October 23, 2008 Emergency patching of all MS Windows Systems Notice

[October 23, 2008; 4:00PM]

Emergency patching for all MS Windows Systems

This morning Microsoft Corp. notified the support community of a critical new software patch for all of their supported operating systems including 2000, XP and Vista. Because of the high level of risk associated with the vulnerability addressed by this patch Microsoft took the unusual step of releasing the patch outside of their normal patching cycle.

AC&N has patched our servers and is in the process of pushing the patch down to all computers that are a member of the ADIT domain. If your desktop or lab is a member of the ADIT domain you will receive this update just as you receive the regularly scheduled updates and should follow your normal update procedures. Information Services is performing similar upgrades to IS Domain Members and other system administrators across campus are taking similar measures.

Anyone who manages their own system is strongly encouraged to download and install the patch as soon as possible. The simplest solution is to use the Update Now feature of your operating system’s security center, however you may also download the patch directly from: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-067.mspx. Please note that this patch may require a reboot of your system.

Everyone is encouraged to remember to patch your home system as well.

Please feel free to contact AC&N using the Mines Help Center (http://helpdesk.mines.edu) if you have any questions.