contributed by Weld Pond
I'm excited to take the reigns as the new managing editor of Hacker News. I'd like to take a moment to thank Space Rogue for his contributions over the years. As editor, Space Rogue grew Hacker News from an idea into a valuable resource tapped daily by people throughout the security community. Space Rogue took every opportunity to educate everyone he encountered- whether online or out in the world. Space Rogue is now pursuing other professional opportunities. We wish him much success.

I look forward to continuing the HNN tradition of delivering relevant news and insight to the security community. As always, you can contact us via contact@hackernews.com

-Weld Pond, @stake

@stake

contributed by Pyle
Microsoft's Outlook was already beset with vulnerabilities that facilitated the spread of viruses. Now there is evidence that viruses can be spread via Outlook without the need for unwitting victims to open attachments. These new execute-on-arrival Trojans can be blocked with Microsoft's Outlook updates (or by not using Outlook).

ZDNet

contributed by Weld Pond
Recently released business survey results indicate that the economic damage caused by viruses and computer attacks may total more than $266 billion in the U.S. (2.5% of GDP) and $1.6 trillion worldwide. Awareness of the financial realities of poor security will undoubtedly cause many businesses to reassess their security policies and practices.

Excite

contributed by Apocalypse Dow
The U.S. government's effort to build a cybercrime early warning center may be in trouble. The center requires the participation of private industry in order to build an effective database of viruses and attacks. Given the rampant security problems in many government agencies, businesses may be reluctant to share sensitive information.

Upside Today

contributed by MW Tanji
Texas law enforcement officials are investigating the abuse of state agency telephone access codes by "hundreds of college students." While on official noted that "the internet played some role," the alleged perpetrators were referred to simply as students (not "phreakers," "hackers," or "cybercriminals").

The Dallas Morning News

contributed by h1kari
ToorCon in San Diego has its pre-registration open until August 6, 2000. Check out the link for speakers and events!

ToorCon Security Expo