NetPresence

Canadian researchers hired by the exiled Dalai Lama have discovered an extensive computer spying operation that has pilfered documents from hundreds of office computers around the world.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have found evidence that about 1,300 computers in 103 countries had been penetrated by a computer spying operation apparently centered in China. Targets of the spying included embassies, various government offices and even some businesses. 

The spy operation is still functioning, and appears to have concentrated on gathering intelligence from Asian governments, including the Tibetan government-in-exile of the Dalai Lama.

The cyber-conspiracy group is called “GhostNet” according to reports in The New York Times.

As the popularity of social networking software penetrates  the workplace, Jive Software revealed a strategic plan on March 10 to lead deployment of social business software in the enterprise market. Citing 70 percent growth and use by more than 200 big named companies, the software firm claims it is in a unique position to thrive during difficult economic times.

Jive CEO Dave Hersh said in a news release, “the bad economy is driving executives to invest in new ways get business done.” He added “Social Business Software is the first new application category to appear in over a decade that delivers a real breakthrough in cost, productivity, and competitive advantage. ”

The announcement made enough waves in the business technology sector that it became the subject of a lead article in the Business Tech section of Cnet News.

In its press release, Jive cited research projections that more than 30 percent of large organizations in the U.S.  will have made social software available to its employees by 2012.