As big companies like eBay and Target bolster their defenses following attacks from hackers, experts say that cybercriminals are also targeting other e-commerce and retail firms that could be vulnerable to phishing attacks intended to steal credit-card and other personal data. The targets include China’s largest e-commerce company, Alibaba, which is preparing to launch a U.S. IPO soon. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) — an industry,
AT&T’s proposed acquisition of DirecTV Group for $49 billion raises long-term questions over its U-verse marketing strategy and capital spending. Only half of consumers who buy AT&T’s (T) U-verse broadband Internet service also buy AT&T’s TV service. AT&T ended Q1 with 11.3 million U-verse broadband customers and 5.7 million TV subscribers. Verizon Communications (VZ) has had more success selling consumers a package of broadband and pay TV. More
AT&T might set its M&A sights on Latin America, particularly Brazil, if U.S. regulators approve its acquisition of satellite-TV broadcaster DirecTV Group, analysts say. AT&T (T) has agreed to buy DirecTV (DTV) for $48.5 billion, mostly in stock, turning away from another purported object of interest, U.K.-based Vodafone (VOD), whose wireless business spans Europe, India and other emerging markets. Acquiring DirecTV would give AT&T a financial