Security Bulletin Advance Notice for October 2013

On Tuesday, October 8, 2013, Microsoft is planning to release eight (8) bulletins.  Four of the bulletins are identified as Critical with the remaining four bulletins rated Important.

The Critical updates address vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer, .NET Framework and Windows. The Critical update for Internet Explorer will be a cumulative update which will address the publicly disclosed issue described in Security Advisory 2887505. 

The updates to Internet Explorer and Windows will require a restart.  For those people who run into problems with .NET Framework updates, it is recommended that the update be installed separately with a restart between other updates.

Users of Windows XP are reminded that support ends for Windows XP on April 8, 2014.  See Tim Rains article, The Risk of Running Windows XP After Support Ends April 2014.

As happens each month, Microsoft will also release an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

References

• MSRC: Advance Notification Service for October 2013 Security Bulletin Release
• TechNet: Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for October 2013

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

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2013 U.S. and Canadian Cyber Security Awareness Month #NCSAM

Cyber Security Awareness Month is observed in the United States and Canada.  The purpose is to increase public awareness of cyber security.  The theme for the 2013 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) is Our Shared Responsibility.

There are many areas to consider when discussing cyber security.  The area I consider most dangerous is Identity Theft.  Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge.  With your personal information, thieves are able to open credit cards and bank accounts, set up mobile service, make online purchases and more, destroying your credit in the process.

Let's examine what we can do to protect ourselves from Identity Theft.

Prevent Identity Theft

A few items to consider to protect your personal information include:

• Only provide your Social Security Number when absolutely necessary.  
• Never publicly post your address, phone number, driver’s license number, social security number (SSN) or student ID number.
• Shred documents that contain personal information.
• Use a strong password to protect your banking, credit card as well as accounts where you make online purchases or make payments.
• Use a unique password at each site.
• Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact.
• Keep your computer updated with both Microsoft Security Updates as well as third-party software such as Adobe and Oracle Java products.

What cyber security tips do you have?  Share your favorites in the comments and be sure to check the additional resources provided below.

Resources:

• Canadian Twitter Accounts:
  -- Public Safety Canada, @Safety_Canada
  -- Get Cyber Safe, @getcybersafe   
• Get Cyber Safe
• Microsoft Safety and Security Center
• Stay Safe on Line:  National Cyber Security Awareness Month
• Stop | Think | Connect
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: National Cyber Security Awareness Month 
• U.S. Twitter Accounts:
  -- NatlCyberSecAlliance @StaySafeOnline
  -- Identity Theft Resource Center, @ITRCSD
  -- STOP THINK CONNECT, @STOPTHINKCONNECT

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Read More