Phishing attacks hit confidence

The survey of 5,000 individuals in the US shows that phishing attacks are damaging confidence in online transactions, with many firms reporting a reduction in web-based sales. Companies need to take steps quickly to improve online security if they want to avoid drops in online revenue, according to Avivah Litan, vice president and research director at Gartner.

www.computing.co.uk/2138665

Microsoft wraps up Sybari deal

Microsoft has completed its acquisition of security provider Sybari Software. Originally announced in February, the software giant says the purchase adds a ‘critical security component’ to its offerings. Under the terms of the deal, Sybari will trade as a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft, developing security protection products for the Windows operating system. Microsoft will continue to offer Sybari products for Windows.

www.computing.co.uk/2138478

VW adopts messaging system

Car manufacturer Volkswagen has installed a multimedia messaging system from Saturn Communications at its Milton Keynes headquarters. VW says the system will provide staff with better knowledge of Volkswagen and its brand. The Connectivion system is based on Windows .Net.

www.computing.co.uk/2071707

Vanco connects Gemplus

Vanco is to provide a virtual managed network to smartcard maker Gemplus under the terms of a $4m (£2.2m) deal. The MPLS and IPSec network will connect 50 Gemplus sites across 30 countries. The contract is expected to cut 30 per cent from Gemplus’s network costs.

www.computing.co.uk/2071555

Hummingbird scoops up RedDot

Content management company Hummingbird has purchased partner RedDot solutions in a $47.5m (£26m) deal. Ovum analyst Sarah Kittmer says the acquisition has been on the cards for some time. A partnership between the two has, until now, helped bridge the web content management gap in Hummingbird’s technology. That gap has now been ‘closed for good,’ she said.

www.computing.co.uk/2138617