News written by Rich Fiscus (December, 2012)

A major focus of Windows 8 is convincing users to login using a Microsoft account (formerly Live ID) rather than a traditional local account. A Microsoft account is a sort of portal to access various cloud services including 25GB of free storage via SkyDrive which is accessible directly through various apps in the new modern UI.

While it certainly makes some things much more convenient, it also introduces new security concerns which don't apply to local user accounts. Some are specific to Microsoft's services while others are simply inherent risks which go along with integrating the cloud into your daily computer use.

Some of these issues also apply to Windows 8 workstations in enterprise environments. Although Microsoft account logins don't replace the standard active directory (Windows domain) login system, you can (if your employer allows it) connect a Microsoft account to your regular Windows login. This shifts some of the security burden to your employer's IT department there may still be some measures you should take for yourself.

In this article we will examine 5 things you can do to avoid potential security problems when using your Microsoft account to login to Windows 8. That doesn't mean I recommend doing so. In fact I use a local account almost exclusively, although I do have a Microsoft account. If using this new login method doesn't address some need you

You are likely already aware of the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) which opened in Dubai on Monday. This two week conference is where a review of the International Telecommunications Rules established by a 1988 treaty is being conducted by representatives of the 178 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) members who are party to it.

The ITU, originally formed as an industry association for telegraph operators in the 1800s, has expanded over the years to become a United Nations agency with a membership consisting of nearly 200 countries and more than 700 private organizations. Although only states have votes on the adoption of ITU policy and rules, all members may propose changes.

There have been numerous accusations about secret agendas behind the most significant changes proposed to ITU-T rules which govern wireline communications across the legacy PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). Despite the fact nearly all such arguments being charged with political rhetoric and grandstanding, most of them are sadly very accurate. Rather than trying to summarize them all here I'm going to highlight the worst of the worst and provide links to more detailed information on each.