This week I posted an article which raises an interesting and controversial topic: is it OK to counter-hack a machine that attacks yours? There are many ways this could be abused and many serious issues that could arise if the counter-hack targeted the wrong system or caused damage to a machine. But, if users out there are too ignorant or lazy to patch and repair their own systems, shouldn't those who share the Internet with them have a right to intervene? Read Counter-Hacking: Savior or Vigilante

Another article posted this week talked about a new partnership formed by Microsoft. The Virus Information Alliance (VIA) was kicked off with McAfee AVERT (Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team) and Trend Micro TrendLabs as partners. The goal is to give Microsoft users a single source of consolidated information about virus threats. The issue is that those who need the information the most either won't know the site exists or won't take the time to visit the site and proactively address potential virus threats. Read Microsoft's New Antivirus Alliance.

Watch this week for a Product Review of St. Bernard Software's Internet access management device- the iPrism. Also coming this week will be a review of Hacking Exposed: 4th Edition.

The chat session with the authors of the Hacking Exposed series and founders of computer and network security firm Foundstone is coming up soon. See the information at the bottom of the newsletter for details.