WordPress boosts security with authentication service

WordPress boosts security with authentication service:

Open source blogging tool and content management system WordPress has boosted its security by incorporating the Mydigipass authentication service into its platform.

This means owners of the 54 million web and blog sites that have been built using WordPress now have the option of protecting access with a username and password combination.

Website owners do not need to worry about password encryption, management or storage, while website developers only have to download, install and configure a free plug-in.

“Once added, users are able to secure access to their account with strong authentication to avoid account theft,” according to the WordPress plug-in download site.

The authentication service helps users secure online accounts by using a portable device that is running free two-factor authentication software from Vasco Data Security International.

The software is used to generate one-time passwords to enable users to access online accounts without having to remember complex passwords.

The move is aimed at bolstering security for users of the WordPress platform, which has been a popular target for malware authors, according to security researchers.

16% of UK adults have never used the internet:

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that 7.82 million adults in the UK – 16% of the total adult population – have never used the internet.

The ONS statistics for the second quarter of 2012 show a 10% decline in the number of adults who have not used the internet.

Almost all 16 to 24 year olds (99%) have used the internet but only 29% of adults aged 75 years and over have used the internet.

A total of 87% of men have used the internet compared to 82% of women, said the ONS.

The research revealed that disabled people are three times more likely never to have used the internet than people without a disability.

London and south-east England have the  highest rate of internet use with 88% of adults, while Northern Ireland had the lowest proportion of internet users, at 77%.

Microsoft signs two patent licensing deals...

Microsoft signs two patent licensing deals covering Android, Chrome...

Microsoft said that two more companies had signed patent agreements covering their Android and Chrome devices, under the company's IP (intellectual property) licensing program that already has more than 1,100 licensing agreements.

The software giant said it would receive royalties from the two deals but did not provide details.

The agreement with Coby Electronics, a maker of Internet TVs, tablets, and other consumer electronics, provides broad coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio for Coby's products running the Android or Chrome platform, while the patent agreement with Aluratek provides coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio for Aluratek's e-readers and tablets running the Android or Chrome platform.

Microsoft said the program launched in December 2003 was developed to open access to Microsoft's research and development investments and its patent and IP portfolio, though some critics claim Microsoft views it as a revenue stream. A number of companies including Samsung have signed up for Microsoft's Android licensing program, but Motorola Mobility, now owned by Google, has not signed.

Microsoft claims Android infringes some of its patents, hence the requirement for these licensing agreements.

One holdout, Barnes & Noble settled patent litigation with Microsoft over its Android-based Nook e-reader in April as part of a broader alliance with Microsoft. Barnes & Noble and a new subsidiary set up with Microsoft under the terms of the alliance will pay Microsoft royalties for its Nook and table products.

Motorola and Microsoft have legal disputes in a number of countries, including one over patent infringement by the Xbox before the U.S. International Trade Commission. A court in Munich ruled in May that Motorola infringes on a Microsoft patent relating to SMS messaging.