Protect Your Computer from New Threats
Last updated: April 10, 2007
Note: This story may not be current. It is part of the IT News Archive, and exists as a historical document.
Computer security risks are an everyday part of life. However, with several recent security-related events occurring in quick succession, Information Technology wishes to reinforce the need for the campus computing community to take precautions to protect itself.
Here are the events:
- A Microsoft Windows vulnerability was patched last week.
- Additional software security updates were released by Microsoft on Tuesday, April 10.
- A recent Mac OS X software update was issued, which included security updates.
- Virus-infected email messages, now circulating, are tricking people into opening them with false reports of a US-Iran war.
Protect Yourself
IT strongly recommends that you protect yourself and your work. Remember, it doesn't take much for your computer to get infected or compromised, and sometimes it's hard to tell if it is.By taking the following actions with both your UH and home computers, you'll greatly reduce your risks:
- Make sure your computers are up-to-date with security software updates ("patches") -- especially security updates.
- Make sure you have installed, and are using the latest version of anti-virus software.
- Keep your operating system (OS) and Microsoft Office software up-to-date.
- Be suspicious of email messages and other electronic communications from sources you don't know or recognize.
- Don't ever open email attachments from unknown sources.....delete messages containing them.
Resources
- Microsoft Update: http://update.microsoft.com
- Apple Software Updates: http://www.apple.com/support/downloads (Go to the Software Updates section)
- UH Anti-Virus Downloads: http://www.uh.edu/antivirus
- Updating your computer's operating system: http://www.uh.edu/infotech/php/template.php?nonsvc_id=715
