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Ala-based firm to combat cyberattacks

Ala-based firm to combat cyberattacks

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - A new company is being launched in Birmingham to combat computer-based attacks.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is starting an intelligence company called Malcovery in a public-private partnership.

The director of UAB's computer forensics office, Gary Warner, will serve as the company's chief technologist while remaining in his role with the university.

Warner says the company provides real-time intelligence to identify cyberattacks as they occur worldwide. Malcovery is an outgrowth of Warner's work identify computer security threats.

Malcovery is based jointly in Birmingham and in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

Comparison of procedure costs at various Ala. hospitals

Comparison of procedure costs at various Ala. hospitals

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Today we got our first-ever comprehensive look at what hospitals around the country charge for different procedures, and the newly-released data shows some big gaps in what different hospitals in our area charge for the same procedure.

Hospitals protect this cost information like KFC protects its recipe, but as part of the healthcare overhaul, the government today released thousands of pages of documents showing what hospitals charge Medicare and Medicaid for different procedures.

Before we show you the data, there are a couple of important things to remember.

These costs are what the hospitals charge the government, not what they charge healthcare insurance companies who often negotiate deep discounts as part of their contracts.

And as you'll see, there is a big difference between what a hospital charges and what the government ends up actually paying.

Tipping guide: Who, when, how much?

Tipping guide: Who, when, how much?

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- It's been around since the 17th century, so why is it that so many of us are still lost when it comes to tipping? Who gets one, when and how much?

"People that tip really well, that's one thing people should know, it changes that waiters day," waiter Stuart Bond said.

But just because tips make people in the service industry feel good and for some are what they depend on does not mean they will always see one.

"I look at tipping as you're in Vegas rolling dice. It's a crap shoot. I've had some tips when it's just 0," waiter Tony Taylor said.

In today's fast-paced world where there are more and more services offered at our fingertips, knowing when, who and how much to tip can be daunting.

Best iPhone 5 accessories

Best iPhone 5 accessories

By Simon Hill | Provided by Digital Trends

Apple's latest flagship smartphone is capable of plenty, but with the right iPhone 5 accessories you can get more from your device. Recharging is always an issue, but there are lots of options to keep your iPhone 5 battery juiced up no matter where you happen to be. You can also take advantage of docks and enhanced speakers to boost the video and audio output of your smartphone. We've identified some tempting iPhone 5 docks and speakers right here.

When it comes to iPhone 5 accessories, the options just keep on coming, and there are a lot of little extras that can really improve your experience. We cover everything from Bluetooth headsets for your iPhone 5 to touchscreen friendly gloves.

If it's protection that you're after, make sure to check out the best iPhone 5 cases.

Post-grad degrees that pay the highest

Post-grad degrees that pay the highest

By Porcshe Moran | Content provided by Investopedia

The pursuit of higher education is nearly synonymous with the pursuit of a higher salary. Some students follow their passions, while others follow dollar signs. A lucky few have passions that are also lucrative. Post-graduate degrees can often lead to a better paycheck as long as you choose the right field. The following advanced degree programs will set you on the path to at least $100,000 a year.

TUTORIAL: Financial Careers

5 smart ways to use your tax return

5 smart ways to use your tax return

By Amy Fontinelle | Content provided by Investopedia

Even when we expect our tax returns to bring a refund, we all dread preparing for the tax deadline. The arcane tax forms, instructions few can decipher and our increasingly complex financial situations make each year's return seem more painstaking than the last. Many personal finance experts recommend adjusting your withholding so that you don't get a refund check in the spring (arguing that this amounts to giving Uncle Sam an interest-free loan for several months) when you could be putting that money to immediate use. However, for some people, having the government hold their money for them is the easiest way to accomplish their savings goals.

IRS answers FAQs for last-minute Alabama filers

IRS answers FAQs for last-minute Alabama filers

If you haven't filed your taxes yet, there are still a few days left before the April 15 deadline for tax returns and extension requests.

Dan Boone, a spokesman for the IRS, says you don't need a reason or excuse to file for an extension request, but it must be filed by April 15.

The IRS estimates that more than 127,000 people in Alabama will file extensions requesting more time to fill out their tax returns and avoid the late penalty, Boone said.

The IRS offered the following answers to six most commonly asked questions from last-minute Alabama filers: