Trend Micro’s iClean Malware removal tool is being targeted by Chinese Malware distributors according to a report by Trend Micro. These distributors are sending out their own version of iClean Malware removal tool which is packaged with a backdoor Trojan “BKDR_POISON.GO.” The file is sent through an email, which is a very well copied version of original Trend Micro marketing material. The attached file is called "iClean20.exe." which is in fact an actual copy of iClean, but has the Trojan built in to it.

As a reminder, Trend Micro is informing its clients that they do not send any tool as a part of an email attachment and to be wary of opening any such attachments that are supposedly sent by them.

Comcast, one of the largest broadband cable providers in the US, is facing sanctions by the FCC over their "delaying" techniques when it comes to customers' traffic. Of the 5 member FCC panel, the three Democrats on the panel have pledged to vote against Comcast. Comcast has received widespread criticism for dropping and delaying network traffic related to peer-to-peer file sharing activity. While the idea of delaying certain kinds of network traffic may seem like a good idea--faster internet for your email and web browsing--throttling certain kinds of web traffic poses a threat to the basic premise of the internet: open access to all. The obvious next step, were net neutrality to be abandoned, would be for ISPs to monetize on their ability to slow down certain websites. AT&T and TimeWarner have publicly stated as much, floating plans for a two-tiered internet. Customers and websites would be charged more for their traffic in exchange for preferential speeds. For instance it would allow Comcast to create a bidding war between Yahoo and Google over whose web pages load faster.

It appears the FCC, partially in reaction to efforts by the EFF, has chosen to recognize the dangers bandwidth throttling pose to the internet. Comcast said in a statement to the news website Ars Technica, "[...] we continue to assert that our network management practices were reasonable, wholly consistent with industry practices and that we did not block access to Web sites or online applications, including peer-to-peer services. We do not believe the record supports any other conclusion."

In October 2007 the Associated Press conducted a series of tests, and found that Comcast was indeed throttling certain kinds of traffic. Comcast responded by issuing a statement that "We have a responsibility to manage our network to ensure all our customers have the best broadband experience possible. This means we use the latest technologies to manage our network to provide a quality experience for all Comcast subscribers." Comcast was found to be sending "reset packets" on behalf of their subscribers, which causes slower downloads for both Comcast customers, and anyone who is connected to a Comcast customer. Comcast's actons could be seen as an attack on other non-Comcast customers, by interferring with their connectivity.

Later, in February 2008, Comcast revised their ToS, stating "[Comcast] uses reasonable network management practices that are consistent with industry standards." Given Comcast's lack of integrity shown by their lying to the public, the FCC's decision is a welcome intervention to protect customers' rights. The FCC panel will vote on Friday, August 1st about whether to sanction Comcast.