Security Alert: Critical Windows Updates Released Feb. 2005 (2/10/05)
On February 8, 2005, Microsoft released multiple critical security updates (patches).
These updates address vulnerabilities in Microsoft software that will definitely be exploited by future viruses, worms and other threats. All members of the campus community running Windows computers should make sure their systems are updated.
Software that requires these patches includes Internet Explorer, Windows XP, Windows 2000 and the various flavors of Windows for use on server systems. (Note that CIT no longer supports Windows 98 and ME for use on campus computers, though Microsoft is still making applicable critical updates available for these systems.)
What you should do
If you are on a departmental network, please consult with your technical support personnel about local practices for updating Windows systems. Your area may have a patch management process where new updates are tested before being made available to local systems.
People managing their own computer should use Internet Explorer to visit:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.comThe Express Install link at the Windows Update web site will automatically determine which critical updates should be installed on your computer. After the installation process, you will need to restart your system.
As a general practice, you should have your Windows computer configured to automatically deliver important updates. Under Windows XP, select Security Center under Control Panel. The safest approach is to chose the recommended Automatic option and have Windows check for updates every day.
More information
Microsoft's Security Bulletin Summaries for February, 2005
http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/200502_windows.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-feb.mspxThank you for your attention to this message. We hope it has proven useful.
Cornell Information Technologies
IT Security Office
If you need help and don't have access to local technical support personnel for assistance, please contact the CIT Contact Center (HelpDesk) by calling 255-8990, by sending e-mail to helpdesk@cornell.edu, or by visiting 119 CCC. The Contact Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended phone hours Monday-Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the academic year. If the Contact Center is closed and your problem is urgent, contact the Network Operations Center at 255-9900.
Previous critical Windows updates: July 2004
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Last modified: June 04, 2007