WorldCom`s backbone

As far as backbone goes, WorldCom has a lot more than most - connectivity backbone that is. A recent report by TeleGeography on US backbone deployments is starting to throw some light on the complex web weaved by the world`s largest connectivity providers, and WorldCom is right up there. According to the report, WorldCom operates 30% of the bandwidth on the 20 largest US Internet backbone routes, more than the next four providers combined. WorldCom connects over 3 400 networks throughout the world, while Sprint and AT&T each connect less than half of this number. In 2001, WorldCom also accounted for at least 30% of the wholesale US backbone access market, more than three times its largest rival. Clearly the accounting scandal is going to do a lot more than just tarnish the company`s reputation.

Microsoft`s latest security bug is a cross-scripting flaw that leaves applications that use WebBrowser control vulnerable to a variety of attacks. Applications in the Microsoft stable that use WebBrowser control include Internet Explorer, Outlook and Outlook Express. Security researchers at PivX have found that the vulnerability allows attackers to elevate privileges, execute commands and read local files and cookies. The flaw stems from the fact that the object property of embedded WebBrowser controls is not subject to the cross-domain security checks that ordinary HTML documents go through. Using the flaw, attackers could possibly escape sandboxing and security zone restrictions. [More at TheRegister]

The handheld market just got flashier with Macromedia`s release of the Flash Player 5 for the iPAQ pocket PC. At the same time, to ensure a wider spread of the Flash technology, the company also launched the Mobile Development Centre at Macromedia.com/go/flashmobile with content and kits geared towards aiding developers to create more Flash content. Current iPAQ users can download the mobile version of Flash from the Compaq.com site and the latest release of the iPAQ, the H3900 series, will include the player by default.

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