VeriSign

VeriSign has added an extra layer of security to the Internet's .com domain, but e-retailers, banks and other Web site operators will need to upgrade their DNS hardware, software or services to take advantage of .com's new cryptographic features.

Aimed at smaller companies the DNS-server failover service is more of an insurance policy than for big companies, which expect to be hit with big, expensive attacks.

VeriSign has begun offering free malware scanning services to customers that use its SSL certificates. The goal is to make sure those customers' Web sites aren't inadvertently hosting malware that could infect visitors.

Symantec will pay US$1.28 billion to acquire VeriSign's security business.

VeriSign is reporting no serious problems with its ongoing deployment of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on the Internet's root servers and on the top-level domain servers that it operates, including the systems that power the popular .com and .net domains.

RSA and VeriSign are working together to provide organizations with the mutual benefit of an expanded VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP) Service through the availability of RSA SecurID two-factor authentication technology for more choice in one-time password (OTP) authentication. VIP is a managed, shared authentication solution that provides its users with a single one-time password (OTP) authentication device to securely access multiple Web sites.

After RIM abandoned its hostile bid for Certicom, VeriSign announced it plans to buy the security company.