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Important Windows Security Updates Announced
April 15, 2004

Academic Computing and Networking is monitoring reports that one or more exploits have been released for recently announced vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows operating systems.

The danger from these exploits is very high, and may result in infection rates similar to those we saw last September with the Blaster/Welchia outbreaks. Some of these vulnerabilities can be exploited automatically by remote attackers (you only need to be connected to the network to be attacked. You do not need to open an email or visit a web page to be compromised). Furthermore, recent trends in worm development suggest that such a worm could be more destructive than past infestations. For example one recent worm deleted everything on the local hard drive.

AC&N is making three specific recommendations:
    1. You should make certain that you have current backup copies of all important data, including email messages. This backup should be to CD, DVD, tape or other media that is removed from your system.

    2. Anyone with a host firewall system, including anyone running Microsoft Windows XP, should verify that the firewall is turned on. Instructions for using the firewall built in to Windows XP are available from Microsoft: <http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/windowsxp/firewall.asp>

    3. Install the patches now. Microsoft's automated patching system is available by selecting Windows Update from the Tools menu of Internet Explorer, or via the web: <http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com>. Be advised that patch installation requires system administrator level privilege.

Please note that these recommendations apply to your computers at home as well as those on campus.

AC&N will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves, and will update the campus as events warrant. Please check our web site: <http://www.mines.edu/academic/computer/> for the latest information.

 

Questions and comments -- open a ticket at the Mines Help Center
Thursday, 13-Sep-2007 09:48:22 MDT