In the television show "Fear Factor," people do foolish things for money. While the stunts are ultimately harmless, one may question whether eating worms or sticking one's head in lard for a cash reward is worth it.

In the technology arena, there's a similar activity going on. But in this case, the actions are more careless and the outcome more devastating. This is the practice of selling used back-up tapes.

Symantec has stopped selling a password auditing tool to customers outside the US and Canada, citing US Government export regulations.

A reader who works for a large UK supermarket was this month unable to buy a copy of LC 5, a tool developed by @stake prior to its recent acquisition by Symantec. LC 5 is the commercial version of a password auditing / breaking tool better known as L0phtCrack.

Mobile security threats are expected to triple next year as smart phones and other mobile devices become more prevalent, according to a study released Monday by McAfee Avert Labs.

The number of malicious software programs created for mobile devices is expected to reach 726 by the end of 2006, up from an estimated 226 at the end of 2005, according to McAfee. Mobile malware is not the only area expected to rise in the new year, said Craig Schmugar, virus research manager for McAfee Avert Labs.

A Santa Claus worm is attempting to trick America Online, Microsoft MSN and Yahoo instant-messaging users into clicking on a file that delivers unwanted software to a victim's computer.

The IM.GiftCom.All worm attempts to dupe IM users into thinking an acquaintance has sent them a link to a harmless Santa Claus file, according to a security advisory issued Tuesday by IMlogic.