Cisco deepens enterprise network virtualization, security detection of DNA suite

Cisco today announced a variety of hardware, software and services designed to increase network virtualization and bolster security for campus, branch office and cloud customers. The products, which include a Network Functions Virtualization branch office device and improved security network segmentation software, fall under Cisco’s overarching Digital Network Architecture plan. DNA offers integrated networking software—virtualization,…

Intel's Atom is underwhelming no more: New chip packs 16 cores

Intel’s Atom was mostly known as a low-end chip for mobile devices that underperformed. That may not be the case anymore. The latest Atom C3000 chips announced on Tuesday have up to 16 cores and are more sophisticated than ever. The chips are made for storage arrays, networking equipment, and internet of things devices. The…

Don’t wait for 5G: LTE could be your key to IoT

One of the many whiz-bang features promised in 5G is a new way of connecting millions of small, low-powered IoT devices. But there’s no need to wait: Two forms of LTE tuned for IoT have entered a market that’s already heating up with rapidly expanding specialist networks. The new standards, LTE-M and NB-IoT, were completed…

Facebook's latest Snapchat attack: WhatsApp status updates

As Snapchat prepares to go public with its hotly anticipated IPO, it already has a formidable foe. Facebook has been launching digital missiles at the image messaging app for years, building a copycat feature into Instagram, stickers and effects in Messenger, and even testing a Direct Share option for photos in Facebook itself. Now Snapchat…

LTE speeds outpace home internet with new Qualcomm and Intel modems

With every new generation of smartphone, LTE connections get faster. That’s because the devices have faster modems that can transfer data at unprecedented download speeds. The top modem providers are Intel and Qualcomm, whose cellular chips are used in the iPhone. On Tuesday they both announced modems that will push LTE connections to speeds well…

Fingerprint scanning is coming to Chromebooks

Later this year, Chromebook owners with the appropriate hardware may be able to unlock their laptops with their fingerprint. Chrome Story recently spotted a new flag in Chrome OS Canary that discusses “Quick Unlock (Fingerprint).” Mentions of fingerprint security features are also scattered throughout the changelog for Chrome OS 58.0.3007.0 that was released to the…

ARM buys Mistbase and NextG-Com to extend its reach in IoT

Chip designer ARM has a new strategy for the internet of things: to offer complete solutions “from application software to antenna.” ARM has typically left it to licensees of its microprocessor designs to add their own wide-area radio modems and other circuitry essential for the chips at the heart of smartphones and other connected devices.…

Facing sexism charges, Uber says Eric Holder will investigate

Uber Technologies scrambled on Monday to counter the sexism charges raised by a former employee, and said it would appoint former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to the panel that would investigate allegations by the engineer that the company mishandled her complaint of sexual harassment. The company, which did not release diversity data when asked…

Apple, Microsoft and Amazon offer fairer deal on cloud storage

Apple, Microsoft and Amazon have agreed to give cloud storage subscribers fairer contracts after intervention by the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority. Such cloud storage services are typically used to store photos, videos, music or digital copies of important documents. If the services shut down or vary their capacity or prices without notice, customers can…

Hackers behind bank attack campaign use Russian as decoy

The hackers behind a sophisticated attack campaign that has recently targeted financial organizations around the world have intentionally inserted Russian words and commands into their malware in an attempt to throw investigators off. Researchers from cybersecurity firm BAE Systems have recently obtained and analyzed additional malware samples related to an attack campaign that has targeted…