Many of the businesses that Homeland Secure IT serves are using Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security as their weapon of choice against malware and even spam. Once the product is loaded on their server and installed on their desktops, it will generally automatically download the security updates required to keep it current. However, every once in a while, Trend Micro …
Adobe out of band patch fixes flash vulnerability (Windows / Mac / Linux)
Adobe has released an out of band patch that corrects a flaw in Flash player which could permit an attacker to take control of an exploited system. This is actively being exploited by hackers and we recommend that the patch be applied immediately. More information about this security issue can be found on Adobe’s security website. If you require any …
Don’t FREAK out – Apple has fixed their vulnerabilities
There’s a major web encryption flaw that has been documented and widely covered in the media which permits a “man in the middle” type attack to occur from your web browser How does it work? It allows an attacker to intercept HTTPS traffic between vulnerable clients and servers, and then forces them to use an export-grade cryptography, which can then …
Microsoft Patch Tuesday should be taken seriously this time (Sept 2014)
FORTY-ONE vulnerabilities have been addressed in this edition of Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday. There are 37 security flaws in Microsoft Internet Explorer alone which are being corrected. These range from “Important” all the way up to the “Critical” level, and include one fix for a “zero day vulnerability” that attackers have been exploiting. It is recommended that you apply the patches …
Kevin Mitnick demonstrates a Microsoft Word document exploit
Did you know that most successful computer exploits that we encounter are because the user simply clicked a link, or opened a document without giving it a second thought? I think we’re all guilty of receiving an email from someone we know, or assume we know, then opening the email and following that link. I know I have done it, …
Microsoft FixIt for Word / Office should be applied without hesitation
Yesterday’s Microsoft Security Advisory announced a vulnerability in Microsoft Word which could permit remote code execution. The summary of this advisory simply states that people are being exploited due to a vulnerability. It happens when someone opens, or even previews an RTF in email using Microsoft Word as the email viewer. While Microsoft has not released a full patch at …
Zero Day Vulnerabilities addressed by Adobe and Microsoft – Get it while it’s hot!
It’s time for updates to come out from from your favorite software vendors, and whether you are using a Windows based PC or a Mac, there’s something for you this month! Applying these updates is VERY IMPORTANT – your machines are vulnerable unless you take steps to secure them. Up for your patching pleasure are the following (as listed by …
iOS 7 is more than just a bunch of pretty changes and features
By now you surely have iOS 7 installed on your Apple iPhone, iPad, or whatever iThing you own. If you are like me, you are happy with the new features, for the most part, and missing some old functionality. If you are really picky, you might have found a dozen little bugs by now, but then again, you could have …
Windows 8.1 could make a lot of people happy
The number one complaint we have heard from purchasers of new machines that come with Microsoft Windows 8 is that the desktop experience is not what they expect. Especially if they do not have a touchscreen. Typical mouse and keyboard users flip back and forth between the desktop. Have no fear, Microsoft has had mercy on your soul and the …
Microsoft Office 2003 and Office for Mac 2011 Document Handling Vulnerability
This comes straight from our partners over at WatchGuard Security Center blog and may affect you if you are using Office 2003 for Windows or Office for Mac 2011. We happen to concur with the author’s thoughts that this is probably much more severe than Microsoft’s own rating of “important”. If you need assistance with this, or any other computer …