Computer Security at UB
  Critical Alerts
& Advisories


Current Email Phishing Attempts Targeting UB Community

Microsoft Security Bulletin for June 2009


Apple Security Updates Through June 2009 (Includes Apple QuickTime Player Updates)


Flaws in Adobe Reader Leave Computers Vulnerable: Disable JavaScript
Follow the link to learn how to do this.

Alert: Updates are now available for Adobe Reader 9 and Acrobat 9 to address critical vulnerability


Symantec Endpoint Protection Antivirus for Windows Upgrade available to Faculty, Staff, Students


University at Buffalo Emergency Web Site


• Learn how to recognize phishing scams by playing CMU's Anti-Phishing Phil


USB Device Nightmare Becomes Reality (Campus Technology)


Mozilla/Firefox browser: Download Latest Version


US-CERT: Risks of Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Technology

Latest Threats & Advisories (Symantec)

Latest Vulnerabilities & Alerts (US-Cert)

Are hackers using your PC to spew spam & steal? (USA Today)

SANS OUCH! Archive - Monthly Security Awareness Alert for End Users

Important Links
UB IT Policies

Symantec Virus & Worm Removal Tools

Microsoft: Protect Your PC Steps

Mac Security: SecureMac.com site

Symantec Security Check

Glossary of Security Terms (WhatIs.com)

Did you know?
You can use a public computer more securely if you follow these 5 safety tips. (Microsoft)

Also: Follow the links for protecting your laptop on the road and using public wireless networks more securely.

Yo
ur role in keeping your computers secure
Your situation Your role
Managed Workstation
Configuration, installations, and updates are done for you, usually automatically over the network. Many work computers fall into this category.
Do not change anything without explicit permission from your IT support staff.  Someone else is taking care of security management for you.
Don't be fooled into helping attackers: follow the best practices in step 4 on this page.
Supported Workstation
An IT support person works with you to perform installs & updates on the computer. Many work computers fall into this category.
Talk to your IT support staff about what is being done for you and what steps you need to take yourself.
Don't be fooled into helping attackers: follow the best practices in step 4 on this page.
Do-It-Yourself
You have no assigned IT support person for this computer. You will need to keep your computer secure yourself.  Most home computers and many laptops fall into this category.
Follow all 4 Steps of Computer Management on this page. Click on the links to get step-by-step instructions.  Use the UBIT software download site to get antivirus software for your computer free-of-charge. 
* Adapted, with permission, from the University of Washington, Every Computer Needs Management Web page and security campaign: http://www.washington.edu/computing/security. Many thanks to Rick Ells from Computing & Communications, University of Washington.
four steps of computer management

1. Before connecting a new (or used) computer to any network or the Internet for the first time...
• Apply any critical operating system (OS) updates from CD or other media
— Burn a CD with the updates or copy them to a USB device
— Get OS Updates: Mac  Windows  UBLinux
Burning a CD in UB's Public Computing Areas
• Install antivirus software from the UBIT software site and scan & clean your system.
• Reset any default passwords:  Choosing a good/strong password
• Turn off file and print sharing
• Ask your IT support person about turning on a firewall: MacOS X  Windows

2. Establish a security routine
Automate your operating system updates
Mac Windows
• Automate your antivirus updates Mac Windows
• Perform other software updates regularly Mac Windows
• Ask your IT support staff about turning on a firewall MacOS X  Windows
• Regularly run an anti-spyware program
Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware
• Don't use administrator accounts to do your work

3. Be ready for infections & system failures
 Backup your files regularly:  Using removable media, Windows: Using UBFS space and Web Folders
• Be prepared in case you have to rebuild your system
— Keep your installation CDs for the operating system and other software handy
— Have a plan for getting system updates on CD or other media.
• In case of infection:
—Update your antivirus software before scanning   Mac doc Windows doc
— Use Antivirus software to scan, then reboot, repeating scan/reboot until system is cleaned
How to Recover from a Virus Attack
— You may have to reformat and rebuild your system

Upgrade to supported operating systems: Microsoft LifeCycle List Macintosh: Support for Older Operating Systems

4. Don't be fooled into helping attackers
Do not share your password with anyone; choose a good password
• Do not open unexpected attachments: the best practice is to scan all attachments with antivirus software before opening
• Do not download unknown programs from the Web
• Do not trade unknown files with peer-to-peer programs . Turn off file sharing in peer-to-peer software
• Do not believe amazing offers and unlikely stories and beware of phishing scams
5 Safety Tips for Using a Public Computer (Microsoft)

Last Updated 9/14/04
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