Story 2015-06-10

Security updates for Adobe Flash Player flaws that could lead to info theft, malware attacks

by
in security on (#ATX9)
story imageAdobe has released security updates for Adobe Flash Player for Windows, Macintosh and Linux. These updates address 13 vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. Adobe recommends users update their product installations to the latest versions:

Linux users should update to version 11.2.202.466
Windows and Macintosh users should update to version 18.0.0.160
Extended Support Release for Windows and Macintosh is 13.0.0.292.*

Users of Internet Explorer on Windows 8.x and Google Chrome on Windows, Linux and Mac will receive the Flash Player update for their respective browser automatically. Adobe also released updates for the AIR runtime on Windows, Mac and Android, as well AIR SDK and Compiler, because these programs bundle Flash Player.

History has shown that attackers are quick to target new Flash flaws after a fix becomes available for them. Earlier this year, attackers started exploiting a Flash Player vulnerability just one week after Adobe released a patch for it.

Used A380 superjumbos threaten Airbus sales

by
in anime on (#ATVR)
story imageAirbus hasn't won a new airline customer for its flagship A380 superjumbo, the world's biggest commercial jet, in almost three years and needs to sell close to 30 a year just to break even. Now Airbus is set to face a fresh challenge as used A380 aircraft hit the market. Malaysia Airlines would like to dispose of two of its six A380s, while two built for failed carrier Skymark Airlines are seeking new owners. Thai Airways could also attempt to sell some of its six planes, all of them less than three years old. In addition, some of the oldest A380s are poised come off lease.

The A380, marketed as seating about 540 people in three classes, is generally too large for all but the densest routes, or ones where carriers must pack passengers onto fewer flights because of a lack of airport slots. Airbus COO John Leahy said second-hand A380s will be attractive to customers who would otherwise opt for a smaller and cheaper plane like the Boeing Co. 777 because they'll be available at similar rates. Used A380s are likely to be available at a fraction of the plane's $428 million list price. Second-hand A380s will benefit from the fact that airlines have generally used them on long routes, accruing a relatively low number of flight cycles.