HP slips out new Slimline, Elite series desktops + "Shadow Network" steals sensitive Indian government data

Following the full disclosure of its upcoming tablet PC, HP has introduced three new desktop models, the Slimline s5305z and s5350z, along with the Pavilion Elite HPE-190t. As their names denote, the Slimline models are small form factor systems, while the Pavilion Elite is a full-sized high-performance desktop. All of the machines are available now, and ship with Windows 7.

Starting at $300, the s5305z comes equipped with your choice of AMD Sempron or Athlon II processors, 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of DDR3 1066MHz RAM, 320GB to 750GB of storage, and it offers a range of graphics options, such as a GeForce 6150, G210, GT 220, and a Radeon HD 4350, or 5450. The system also has an optional Blu-ray player/writer, optional Wi-Fi support, a 6-in-1 card reader, optional TV tuner, and 5.1 channel audio.

The s5350z is priced at $480 and upgrades those specs to an Althlon X4 or Phenom X4, 3GB to 8GB of RAM, and up to 1.5TB of storage. Meanwhile, the HPE-190t kicks off at $1,900 and is decked out with a Core i7-980X six-core Extreme Edition CPU, 9GB to 24GB of RAM, a 1GB Radeon HD 4850, 5570, or GeForce GT 220, as many as two 1.5TB HDDs, a 15-in-1 card reader, and most, if not more optional trinkets than the Slimeline systems offer.

==========================================================

"Shadow Network" steals sensitive Indian government data

North American researchers have exposed what appears to be a spy network targeting the government of India and other countries with the intention of collecting highly classified and sensitive data. Reminiscent of the "Ghost Network" found about a year ago, this so-called "Shadow Network" proves to be even more extensive, more sophisticated and focuses on the broader whole of the Indian government instead of just the Dalia Llama.

The primary vector of attack is malware -- as was with the Ghost Network -- which created a distributed network of information pilfering linking back to China. Compromised data may have included confidential documents regarding leading political opposition groups along with documents concerning Indian relationships with Russia, the Middle East and West Africa. Despite being mostly focused on the Indian Government, the Shadow Network also targeted the Dalai Llama's offices, including numerous private companies and the Pakistan Embassy in the U.S.

As typical with any cyber-criminal activity seemingly Chinese in origin, the Chinese government has denied any ties to the Shadow Network and perhaps rightfully so -- It is thought this is actually the work of a Sichuan-based Gang but few details are available at the moment.