To: All students, faculty and staff
From: University Technology Services
Recently, several Internet security threats have made the news. What you may not realize is that not every threat makes the headlines. In fact, dozens of threats and vulnerabilities that can affect computer operating systems, applications and browsers are discovered each month.
Here are some general steps that you can take to protect your computer equipment and your data:
1 ) Always apply the latest operating system and software updates.
Windows Update
To update your Windows operating system, go to http://update.microsoft.com. The site will guide you through downloading and installing any needed patches.
Apple
Visit the Apple website for software updates. Instructions for patching Apple systems are available here:
Mobile OS: http://www.apple.com/ios/
Mac: http://www.apple.com/softwareupdate/
2 ) Install and maintain anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
3 ) Enable a firewall on your PC.
4 ) Exercise caution when visiting untrusted websites. Avoid clicking suspicious links or opening e-mail messages from unfamiliar senders. Once click could send you to a malicious website that delivers malware to your computer.
5 ) Use strong passwords that include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Recent issues
• For more information about the Internet Explorer vulnerability you may have read about recently, and to find out what specific action you can take, please visit:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/securitytipstalk/archive/2014/04/28/guidance-for-internet-explorer-vulnerability.aspx
UPDATE: Microsoft Announces Special Patch for IE 0-day (Win XP included!)
Microsoft has announced a security update for Internet Explorer, including the XP browser. If you have "automatic updating" enabled on your PC, you will not need to take any action, because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Users who want to install this security update manually - including users who have not enabled the "automatic updating" function - should apply the update immediately. You can check for updates using Windows Update, by going to http://update.microsoft.com.
For more information, please visit:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms14-021.aspx
NOTE: University Technology Services will apply this update to University-owned machines after our testing is complete.
• The Windows XP operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft. XP users should begin using a browser other than Internet Explorer, such as Firefox or Chrome. Both can be downloaded easily.
UPDATE: The special Microsoft patch does include Windows XP.
However, because Microsoft no longer supports XP, it is highly recommended that users upgrade to a new operating system. PLEASE NOTE: Windows XP will no longer be supported on the campus network starting with the Fall 2014 semester.
Note: Over the next few months, University Technology Services will be replacing the remaining University-owned XP systems with newer systems.
• For general tips and information on Internet safety and security, please visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.aspx
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips