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Oracle released Java 7 update 25 in June 2013, while admitting the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) bug (CVE-2013-2463) in the later version, Java 6 and advised that users should upgrade to the most recent version. Now, security experts within last few days have uncovered an active exploitation of the vulnerability in Java 6 "Proof of Concept for CVE-2013-2463" attack code to compromise users systems.

The Neutrino crimeware kit which was first uncovered in March 2013, seems to be the point of exploit for the vulnerability according to security analyst, Timo Hirvonen of F-Secure.

The mode of attack include exploitation of Java vulnerability to install ransomeware on users PC, while such users are coaxed into paying some fines citing law enforcement agents involvement among others. The bug could be "exploited by malicious local users to disclose certain sensitive information, manipulate certain data, and gain escalated privileges and by malicious people to conduct spoofing attacks, disclose certain sensitive information, manipulate certain data, cause a DoS(denial of service), bypass certain security restrictions, and compromise a vulnerable system," according to Secunia.

Java 6 was officially retired in February, which is more reason the company did not make available a patch for it, but instead, recommend that users should upgrade to Java 7. Albeit, almost 48% of all Java users in the U.S. are still stuck to Java 6 according to statistics released March, 2013.

Security: Experts warn on Java 6 Vulnerability

The ubiquity of the internet has strongly influenced modern communication systems, with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) haven hitherto exerted enormous pressure on traditional communication players (Telcos), and the competition is even now fiercest as the new technology, WebRTC is gaining traction on the web.

WebRTC (Web-based Real-time Communication) is an open-source project (of course, free) that enables browser-to-browser applications with real-time communication capabilities through simplified JavaScript APIs without plug-ins.

The prototype comprises codes that Google open sourced  in May 2011, and followed by an ongoing work to standardized the relevant protocols in the IETF and browsers APIs in the W3C. The implementation revolves on works on HTML5 and related technologies supported by the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG). The project is supported by Google, Mozilla and Opera, increasingly spreading amongst other major web technology vendors.

Google is equally responsible for the key voice and video codecs WebRTC currently support - VP8 (video), iSAC (wide-band links) and iLBC (narrower connections).

What does all these mean? It won't be long after the point of aligning to standards for developers to start building applications into web-pages for voice and video calls. Albeit, such capabilities are possible already, but are specific to vendors implementing them. What WebRTC does is open the technology to all, not just to vendors that can afford to license a proprietary system.

Now, the revolutionary drive behind WebRTC is that ordinary Web developers using just JavaScript APIs can build fully functioning voice, video and data collaboration applications or have same embed within other applications or website with just a few lines of code.

The new technology, WebRTC will make voice and video call enabled web pages pervasive, with no plug-ins to download and install that may not be compatible with all the browsers you use, on the desktop or on your mobile devices. And that may ultimately be the future of voice and video calls for all.

WebRTC: Real-Time Communication between Browsers

Microsoft's revolutionary web-mail service, Outlook.com has already garnered a lot of accolades from tech industry watchers as regards bridging the communication gap with real-time social networking features right within the inbox, and now the company have also added Skype support.

Skype is perhaps one of the largest communication service on the web, making it possible for internet users to communicate with friends and family through instant messaging and video calls, all at no cost.

Microsoft had earlier made the announcement of bringing Skype to Outlook.com late April, and have now gone ahead to launching the service starting with North America as a first point of call, including United Kingdom according to Outlook blog. 

The company also intend to demonstrate the effect of visual communication in sales promotion, especially as it concerns local businesses, by announcing a contest in the United States whereby consumers can submit a recipe with a chance to make a video call with Gail Simmons, the food expert and television personality.

And for every entry, Microsoft will donate $10 to Common Threads, a charity that promotes healthy eating with kids, while entry direct from Outlook.com account attracts $20 donation. If you wish to learn more about the contest and enter, go to: chow.com/outlook.

Microsoft brings Skype to Outlook.com

LinkedIn, the unparalleled professionals network, is honing their great pool of user base to avail prospective students of relevant information as regards various universities by providing a ready made information hub, University Pages.

The University Pages on LinkedIn is aimed at helping students attain critical milestone in their campus life to a fulfilling, successful career.  And foremost, to serve as an information hub for students making that initial search for universities to attend.

Beginning on September 12, LinkedIn intends to open up the University Pages for high school students to explore schools worldwide, along with expanding their opportunities on the after school scenario, by building on a network of friends to help at every milestone.

And currently, about 200 universities have adopted their pages, including INSEAD, NYU among other notable citadels of learning.

LinkedIn had accordingly made some changes to its terms of service, most notable being the change in minimum age to 14 for eligibility to join. Also, stressing on the openness and prospect of adding "thousands of schools" along the line.

LinkedIn Introduces University Pages

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