Google powers up

Google can drop its former label as underdog upstart of the Internet and accept the distinction of being one of the most powerful corporations in the world, reports USA Today.

According to AP, the company`s stock price barrelled through $700 for the first time yesterday, propelled by a belief that the Internet search leader will become even more profitable as it plants its products and services in new markets.

Investors also seem enthused about reports that the company is about to unveil a long-rumoured operating system designed for mobile phones so it can make more money by distributing ads to people on the go.

IBM will boost what it spends developing computer security products to $1.5 billion in 2008, reflecting an intensifying focus for the company, reports AP.

The company`s executives would not say how much they used to spend. However, analyst Charles King of Pund-IT Research believes $1.5 billion would be twice what IBM traditionally spends on security research and product development each year.

IBM wants to offer broader security packages so customers can reduce the number of providers they hire to protect their data.

A new piece of malware targets Mac users and takes advantage of the inclination to watch porn, reports News.com.

Intego, a Mac security software company, issued an alert yesterday warning Mac users of the OSX.RSPlug.A malware. The malicious Trojan is making the rounds on several porn Web sites.

Randy Abrams, a security researcher at anti-virus software provider Eset, points out to The Register that: "The noteworthy part is that someone is targeting the [Mac] OS. This may mean that the OS is beginning to gain enough users to be attractive to attackers."

Chicago drivers have a new way to pay for petrol: with their fingertips, reports AP.

Ten Shell gas stations in the city are testing biometric systems that let consumers walk up to the pump, scan their fingertips on a device and fill up their vehicles. The systems, also installed at Shell convenience stores, are directly linked to customers` cheque or credit card accounts for payment.

Clients will be able to initially scan their fingerprints at a kiosk inside the gas station and can link payment information either at the store or online.