Security Bulletin
of April 4, 2007

Overview
Who is Affected

Recommended Actions

Administrative Users
Academic and All Home Windows Users
Academic and All Home Macintosh Users
Tips for Safer Computing
Further Assistance

Other Bulletins
Recent CERT Alerts

ADMINISTRATIVE Staff: If you use a computer at HOME, please read on.

STUDENTS, FACULTY, ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, ACADEMIC STAFF AND ALL HOME USERS must follow the recommendations below.

I. OVERVIEW

Several critical security holes have been identified, some of which may allow a remote attacker to place and run malicious programs on your system. One of these vulnerabilities, which affects only Windows systems, is very serious and is actively being exploited.

Both Apple and Microsoft have recently released patches to address problems identified on their respective platforms. Follow the instructions below to secure your systems.

II. WHO IS AFFECTED?

WINDOWS COMPUTERS ARE ESPECIALLY AT RISK and should apply the updates mentioned as soon as possible. However, Macintosh computers are affected by some of the critical vulnerabilities addressed in this alert and should apply the updates provided by Apple.

III. RECOMMENDED ACTION - ADMINISTRATIVE USERS ON CAMPUS

Administrative Computing will upgrade systems in Administrative Offices, but you must upgrade your home systems. Please follow the recommended actions for Window or Macintosh home systems.

IV. RECOMMENDED ACTION - STUDENTS, FACULTY, ACADEMIC STAFF, and ALL HOME WINDOWS COMPUTER USERS

1. Install all Windows critical updates. Open INTERNET EXPLORER and go to http://update.microsoft.com/
   1. If you get a message to "Install Microsoft Update today", follow the instructions on your screen to do so.
   2. Make sure you install all "required" updates. One or more reboots may be required.
2. If you have not yet done so, set your computer to automatically download new Microsoft updates.

V. RECOMMENDED ACTION - STUDENTS, FACULTY, ACADEMIC STAFF, and ALL HOME MACINTOSH COMPUTER USERS

Although Macintosh systems are not included in this alert, Macintosh users should confirm they are current with OS and Virus updates by following the instructions below.

1. Install all Macintosh OS critical updates.
   1. Under the Apple Menu select System Preferences.
   2. Double-click on Software Update.
   3. Check the option to Automatically check for updates weekly.
   4. Run Check Now
   5. Install required updates and reboot if prompted.
   6. Repeat steps above until all needed updates are installed.
2. If you have not yet done so, set your computer to automatically download new Mac updates.

VI. PRACTICE SAFER COMPUTING ALL THE TIME

Always follow the guidelines to Protect Your Computer at http://www.haverford.edu/acc/protect/.

VII. FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE

Students, faculty and academic staff please contact Academic Computing:
Telephone: 610-896-1480
Email: helpdesk@haverford.edu
Web: http://www.haverford.edu/acc/helpdesk/
Location: Stokes 204
Hours: Weekdays (except Tuesday) 9am-5pm; Tuesdays 9am-9pm

Administrative staff please contact Administrative Computing:
Telephone: 610-896-1355
Email: admincc@haverford.edu

VI. MORE INFORMATION

Additional information about computer security and current threats can be found at the following sites:

United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT )

<http://www.us-cert.gov/nav/nt01/>

McAfee Avert Threat Center

<http://www.mcafee.com/us/threat_center/default.asp>

Microsoft Security

<http://www.microsoft.com/security/>

Apple Product Security

<http://www.apple.com/support/security/>