After the Stuxnet and Flame Computer viruses, yet another virus, the Gauss has been discovered infecting the computers in West Asia. The Kaspersky Labs working on behalf of the International Telecommunications Union said Gauss is the latest cyber-threat targeting users in West Asia.

It stated that Gauss is a complex, cyber-espionage virus which can steal sensitive data, with a specific focus on browser passwords, online banking account credentials, cookies, and specific configurations of infected machines. It was first discovered in June this year based on the knowledge gained by the in-depth analysis and research on the Flame computer virus. However at present it has been contained. The virus is also capable of stealing access credentials for various online banking systems and payment methods. The Kaspersky Labs informed that the analysis of Gauss showed that it had infected around 2500 machines in Lebanon. It is capable of stealing data from the clients of several Lebanese banks while it also targets users of Citibank and PayPal. Gauss can infect USB drives on the same pattern as in case of Stuxnet and Flame computer viruses however the process of infecting USB sticks is more intelligent.

The European Union, EU, is keen to enhance ties with India in fields like counter-terrorism, cyber security and anti-piracy operations. interacting with a group of Indian journalists in Brussels, EU External Action Service Chief Operating Officer David 'O' Sulllivan said that both the sides are working to chart out common agendas.
On the issue of counter-terrorism, he said agencies concerned of the two sides are engaging each other to enhance their cooperation.Asked about India's complaint over problems in extraditing criminals from Europe, the EU officials said it was a sensitive issue for EU member countries who have strict legal procedures in this regard.On counter-piracy operations, they said the Indian Navy and EU Naval Forces are already cooperating in the piracy infested Gulf of Aden.

Iran has launched a probe into a suspected cyber attack on its main oil export terminal and on the oil ministry itself. National Iranian Oil Company said a virus was detected inside the control systems of Kharg Island, which handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil exports. However the terminal remained operational.

Iranian Mehr news agency reported that the virus hit the internet and communications systems of Iran’s oil ministry and of its national oil company. Computer systems controlling a number of Iran’s other oil facilities were disconnected from the internet as a precaution.

This is the third incident of Cyber attack on Iranian facilities. Late last year, Iran identified damages by Duqu virus which was aimed at disrupting industrial processes. In 2009-10, Iranian nuclear facilities were struck by Stuxnet computer worm.

The Defence Minister AK Antony today said that modernization process in defence procurement and upgradation of infrastructure cannot be done at the cost of core values of transparency, probity and accountability. Addressing the Unified Commanders' Conference in New Delhi, Mr Antony urged all Commanders to collectively ensure that these principles are adopted and followed in letter and spirit. Mr Antony said the modernisation process is the top most priority of the Government and to achieve the same a mechanism has been put in place. The Defence Minister stated that the Government is constantly fine-tuning the Defence Procurement Procedure to cut down delays in procurement process.

Mr Antony asked the Services to put their best foot forward by having a well-defined approach to procurement, based on clear and objective General Staff Qualitative Requirements. He stressed the need to ensure that procedures are strictly adhered to and the Services ensure the timely meeting of technical parameters.
Describing cyber crimes as another dimension in the security architecture, Mr Antony said that Information and Communication Technology is being misused by anti-social and anti-national elements. He called upon the Services to be fully aware of the implications and put in place security systems and standard operating procedures to counter such threats.