Critical Security Alerts.
About the Security Notice.
This is a list of recent and very critical security issues that
can adversely impact every computer user. Please read them carefully
and update your computer systems, accordingly.
These issues are generally not available via the operating system
automatic update feature. It is critical that all computer users
review these updates and insure their computer is updated.
The Sun Java Platform Vulnerability.
Google's Security team has discovered vulnerabilities in the Sun Java Runtime
Environment that threatens the security of all platforms, browsers and even mobile
devices.
“This is as bad as it gets,” said Chris Gatford, a security expert
from penetration testing firm Pure Hacking. View the ZDNet Article on the
Java Runtime Security Vulnerability
[EXT].
Please download the update immediately. Manual Download for Sun Java Version
6 Update 2 [EXT].
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The Adobe Flash Player Exploit.
Adobe has issued three critical security updates, one of which is designed
to stop a problem in the way the Flash player interacts with browsers, which
could result in users' keystrokes being transmitted to attackers.
Adobe Flash Player 9.0.45.0, 8.0.34.0 and 7.0.69.0, as well as their earlier
versions running on all platforms, are affected. View the
ZDNet Article on the Adobe Flash Player Security Vulnerability
[EXT].
Please download the update immediately. Manual
Download for the Adobe Flash Player Update [EXT].
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Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack One.
One Tuesday, 11 December 2007, Microsoft released the first service
pack update for its Office 2007 productivity suite.
No improvements or user enhancements are included with this release. It is
primarily a maintenance release that focuses on crashes of applications
under certain conditions, security updates and performance enhancements.
Microsoft initially intended release early in 2008. Because of the
security and performance issues addressed it is a recommended update.
It has been reported that it will not be available via Window's automatic
updates for three to six months. However, that may not be the case since
it was available to this author via automatic updates the day of its
release. You may visit the Microsoft Download Center [EXT] to download the service pack
release. You may, also, directly download the full service pack release [EXT].
Please note that the direct download does not
include the service pack releases for Visio 2007, Project 2007 or Sharepoint
Designer 2007. Those service packs will need to be downloaded separately
from the Microsoft Download Center [EXT].
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Microsoft Internet Explorer “Click to Activate”
Control.
One Tuesday, 11 December 2007, Microsoft released a change to the
“Click to Activate” control that appears within Internet
Explorer on some Web pages.
This control [Internet Explorer Automatic Component Activation, ACA] was
implemented in April 2006 to accommodate an Eolas patent claim dispute
won by Eolas. The “Click to Activate” appeared on sites that
used certain ways of displaying multimedia content. Microsoft has entered
into a license arrangement with Eolas that now precludes the need for this
annoying “Click to Activate” feature.
This feature change will be delivered as an automatic update in April
2008. It is and will be delivered within Windows XP Service Pack Three and
with Vista Service Pack One. If you wish to use the feature change before
April 2008 or prior to release of one of the above service packs, Microsoft's Knowledge Base Article 945007 [EXT] has
links for downloading and installing the required Automatic Component
Activation [ACA] update.
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If you have any questions regarding the Security Alert Notice, please
e-Mail that boinkin guy.
End of the Critical Security Alerts Content.
.
Obscure Evasive Code.
Security Necessities.
It is imperative that your computer be kept current with all
operating system updates, Web browser updates and new releases,
virus definition file updates, firewall updates and anti–spyware
definition file updates.
All programs and applications that are dependent upon use of the Internet,
such as e-Mail applications and software, should be kept current with
their latest release and updates.
Be sure to have your computer system scanned, at least weekly, by your
anti–virus and your anti–spyware software applications. Because
of the profusion of malware, spyware and trojans, use of two, preferably
three, different anti–spyware applications is recommended.
Photography.
Priorities.
Computer Security?
Right now, who cares.
