Universiti Pahang Malaysia Moves Forward with Oracle Solutions

Kuantan, Pahang – Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) has just announced that it has deployed Oracle Database 11g and Oracle Real Application Cluster (RAC) as part of its growth in technology infrastructure.




From L-R: Roslan Bin Awang Abd Rahman, Deputy Director, PTMK UMP; Saiful Lizam Mohd Khamis, Director of Technology Sales Public Sector and MRD, Oracle Corporation Malaysia; Prof Dato’ Dr Daing Mohd Nasir Daing Ibrahim, Vice Chancellor UMP; and Prof Dr Badhrulhisham Bin Abdul Aziz, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Academic & International), UMP



The implementation of these Oracle solutions helps to provide UMP with fault tolerance to maximize the availability of the Main Academic Portal, Time Attendance system, Student Management system, Online Examination system and Financial and Human Resource (HR) Management system, which in turn will result in a better service level for students and staff alike.


Thanks to this new system, efficiency of the university's workforce is also improved as it offers automated management capabilities that frees up staff time that were previously spent on manual administrative work.


“To improve its service level, UMP undertook the project to ensure prompt and reliable delivery of critical campus services, while stabilizing and easing workload and as a result, we are able to increase efficiencies that bring benefit to our students and staff so they can focus more on their core competencies,” said Professor Dato’ Dr. Daing Mohd Nasir Daing Ibrahim, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang.

http://www.hardwarezone.com.my/tech-news-universiti-malaysia-pahang-moves-forward-oracle-solutions

By Daniel Goh
18 Apr 2011

UTHM - Pelan Tindakan Pembangunan ICT !

Pelan tindakan Pembangunan ICT Universiti ini dirangka untuk menjadi asas perancangan ICT yang kukuh dala mencapai halatuju ICT yang akan dilaksanakan dalam dua fasa iaitu; Fasa I : 2001-2005 dan Fasa II : 2006-2011.

Sasaran pembangunan ICT adalah untuk menyediakan prasarana pengajaran dan pembelajaran yang kodusif serta menwujudkan urus tadbir yang berkualiti dan cekap seiring dengan halatuju universiti sebagaimana yang digariskan di dalam Blueprint Universiti. Kepercayaan dan kepuasan pelanggan diambilkira dalam menyediakan pelan tindakan ini serta cabaran-cabaran yang perlu ditangani.

Stategi yang digariskan dalam pelan tindakan adalah seperti e-Pengurusan, e-Pembelejaran, K-Universiti, infrastruktur dan komunikasi dan pembudayaan ICT.

Keseluruhan Pelan TIndakan Pembangunan ICT Universiti yang dirangka akan menjadi panduan dalam memastikan Universiti sentiasa cemerlang dan gemilang.

Matlamat

Menyediakan Sistem Pengurusan Kampus Bersepadu bagi menyokong pembangunan dan pentadbiran Universiti ke arah yang lebih kompetitif dengan memberikan perkhidmatan dan pengurusan ICT yang dinamik dan cemerlang serta memenuhi keperluan pelanggan.

Hala Tuju

Menyediakan prasarana ICT terkini, kondusif dan mencukupi kepada seluruh warga universiti untuk meningkatkan mutu pengajaran dan pembelajaran bagi menghasilkan graduan berkualiti, mempertingkatkan kualiti penyelidikan dan pembangunan(R&D), mempertingkatkan kualiti dan kecekapan pentadbiran serta menjadikan masyarakat UTHM sebagai satu masyarakat yang bermaklumat dan berpengetahuan untuk membolehkan mereka melaksanakan tugas dan tanggungjawab dengan cara yang paling berkesan.

UPNM First Local Varsity To Offer It Security Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) chalked a new milestone by becoming the first local public university to offer Information Technology Security (IT Security) certification for its computer science undergraduates.


The programme is offered in collaboration with International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), a leading IT Security certification provider.


UPNM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin said the programme was in line with the government's call to produce local professionals able to handle crimes in information technology (IT).


"Security experts in IT are very important to the nation now, mainly to stop cyber crimes through computer chains that can be a threat to the security of the nation," he told reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with EC-Council at the university here, on Thursday.


EC-Council was represented by its president, Sanjay Bavisi.

http://web10.bernama.com/education/v2/index.php?sid=news_content&id=437926

By Bernama

UiTM Student and Junior Lecture Win Top Awards at British Invention Show

UiTM student and junior lecture have won top awards at the British Invention Show in London, which just ended. The medals won were a Diamond, the Best Invention by Salon Archimedes (Russia), a gold and 6 silver medals.
The British Invention Show, which was held between 12 and 17 Oct 2009, is the largest innovation and technology expo in Britain. Uitm submitted 8 entries of which all won medals.
The Diamond was won by junior lecturer Amalina Amir, 26, of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, who contested her product, MIM Route, a device to produce complex metal metalwork. Other than diamond, Amalina also won a gold and the best Invention by Salon Archimedes (Russia). MIM Route is a metal injecting moulding process which can boost mass manufacturing of complex metalwork. Products that need high precision moulding are jewelry, sporting goods, eyeglasses, wristwatches or medical equipment. Other than the mass production this new procedure is environment friendly as it uses a recyclable biopolymer binder. 
The gold winning student was Ahmad Zainizan bin Sahdan, 25, who is pursuing his PhD at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. He participated his project on nanowire synthesis using low cost gas blocker in catalyic thermal CVD. His idea was having a semi-conductor nonowire for solar cells where a gas blocker was invented to obstruct the gas flow in a 2-furnace CVD system. The gas blocker produced a better control of gas flow that enables stronger UV emission. Upon winning, Ahmad Zainizan said his invention is suitable to be used as light emitting device such as laser diodes. 
The other 6 silver medals were won by Azizah Hanom Ahmad who contested her invention on Silicon and Dammar as Coating Materials, Khudzir Haji Ismail for his Water-Tetralin Co-solvent System for Coal Liqefaction, Zukifli Abdul Rashid a software for Waste Management, Nor Hayati Avdul Hamid Pre-Cast Hollow Core Wall which can endure earthquake shocks, Ahmad Faizar Jaafar Self-Charging Machine in Libraries, and Mohd Haris Kamarudin Egg Shell Thermal Insulation Board.

http://www.rdmag.com/News/Feeds/2009/10/environment-uitm-student-and-junior-lecture-win-top-awards-at-/

 By ResearchSEA
Thursday, October 22, 2009

UiTM Sarawak

Anugerah Kualiti Perkhidmatan Awam Negeri Sarawak 2010 Piala Ketua Menteri Sarawak

Wednesday, 21 December 2011 08:30

 

 

SAMARAHAN- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak continues its streaks of distinctive recognition when it was announced as the winner of the Chief Minister’s Trophy for the Sarawak Civil Service Quality Award .

The award was presented by the Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud to Prof. Dato Dr. Jamil Haji Hamali, the Rector of UiTM Sarawak during the Sarawak State Civil Service ceremony held in Borneo Convention Centre (BCCK) recently.

Also present during the event was the State Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, the State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, the Federal Secretary of Sarawak Datuk Haji Md Yahaya Basimin and Deputy Rector of Students’ Affairs of UiTM Sarawak, Prof. Madya Wan Akil Tuanku Abdullah.

Prof. Dato Dr. Jamil was beaming with joy and had acknowledged that all of UiTM Sarawak’s staff and students also took pride in the win as it has proven that the quality movement in the institution has continued to maintain its distinctive recognition.
He further added that UiTM Sarawak is the only learning institution in the state to be given such honour twice after clinching the same award in 2006.

 “  We feel that this award is a recognition towards our quality movement efforts which had started since the year 2000. We will continue to strive in improving quality and providing the best quality service to all of our clients.”

 “ I am very fortunate because of the undivided support that I had received from my staff, and they had done a very good job in implementing the quality movement in UiTM Sarawak. 

UiTM Sarawak has two campuses, Kota Samarahan and Mukah, with a total population of 700 academic and non-academic staff and has more than 6000 students.

Since the year 2000, the implementation of the quality movement in UiTM Sarawak had won several awards at the state level and the main system of Teknologi MARA Malaysia.

The recognition of UiTM Sarawak quality movement started in the year 2000, when it won  the Vice Chancellor’s Quality Award (AKNC) the highest recognition for quality achievement in the UiTM system. Then, it won the Sarawak Civil Service Quality Award  2006, the MAMPU Chief Director Quality Award 2006, and was awarded the Quality Distinction Award 2006 after clinching the Vice Chancellor’s Quality Award (AKNC) for three consecutive times (2003-2005).

The distinctive achievements continued with a recognition from a state agency as the Practitioner for Quality (AKKMS) 2008. And in 2009, UiTM Sarawak won first placing for the Sarawak Federal ICT Award (AISUPS) and received third placing for the Sarawak Federal Counter Service Award (AKKTJPS).

Last year, UiTM Sarawak won second placing for the Sarawak Federal Secretary Innovation and Creativity  Award (Technical Category). At the  AKNC level, UiTM Sarawak won the Measurement, Data Analysis, Knowledge Management and Data Management criterias. And this year, UiTM Sarawak is one of the selected finalist to win the AKNC award which is exoected to be announced by the end of this month.

The Chief Minister presenting the Chief Minister’s Trophy for the Sarawak Civil Service Quality Award  to Prof. Dato Dr. Jamil Haji Hamali, and is witnessed by Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani and Prof. Madya Wan Akil Tuanku Abdullah.

written by Mat, translated by Leela

Limkokwing Fashion Creativity Simply Stunning!

 

The Limkokwing University of Creative Technology well known for its fashion creativity and innovation through the many creations that have graced fashion runways, photo shoots, events and magazines spreads from the world over, Limkokwing University raises the bar in fashion creativity and breaks down boundaries in its creative design execution and event organization.
Creativity in Motion - The runway series is organized by the Limkokwing Fashion and Retail Department and produced by the Creativity Development, a professional talent development incubation unit on campus lead by Associate Vice President Dato’ Tiffanee Marie Lim. Our runways have been graced by Nadine Ann Thomas - Former Miss Malaysia and have seen Malaysia’s crème della crème including; international model and actress Amber Chia, President of the Malaysian Designers Association (MODA) Gillian Hung, Malaysia top international male model - Wilson Tang Siong Ping, renowned designer - Khoon Hooi, L’Oréal representatives and Dato’ Leela.
This Christmas, Creativity in Motion takes centre stage at Publika, Solaris Dutamas with 18 of its best fashion designers from 6 countries bringing to end a year filled high-fashion, creativity and innovation.

Limkokwing’s new generation fashion designers

"4 years ago, these guys walked through the doors of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology armed with a dream and hope to be the next top fashion designer. From the many that applied, tried and failed, these 18 young creative minds pushed the limits of creativity in fashion design and strived to be the best that they can be. Today after 4 years, they walk out our doors armed with skills and talent that will take them to the top of their careers. They have inspired us with their stories and they are just at the beginning of it. In a very short time they have brought to life their creative expressions for other to enjoy. We know that they will be the best in the world, claiming what they deserve very soon. Through this fashion show, we celebrate their creativity and passion and we are so proud to call them Limkokwing’s new generation fashion designers." 

Dato’ Tiffanee Marie Lim
Associate Vice President, Talent Development

“I am really excited about the graduation and fashion show. It will be an amazing experience and I really can’t wait. It’s been three great years in Limkokwing and in my time there I have had the pleasure of meeting some really wonderful people and have gained invaluable experience.”
Amiirah Domun

“All I can say is WOW! I definitely feel like I have grown as a designer in the Art and Creative fashion world. Creativity is not just a commodity, everyone has idea, but Limkokwing University gave me the opportunity and the platform to transform my ideas into beautiful creations. Again, all I can say is WOW!”
Nelson Elak Sendar

“This will be my first ever fashion show and I’m nervous. But thank you Limkokwing for giving me the opportunity to show my masterpiece on the stage to the world.”
Christine Wangsa

• 10 January 2012
• Academic Updates & News
• Malaysia

Limkokwing University  (Click Here)

Sunway University College chooses SAS® for IT skills training and research support

When business executives in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region seek to hire IT leaders with the latest skills in analytics and information systems, they often find them at Sunway University College, where SAS technology is used in the classroom to prepare students for careers in IT.


Sunway is a world-class higher education institution and leader in private education in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. Established in 1987, Sunway provides tertiary education to a total of 10,000 students – with 30 percent coming from 90 foreign countries – enrolled in various academic programs at the diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.


The School of Computer Technology (SCT) at Sunway has developed a reputation for excellence, offering a high standard of education in information technology, information systems, computer science and networking. SCT advocates unique specializations that not only stress the importance of the academic curriculum, but also promote students' exposure to the IT industry, enabling them to discover their potential and achieve their goals.


Associate Professor Dr. Lim Tong Ming, Head of SCT, said, "To achieve excellence in IT instruction, Sunway is extremely sensitive to the need to expose and educate its technology students with IT skill sets that are relevant and highly sought-after in the real world. This is to ensure that all of our graduates are at the forefront of industry demand, making successful careers in the competitive market."


SAS® for research support
With the rapid changes in the world of technology, Dr. Lim deemed it essential for Sunway academics to equip themselves with knowledge of the latest enterprise IT solutions, especially in the area of statistical analysis, data mining and analysis technologies.


Sunway is continuously seeking to explore and research these areas to better tutor its students in the know-how of innovative technologies and advanced IT solutions. For this reason, the university college opted to further develop its teaching and research methods with SAS Enterprise Guide and SAS Enterprise Miner.


SAS analysis and data mining skills are highly in demand, as many Malaysian corporate organizations and enterprises are using similar, if not identical, SAS technology. SAS solutions are renowned for handling large amounts of data, comprehensive data analysis, business intelligence and analytics.


"We believe that SAS' well-known reputation for its widely applied solutions in the business world will give Sunway University College students the training they need to be truly relevant in the workplace," explained Dr. Lim. "We trust SAS as a partner that Sunway University College will benefit from."


Another factor for SCT choosing SAS for its research and training support is the unlimited licensing model of the software. "As an education institution, partnering with SAS also makes budgetary sense, as its adaptable licensing module eliminates the possibility of raking up a massive cost to be incurred due to the multiple use of such programs and solutions for the purpose of teaching, learning and research," said Dr. Lim.


Commercial returnsAdding SAS as a key subject in the university college's syllabus and industry training has also brought about new benefits to Sunway as a reputable educational institution.


SCT currently offers a number of courses covering data analysis and data mining using SAS Enterprise Guide, SAS Enterprise Miner and Base SAS, which attract 70 percent of SCT students. "SAS' comprehensive and practical solutions have garnered a lot of interest amongst our lecturers and students," said Dr. Lim.


SCT's courses already prepared students to enter a highly competitive labour market. But Dr. Lim notes that within a year of working with SAS, Sunway has improved on its standards of educational excellence and the marketability of its highly practical technology courses.

Limkokwing Creativity Grooms ICT-Savvy Talents

An advocate of creativity and innovation since the 1970s, the Limkokwing University of Creativity Technology (LUCT) is taking the lead by producing graduates equipped with the right skills and capabilities to drive the ICT industry and their careers.

ICE- a way of life

Information technology is very much a part of everyday life: the computer occupies a central position not only in business organisations but increasingly in fields as diverse as manufacturing to space exploration and banking.

This has created a wealth of opportunities for Malaysia, which is moving into a high-income and innovation-driven economy, one area that well-qualified ICT graduates are able to provide the momentum to propel it.

Geared for success

The LUCT Faculty of Information and Communication Technology offers internationally-recognised BSc degrees including Mobile Computing, Games Technology and Business Information Technology, as well as postgraduates studies in Computer Networking and Communication. Delve into the exciting world of ICT where you will get to learn all you’ve ever wanted to know about:

• Games Programming
• Digital Modelling and Animation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Interactive Multimedia
• Real-Time Systems
• Internet Security Knowledge
• Grid Computing

High-flying ICT careers

The programmes are tailored to ensure graduates are industry-ready and able to blend in with different cultures and nationalities, making them attractive to potential employers.

Some of the career options one would consider as an ICT graduate would be:

Chief Information Officer (CIO)
A CIO heads the IT group within an organisation, and usually reports to the chief executive officer (CEO). You will be the visionary ICT leader, spearheading ambitious projects that will enhance the growth and business strategy of the organisation and will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the organisation’s IT infrastructure.

Security Analyst
As the person ensuring the security of the organisation, you will have to be privy to security breaches and network intrusions. The guardian of the ICT hardware and software, you handle all security documentation and assess the suitability of new technologies on existing or planned systems.

Analyst Programmer
This role requires knowledge of a variety of programming languages. If you’re good at programming, you will enjoy installing, designing, modifying, testing and writing programmes, and supporting work teams and solving problems with software.

Blending the world’s diverse cultures

The Limkokwing campus in Cyberjaya is an experience unlike any other. Students from all over the world converge, making it a dynamic multicultural environment with 70% of the 9,000 students coming from over 160 countries worldwide.

The university has some 30,000 students studying in its 12 campuses in Botswana, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lesotho, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. A big part of its appeal is the university’s innovative brand of creative education that merges the best of East and West education.

Experience London

In a rapidly developing world, the learning experience today has to include exposing young people to global business trends and innovation.

London - one of the world’s most vibrant and lively cities - is the heart of Limkokwing’s Global Research Centre for Creativity and Innovation.

Located in the heart of thriving Piccadilly, the campus provides students a unique opportunity to cross over to nearby locations for research in business, design, multimedia or any other fields of study.

An ICT student now has an opportunity to graduate with two awards, one Asian and one British. This is an exclusive route for Limkokwing students to spend their final year or semester in London, enabling them to obtain a Limkokwing award and a second credential from Anglia Ruskin University of Cambridge or University of Gloucestershire, UK.

First Tourism Club for MMU

MALACCA: The country's first ministry-endorsed Tourism Club will be established by the Multimedia University (MMU) at its Malacca campus to promote tourism.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the 12-year-old university was an ideal choice for such a club to be initiated based on its strategic location in Malacca, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Students who are taking up courses in creative multimedia and information technology at MMU could help promote tourism using the digital and multimedia platforms, she told reporters after launching the 15th Chinese New Year Extravaganza organised by MMU's Chinese Language Society in Bukit Beruang on Thursday night.

Dr Ng said the club would initially function as a source of information on the uniqueness of Malaysia's tourist attractions to the estimated 2,000 international students studying at the Malacca campus.

She also pledged RM10,000 as set-up fund for the club to implement its activities.

“The ministry will also assist the club, including training members who are keen to become part-time tour guides,” she added.

MMU president Prof Datuk Dr Muhamad Rasat Muhamad said Dr Ng's initiative was welcomed by the university.

“We have more than 70 clubs initiated by students in MMU Malacca and I am sure there will be those thrilled with the idea and have what it takes to make this club a success.
“The combination of tourism with creative multimedia is interesting and will be an eye-opener for the students,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Ng refuted claims that many Wanita MCA members were leaving the party.
She said such claims were not true at all and not even mentioned during the party's central committee meeting a day earlier.

“I can say confidently that no one has left Wanita MCA.”

AIMST University signs cooperative MoU with MMU

Melaka, Malaysia: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 ― AIMST University, Kedah-based University dedicated to high-quality value-based education, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Multimedia University (MMU) in Bukit Beruang, Melaka to promote cooperation between both educational institutions.


Under the accord of the MoU, the two universities will engage in joint research activities, organizing training programs and workshops, exchange visits by academic staff, researchers and students, exchange relevant information, and developing and implementing R&D projects of mutual interest. The research activities plan and their implementation will be mutually developed on a 'project by project' basis. AIMST University Chief Executive & Vice-Chancellor Prof Frederick Charles Smales and MMU President Prof. Dr. Zaharin b. Yusoff signed the MoU on December 1, 2010.


In northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, AIMST University is playing an important role in training students in the field of Biotechnology, in addition to Medicine, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Engineering and information technology and Business. Currently, AIMST University has about 3,000 students. Postgraduate program such as M. Sc Biotechnology is becoming popular among students, and Ph. D (Biotechnology) program is approved in last year by the Ministry of Higher Education. “The AIMST University has been instrumental in developing and promoting university education in northern corridor of the Malaysia through its various educational, research and development activities and exceptional academic programs. The recent survey of the graduated students in Biotechnology program from AIMST University indicates that placement rate is 99 %. This partnership between AIMST University and MMU will enable us to consolidate our strengths and maintain our distinctive status as leading institutions in our respective areas and our fields of specialization. We are also planning more cooperative agreements








  similar to this MoU with other institutions to strengthen our capabilities by smart partnership to contribute for the overall development of the society," said Prof Frederick Charles Smales, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of the AIMST University.


In Malaysia, MMU is the first private university; MMU developed the pioneer model for the successful establishment of private universities in the nation. As the university at the heart of the Multimedia Super Coridor (MSC), MMU also serves as a catalyst in the development of the high tech ICT industry of the nation, parallel to the Silicon Valley-Stanford model in the United States. Currently, MMU have altogether approximately 20,000 students in Melaka and Cyberjaya campus. MMU is known for wonderful achievements in a relatively short period of time. The university runs in two campuses, its original campus in the historical city of Melaka, and the campus in Cyberjaya that was opened by the former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. A recent survey indicates that 93% students of the MMU secure employment within 6 months of the completion of their studies. MMU have more than 4,200 international students from 75 countries. In short time MMU has established itself as a major player in research and development, and maintaining excellent ties with the strategic partners through smart collaborations and research partnerships.


The AIMST University commenced operations in year 2001 as the first private university in northern part of peninsular Malaysia and has emerged as one of the top private educational institutions. Currently, the AIMST University offers four (4) diploma courses, nine (9) degree programs, and six (6) postgraduate programs under 7 faculties namely, Applied Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry,

Acta: Europe braced for protests over anti-piracy treaty

Further protests in opposition to controversial anti-piracy measures have taken place, with another 100 expected to happen in Europe this week.

A petition calling for the rejection of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Acta) has attracted over 1.75 million signatures.

The treaty intends to standardise copyright protection measures, but has been heavily criticised.

On Saturday, about 2,000 people marched in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana.

More co-ordinated action is expected to take place across Europe on 11 February.

The Slovenian protests were spearheaded by the country's ambassador to Japan, Helena Drnovsek Zorko, and follow similar protests in Poland in which tens of thousands took to the streets.

Last week, Ms Zorko apologised for her "carelessness" in signing the treaty.

In a lengthy statement she admitted: "I did not pay enough attention.

"Quite simply, I did not clearly connect the agreement I had been instructed to sign with the agreement that, according to my own civic conviction, limits and withholds the freedom of engagement on the largest and most significant network in human history, and thus limits particularly the future of our children."

Offline action

She urged opponents of Acta to attend the protest in Ljubljana "in my name".

In tandem with the "real world" protest, the website of NLB, Slovenia's largest bank, was temporarily taken offline by hackers.

Activism website stoppacta-protest.info lists more than 100 protests scheduled across Europe on Saturday, including events in London, Munich and Paris.

The petition, which is aiming for over two million signatures, will be "delivered to decision-makers" in Brussels in the coming days, organisers said.

Continue reading the main story

What is Acta?

• The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement is an international treaty aiming to standardise copyright protection measures.
• It seeks to curb trade of counterfeited physical goods, including copyrighted material online.
• Preventative measures include possible imprisonment and fines.
• Critics argue that it will stifle freedom of expression on the internet, and it has been likened to the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (Sopa).
• Acta has been signed by 22 EU members, including the UK, but is yet to be ratified by the European Parliament.

Other developments involving Acta include:

• Following huge protests in Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he would hold off plans to ratify the agreement, admitting that the negotiation process "did not involve sufficient consultation".
• Swedish government websites - including sweden.gov.se - were reportedly taken down for a brief period by hacking collective Anonymous.
• In Greece, daily newspaper Athens News reported that hackers gained access to the justice ministry's website, posting a video demanding that the government "stop Acta".
• Ahead of larger protests in the UK this weekend, a handful of protesters gathered in Nottingham's Old Market Square on 4 February.
• Last month, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Acta, Kader Arif, resigned. He described negotiations as a "masquerade".

Signed 'in secret'

Supporters of the treaty argue that it should not create any new laws, and that the measures are necessary to clamp down on growing levels of piracy.

However, UK-based privacy campaigner Big Brother Watch has called for a parliamentary debate on Acta, arguing that the treaty had been signed in "secret".

"It would be wholly wrong for the solution to avoid public scrutiny," the campaign's director Nick Pickles wrote in a letter to Business Secretary Vince Cable.

"I hope you would share my concern that the legislative process must be open for it to have any legitimacy."

In a statement sent to the BBC, a spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said: "The UK continually pushed for greater transparency in negotiations as we believed that it was a valuable aid to public understanding of the agreement.

"We were able to achieve some victories, such as publishing of the draft text in April 2010, but we were limited in what we could do as this was an international negotiation."

The treaty has yet to be ratified by the European Parliament, with a debate expected to take place in the summer.

written by,

DAVE, L. (2012, FEBRUARY 6). Acta: Europe braced for protests over anti-piracy treaty. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16906086

Symantec code theft: Hackers 'attempted extortion'

Hackers tried to extort money in exchange for keeping source code private, security firm Symantec has said.

It comes as hackers made public emails from law enforcement agents posing as a Symantec employee.

Officials pretended to be the security firm in order to "offer" the hackers $50,000 (£32,000).

However, more source code has allegedly been released after negotiations apparently broke down.

Symantec said it had contacted US law enforcement after being approached by the hackers last month.

In a lengthy series of emails, law enforcement agents posed as a fake Symantec employee named Sam Thomas.

The character was involved in lengthy email discussions with hackers believed to be from India-based group the Lords of Dharmaraja, part of the wider Anonymous collective.

Agents, posing as Sam, told the hackers: "We can pay you $2,500 per month for the first three months.

"In exchange, you will make a public statement on behalf of your group that you lied about the hack (as you previously stated).

"Once that's done, we will pay the rest of the $50,000 to your account and you can take it all out at once. That should solve your problem."

At one point, the hackers suspected FBI involvement, writing: "say hi to FBI agents".

Stolen code

By the end of the email discussion, negotiations began to stall.

At 04:46 GMT on Tuesday, an account belonging to Anonymous suggested that more than a gigabyte of source code from the company's PC Anywhere software had been uploaded to torrent website The Pirate Bay.

Symantec would not confirm that this was the case.

Symantec has released advice for businesses that rely on its PC Anywhere software

"In January an individual claiming to be part of the 'Anonymous' group attempted to extort a payment from Symantec in exchange for not publicly posting stolen Symantec source code they claimed to have in their possession," the company said in a statement.

"Symantec conducted an internal investigation into this incident and also contacted law enforcement, given the attempted extortion and apparent theft of intellectual property.

"The communications with the person(s) attempting to extort the payment from Symantec were part of the law enforcement investigation.

"Given that the investigation is still ongoing, we are not going to disclose the law enforcement agencies involved and have no additional information to provide."

At risk

Last month, users of PC Anywhere software were told by the company to disable its use where possible.

The company confirmed that "old" source code stolen by the hackers had exposed vulnerabilities in the program which allows remote access to computers.

Other programs affected include Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition, Norton Internet Security and Norton Systemworks (Norton Utilities and Norton Go Back).

However, only PC Anywhere is said to be at risk. Symantec has beenreleasing patches and further information via its website.

written by,

Symantec code theft: Hackers 'attempted extortion'. (2012, FEBRUARY 7). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16927660