ZDNetGovWeek: Google/Apple avoid taxes, retaliation against hackers
ZDNet's worldwide team provides global 24/7 technology news and analysis. In addition to my own coverage analysis here in the ZDNet Government column and on ZDNet's DIY-IT, every week I'll bring you a selection of the best government-related articles posted by our intrepid reporters and analysts. Here are some of the most interesting from the last week.
Top stories this week
Twitter steps up security with two-factor authentication option
After a long string of high profile attacks on accounts held by government and news agencies, Twitter is finally stepping up its game.
US urged to permit self-defense retaliation on hackers
Would retaliatory attacks make hackers think twice?
US government has no idea how to wage cyberwar: Ranum
The US government's offensive approach to 'cyberwar' demonstrates that it doesn't understand that strategies and tactics used in the physical world simply don't apply to the online world, according to Tenable Security's security chief.
UK party leader: Google takes 'extraordinary lengths' to avoid taxes
Apple is under scrutiny in the U.S., and Google is facing the same treatment in the United Kingdom over tax avoidance.
US utilities under daily, constant cyberattacks: report
A new report claims that a number of U.S.-based utilities are fending off cyberattacks on a daily basis.
Did the US force China to develop its online army?
Whether the US or China started the online fight, both sides are rallying forces, and with the right spark, it could end with catastrophic consequences.
Other government coverage around ZDNet
Philippine proposed changes to cybercrime law criticized
Department of Justice recommends revisions to the country's Cybercrime Law to exclude controversial provisions already punishable under other laws. But Internet lobby group calls proposal "half-baked".
DSD begins evaluation of Samsung devices for government use
The Defence Signals Directorate is now in the process of evaluating whether certain Samsung devices running Android can be used securely in government.
Apple-esque parliament IT shop to open after federal election
The Australian Department of Parliamentary Services expects its Apple-like one-stop IT shop to be open for MPs in Parliament House after the September federal election.
Apple mobile devices okay for Defense Dept. work
The Defense Dept. recently approved iOS 6 devices as fit for DoD work and wants a multiplatform mobile management in place by early next year for Android, Apple and Blackberry solutions.
Italy kicks off all e-voting pilot in Salento
Touchscreen ballot boxes have replaced the usual set-up in two Italian towns.
Google faces further antitrust woes in the US
The US Federal Trade Commission is preparing to investigate Google over anti-competitive practices regarding its online advertising business, according to Bloomberg.
IBM settles with Australian government over e-health contract
IBM and the National E-Health Transition Authority have settled a dispute over the termination of a key AU$24 million contract.
Ireland refuses to be US 'whipping boy' over Apple tax claims
In response to U.S. Congressman allegations, European member state Ireland says it will not bow down and become America's "whipping boy."
Australia more likely attacked by accident than nation-state: Kaspersky
Australia's isolation from geo-political conflicts means it has few, if any, enemies that might try to harm it via online attacks, but it could get caught up in the collateral damage between other nation's battles.
Salesforce intros mobile apps for federal, state and local gov't response
In light of the tornadoes in Oklahoma this past week, it is more evident than ever that ever second counts, and mobile offers more opportunities to reach more people in times of trouble.