Security Updates
Summary:
Vital sources of Microsoft security, updates and upgrades. Information
on automatic updates and settings for Windows- based operating systems.
Purpose:
To provide
links to a major software company's security resources.
To explain your settings for automatic updates using your browser (if supported). To provide
some helpful Windows
Tips
& Terms.
Resources
Windows® updates
Click here 
Network updates
Click here
Microsoft® Security
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Advice:
Older Operating systems- Seriously consider abandoning
your DOS, 98 & ME
operating systems on individual and networked computers, as soon
as possible. Few new application
software programs provide a secure environment. Your best security alternatives
for these operating systems are: CA &
Kaspersky.
The
antiquated
file system (FAT) does not allow for security groups, a requirement for password
or
support for an encrypted fie system.The list goes on.
It's
not
you
that
keeps
crashing
ME,
it
is
build-in.
Windows XP™- Windows Vista™ & Server(s) are
providing major security improvements. An operating
system is the same as
a engine in a car. You have no choice but to rely on it to drive everything else.
If the engine is faulty, all of the other components suffer the consequences-
your application software, the integrity of your data, additional hardware components
and accessories. You need to keep your operating system software patched
and
updated- more than ever.
Turn On Automatic updates
Go to Start> Control
Panel-
click on >
Automatic Updates. Make sure it is set for "Automatic (recommended). When
an
update is available, we like to view Custom to see what we are getting & how
big. If it is a large update, we do a "Restore point"- prior to the
update, just
in case.
See more info on Restore
points.
Using Internet
Explorer 7 to check for Windows Updates:
In the top Menu bar- Click on Tools- Windows Update and follow the directions.
We suggest shutting down other Internet related and regular applications
prior
to
running the update search. You are asked whether you want Express or Custom.
We suggest
allowing
Microsoft
to do their scan of your system using Custom so you can better determine which
updates are suitable. At the minimum, we review and select any update that refers
to Security. You should let the update proceed uninterrupted and anticipate you
could
be asked
to re-start your computer. Updates have been coming fast and furious since
the
introduction of Vista. There appears to be a disconnect between your individual
computer needs and what Microsoft wants to serve up- right now. Do not be concerned
if
some or several updates do not install- like Office 2007 if
you are not running it or
.NET Framework versions that are prior updates.
By selecting the Custom option, you can review and select which updates you require.
Yes, we know it is annoying that the update icon will not turn off. We find it
more effective to go right to the Microsoft Update site and have a check run.
Then, we decide which ones are applicable since the most recent usually includes
fixes for older updates.
Recent important updates- Up to Nov. 2007
Microsoft has released
six security bulletins -- four "critical" and
two "important" (MS07-055 to MS07-060) -- covering 9 separate
vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities affect the following operating
systems/operating system components: Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows
XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Outlook Express, Windows Mail,
and Internet Explorer. Microsoft Office affected software includes: Word
2000/2002 Service Pack 3, Office 2004 for Mac, and Office SharePoint
Service 2007.
Please note that Security updates are only available for
XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), which leaves all older versions of MS operating
systems for personal computers in the dust. Be sure to include "Hidden
Updates" and check yourself for updates at least once a month using Internet
Explorer under
"Tools"> "Windows Update". You maybe surprised at the number you have
actually missed even with automatic update turned on.
Jan. 7, 2008- If you are being hounded by updates for .Net Framework version 1.1 that will not install even though you are running version 1.1, you are not alone. Hopefully, Microsoft will have this sorted out soon. Still waiting but turned update off when asked.
Microsoft is constantly
updating their "Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool". In effect
is their way to determining if you have legal software license(s) on
your machine to secure their financial future under the guise of a
security update.
General risks consist of:
- Loss of personal data
- Remote system access by cyber criminals
- "Drive by "downloads
of malware and other intrusive programs
- Elevation of privilege
allowing admin functions to be performed by others
- Denial
of service - both on your system and Internet & server sites
"Today's Microsoft patches emphasize the need for proactive browser protection
and the risk of surfing the Web unprotected," said Dave Marcus, security
research and communications manager at McAfee Avert Labs. "Many of the vulnerabilities
addressed by the fixes could be exploited if a Windows user simply clicks a malicious
Web link, a favorite attack method among cyber criminals. Users need to be more
careful than ever when surfing the Internet."
Do not rely on updates to your operating system software to be the only
protection you use to protect your system(s). Ongoing Microsoft vulnerabilities
underscore the need to:
1.- Regularly update your operating system with the latest patches.
2.- Maintain active virus, hacker, spyware and other identity theft protection.
Dec. 17, 2008- Internet Explorer Users- Please visit Microsoft vulnerability bulletin for download to fix security problems, if you have not automatically received it! Re-boot & Run an advanced antivrus or Internet Security program afterwards.
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