New gTLDs may have benefits in getting a more relevant, and shorter, domain name, but there is no advantage when it comes to how well they perform in online search results. < <http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=23286> http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=23286> < <http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/16/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-gtlds-google/> http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/16/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-gtlds-google/> < <http://www.domainnews.com/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-gtlds-google.html> http://www.domainnews.com/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-gtlds-google.html> There Is (Still) No Ranking Advantage To Using New TLDs Google?s John Mueller felt the need to reiterate the fact that new TLDs still do not provide any ranking benefit in search results. < <http://www.searchenginejournal.com/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-top-level-domains/122045/> http://www.searchenginejournal.com/still-no-ranking-advantage-using-new-top-level-domains/122045/> Google: New TLDs Have No Inherent Search Ranking Advantage Back in 2012, Google's Matt Cutts said clearly that new TLDs do not rank better than any other TLD. He was killing a myth being spread by some domain name sellers. < <https://www.seroundtable.com/google-new-tlds-ranking-19576.html> https://www.seroundtable.com/google-new-tlds-ranking-19576.html> Johnson & Johnson pays $3.1M for .Baby, CREA $3.4M for .MLS Two new TLDs contention sets were resolved at auction today. The auction with six participants ended with a lower price than the one with just two. < <http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/17/johnson-johnson-dot-baby/> http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/17/johnson-johnson-dot-baby/> .TRUST Opens Registrations For Safer And Trustworthy Place Online Companies are now able to register .trust domains for those wanting to provide their customers with a safer and more trustworthy place online. < <http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/17/trust-opens-registrations/> http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/12/17/trust-opens-registrations/> < <http://www.domainnews.com/trust-opens-registrations.html> http://www.domainnews.com/trust-opens-registrations.html> The Real Facts About New gTLDs by Jeannie McPherson Many with financial interests in new gTLDs, such as Donuts, have painted a rosy picture of how new gTLDs create greater availability of meaningful domain name options that the global masses have been waiting for. Their message seems to be: FINALLY, there is an alternative to .com in new domain extensions like .guru, .photography, .blackfriday and .tips. But, the reality is that we have always had options other than .com to choose from when registering a domain name. The challenge isn't choice, its relevance and credibility. < <http://www.circleid.com/posts/20141217_the_real_facts_about_new_gtlds/> http://www.circleid.com/posts/20141217_the_real_facts_about_new_gtlds/> Hotly contested gTLDs up for auction tomorrow ICANN?s fifth set of last-resort new gTLD auctions is set for tomorrow and it?s another small batch. < <http://domainincite.com/17792-hotly-contested-gtlds-up-for-auction-tomorrow> http://domainincite.com/17792-hotly-contested-gtlds-up-for-auction-tomorrow> As .trust opens for sunrise, Artemis dumps .secure bid Amazon is now the proud owner of the .secure new gTLD, after much smaller competing applicant Artemis Internet withdrew its bid. < <http://domainincite.com/17790-as-trust-opens-for-sunrise-artemis-dumps-secure-bid> http://domainincite.com/17790-as-trust-opens-for-sunrise-artemis-dumps-secure-bid> Minds + Machines in 2014 and 2015 On January 1, 2014, Minds + Machines was trading at 14p. As of yesterday our share price was 7p. You might conclude from this that our company has declined by a factor of two. But from our perspective, exactly the opposite has happened. Why the disconnect? < <http://www.circleid.com/posts/20141216_minds_machines_in_2014_and_2015/> http://www.circleid.com/posts/20141216_minds_machines_in_2014_and_2015/> Lies, damned lies and new TLD statistics New TLD options have been out for less than a year, and everyone is clambering for data to make sense of the rollout. < <http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/15/lies-damned-lies-and-new-tld-statistics/> http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/15/lies-damned-lies-and-new-tld-statistics/> Frank Schilling discusses new TLDs and .Com ? DNW Podcast #11 Last week?s Domain Name Wire Podcast was the most popular yet. With this week?s guest, we might make that happen two weeks in a row. < <http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/15/frank-schilling-discusses-new-tlds-and-com-dnw-podcast-11/> http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/15/frank-schilling-discusses-new-tlds-and-com-dnw-podcast-11/> ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Google Proposes Marking ?HTTP? as Insecure in 2015 The Chromium security team is devising a plan to explicitly and actively inform users that ?HTTP? connections provide no data security protections. Google?s grand vision is that some day, HTTPS will become so widespread and commonplace that secure connections can be unmarked in the way that HTTP connections are currently. < <http://threatpost.com/google-proposes-marking-http-as-insecure-in-2015/109875> http://threatpost.com/google-proposes-marking-http-as-insecure-in-2015/109875> Poll Shows Broad Impact of Cyberattacks Just fewer than half of Americans say that a retailer, bank or credit-card company has told them or a household member that their payment card details were stolen in a data breach, according to the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll. < <http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/12/17/poll-shows-broad-impact-of-cyberattacks/> http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/12/17/poll-shows-broad-impact-of-cyberattacks/> Secure ICT Procurement for Secure Electronic Communications ENISA publishes two reports today. The ?Secure ICT Procurement in Electronic Communications? report which highlights the growing dependency of providers on ICT products and outsourced services, and analyses the associated security risks involved in the process. < <http://www.enisa.europa.eu/media/press-releases/secure-ict-procurement-for-secure-electronic-communications> http://www.enisa.europa.eu/media/press-releases/secure-ict-procurement-for-secure-electronic-communications> Security Guide for ICT Procurement The ?Security Guide for ICT Procurement? aims to be a practical tool for electronic communications service providers to better manage security risks when dealing with vendors of ICT products and outsourced services. < <http://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/Resilience-and-CIIP/Incidents-reporting/requirements-ecomms-vendors/security-guide-for-ict-procurement> http://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/Resilience-and-CIIP/Incidents-reporting/requirements-ecomms-vendors/security-guide-for-ict-procurement> Secure ICT Procurement in Electronic Communications The report, ?Secure ICT Procurement in Electronic Communications?, focuses on the growing dependency of electronic communications service providers on ICT products and outsourced services, it analyses security risks associated with third party ICT products and outsourced services used for core operations, it provides practices used in the sector and it gives general recommendations to the sector. < <http://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/Resilience-and-CIIP/Incidents-reporting/requirements-ecomms-vendors/secure-ict-procurement-in-electronic-communications> http://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/Resilience-and-CIIP/Incidents-reporting/requirements-ecomms-vendors/secure-ict-procurement-in-electronic-communications> au: Counting the real cost of cyber attacks Cyber attacks cost large Australian enterprises up to $8.3m a year, but the real costs could be higher. < <http://theage.com.au/it-pro/security-it/counting-the-real-cost-of-cyber-attacks-20141216-128ehk.html> http://theage.com.au/it-pro/security-it/counting-the-real-cost-of-cyber-attacks-20141216-128ehk.html> < <http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/security-it/counting-the-real-cost-of-cyber-attacks-20141216-128ehk.html> http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/security-it/counting-the-real-cost-of-cyber-attacks-20141216-128ehk.html> Researchers Go Inside Illegal Underground Hacking Markets Researchers at Dell SecureWorks have looked at services and pricing available inside illegal online marketplaces selling crimeware, stolen identities, credit cards, and hacking services. < <http://threatpost.com/researchers-go-inside-illegal-underground-hacking-markets/109906> http://threatpost.com/researchers-go-inside-illegal-underground-hacking-markets/109906> Cyber threats 'merit UK bank board room attention' Cyber security is not just a technical issue that the board of directors at UK banks can ignore, the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) at the Bank of England (the Bank) has said. < <http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2014/december/cyber-threats-merit-uk-bank-board-room-attention-/> http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2014/december/cyber-threats-merit-uk-bank-board-room-attention-/> Google Blacklists 11,000 Websites Infected with SoakSoak Malware Google has responded to a malware campaign compromising WordPress sites by blacklisting 11,000 infected websites, according to web security company Sucuri. The malware campaign is known as SoakSoak after the soaksoak.ru domain, which is the first in the redirection path. < <http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/google-blacklists-11000-websites-infected-soaksoak-malware> http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/google-blacklists-11000-websites-infected-soaksoak-malware> ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES & SEIZURES ********************** EasyGroup Does It the Hard Way - Coughs Up Over $21,000 For a Domain 9 Years After UDRP Attempt Failed A common complaint about ICANN's UDRP process is that decisions handed down by UDRP panels or individual arbitrators can be wildly inconsistent if not downright inexplicable. < <http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2014/dailyposts/20141215.htm> http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2014/dailyposts/20141215.htm> Best fake name used in a domain name scam. Ever. By now, pretty much everyone has seen the Fake Trademark Protection domain name scam, sometimes called the Asian Domain Scam. < <http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/15/best-fake-name-used-in-a-domain-name-scam-ever/> http://domainnamewire.com/2014/12/15/best-fake-name-used-in-a-domain-name-scam-ever/> A New Domain Name Dispute Alternative: The Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS) The Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS) was created as part of ICANN?s new gTLD program. ... Prior to the new gTLD program there were 23 gTLDs in operation. < <http://www.natlawreview.com/article/new-domain-name-dispute-alternative-uniform-rapid-suspension-system-urs> http://www.natlawreview.com/article/new-domain-name-dispute-alternative-uniform-rapid-suspension-system-urs> Guess I Was Wrong There Is A Lot Of Cybersquatting Going On In The New gTLD?s: 15X As Much? Well it seems as the trademark lobby predicted there isa lot of cybersquatting going on in the new gTLD space, a lot more than I thought we would ever see. < <http://www.thedomains.com/2014/12/15/guess-i-was-wrong-there-is-a-lot-of-cybersquatting-going-on-in-the-new-gtlds-15x-as-much/> http://www.thedomains.com/2014/12/15/guess-i-was-wrong-there-is-a-lot-of-cybersquatting-going-on-in-the-new-gtlds-15x-as-much/> ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** Ofcom mulls selling UK govt's IPv4 cache amid IPv6 rollout flak The UK is in danger of falling behind the rest of the world in rolling out IPv6 networking, while Ofcom sees pound signs and focuses on workarounds, it's claimed. < <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/is_ofcom_holding_back_the_uks_internet_future_to_line_it_own_pockets/> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/16/is_ofcom_holding_back_the_uks_internet_future_to_line_it_own_pockets/> ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Oversee Out of Conference Business After Selling Domainfest to NamesCon - New Shows in the Offing? After Oversee.net sold off the last of their high profile domain divisions, DomainSponsor.com, earlier this year (following the 2012 sales of Moniker.com and SnapNames.com) most have expected them to also jettison the Domainfest conferences they have been staging over the past decade (the last of which was held in Hollywood, California last spring). < <http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2014/dailyposts/20141217.htm> http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2014/dailyposts/20141217.htm> ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Bank On It! A 7-Figure Sale Tops This Week's Domain Sales Chart After Qatar National Bank Spends Big to get QNB.com The high end of the domain market continued a nice run this week with a 7-figure sale topping our all extension Top 20 Sales Chart (the 4th time in the past 5 weeks that a seven-figure sale has been reported). This time it was QNB.com a domain that Qatar National Bank purchased from a smaller Pennsylvania based bank, QNB Corp., for a cool $1 million. < <http://dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2014/20141217.htm> http://dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2014/20141217.htm> ********************** REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** Measuring the Digital Economy: A New Perspective Measuring the Digital Economy: A New Perspective uses internationally comparable indicators to provide a comprehensive perspective on the digital economy. < <http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/science-and-technology/measuring-the-digital-economy_9789264221796-en#page1> http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/science-and-technology/measuring-the-digital-economy_9789264221796-en#page1> ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** au: Google search terms 2014: Robin Williams, World Cup, Ebola top annual search trends Google has released its annual list of top trending search terms, with Robin Williams topping the global list. In Australia, the most searched term was World Cup. < <http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-18/google-search-terms-2014/5974630> http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-18/google-search-terms-2014/5974630> ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** The Internet of Things and the Connected Person One of the interesting things about the Internet of Things (IoT): It?s not really about the things. < <http://www.wired.com/2014/12/iot-connected-person/> http://www.wired.com/2014/12/iot-connected-person/> ********************** ONLINE TV, MUSIC & PIRACY ********************** Why it?s so hard to kill the Pirate Bay The notorious file sharing search site Pirate Bay has been offline since it was raided by Swedish police last week. But a limited archive of the site's content has already reappeared as "oldpiratebay.org," a site created by fans who had previously revived a version of a similar site, isoHunt. < <http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/15/why-its-so-hard-to-kill-the-pirate-bay/> http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/15/why-its-so-hard-to-kill-the-pirate-bay/> Pirate Bay Responds to The Raid, Copies and The Future The Pirate Bay crew has broken its silence for the first time since the site was knocked down hard by a raid in Sweden last week. The people behind the site are still considering their options and have no concrete comeback plans yet. Nevertheless, they encourage the public to keep the Kopimi spirit alive. < <http://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-crew-responds-to-the-raid-copies-and-the-future-141215/> http://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-crew-responds-to-the-raid-copies-and-the-future-141215/> Pirate Bay Shutdown Doesn?t Stop People From Sharing The Pirate Bay raid is still sending shock-waves through the BitTorrent 'community' but despite the prolonged downtime people haven't stopped sharing. Statistics provided by one of the largest trackers used by TPB show that the number of continuous file-sharers remains pretty much unaffected. < <http://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-shutdown-doesnt-stop-people-sharing-141216/> http://torrentfreak.com/pirate-bay-shutdown-doesnt-stop-people-sharing-141216/> ********************** ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL ********************** 'Bot fraud' set to cost advertisers $6.3bn globally, study says Almost a quarter of video ad impressions are viewed by ?fake consumers? created by cyber crime networks and more than half of third-party sourced traffic is fraudulent, according to a new study.15 Dec 2014 < <http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2014/december/bot-fraud-set-to-cost-advertisers-63bn-globally-study-says/> http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2014/december/bot-fraud-set-to-cost-advertisers-63bn-globally-study-says/> ANA/White Ops Study Reveals Extent of Advertising Bot Fraud - Advertisers will lose $6.3B globally to bots in 2015 Almost a quarter of video ad impressions and more than half of third party sourced traffic is fraudulent, according to the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) and online fraud detection firm White Ops' study of bot fraud in the digital advertising industry. < <http://www.ana.net/content/show/id/32948> http://www.ana.net/content/show/id/32948> ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** au: Data retention laws: cost of setting up metadata storage scheme is still unclear The full cost of introducing the government?s proposed mandatory data retention scheme is still not known, an inquiry has been told. < <http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/18/data-retention-laws-cost-of-setting-up-metadata-storage-scheme-is-still-unclear> http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/18/data-retention-laws-cost-of-setting-up-metadata-storage-scheme-is-still-unclear> ------ David Goldstein email: <mailto:david at goldsteinreport.com> david at goldsteinreport.com web: <http://goldsteinreport.com/> http://goldsteinreport.com/ / <http://davidgoldstein.tel/> http://davidgoldstein.tel/ Twitter: <https://twitter.com/goldsteinreport> https://twitter.com/goldsteinreport phone: +61 418 228 605 - mobile; +61 2 9663 3430 - office/home "Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim Flannery -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.cynosure.com.au/mailman/private/dns/attachments/20141218/bb0facb2/attachment-0001.html>Received on Thu Dec 18 2014 - 03:43:25 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.0 : Sat Sep 09 2017 - 22:00:12 UTC