Intel advises that IT Professionals stop deploying the current versions of patches for the recently discovered security flaws in CPU chips. Find details, just updated, by searching:
Root Cause of Reboot Issue Identified Updated Guidance for Customers and Partners site:intel.com

Do not insert a space after the colon.

For most of you, deploying Microsoft patches is easy compared to managing Flash, Java, and browser updates. Oracle is releasing multiple security patches for Java SE. Additionally, if you are upgrading Chrome to the 64 bit version, Google is releasing new patches for that browser.

For executives wondering what to do at home, you may find it best to download fresh versions of any non-Microsoft browsers you use, and reinstall the most recent versions of Flash and Java, if you still use either, from https://get.adobe dot com/flashplayer/ or java dot com . Your Microsoft and/or Apple patches are likely configured to install automatically.

For both organizations and home office users, if you can remove Flash and/or Java from some or all of your computers, then you can forget about patching them. If you haven’t already, try it on a few computers. You may find that all of the websites essential to your business no longer require either. Worst case, you can re-install the most recent version.

Executives, please forward this to your IT Professionals. Be sure to, if you have not already, have a conversation with them about how aggressive you want them to be with patching. They can share the pros and cons with you. These days, an aggressive posture related to patches can increase your security dramatically, when handled properly. Provide them time to test the patches, test un-installing the patches, and then to deploy the patches in stages. They will also need to contact your cloud providers to discuss how they are handling the flaws and patches.

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First of all: Don’t panic.

Apple is removing the infected apps from the App Store.

If you receive an email about XcodeGhost, even if it appears to be from Apple themselves, be wary. If there are any links in the email message, or if there are any attachments, do not click the links or open any attachments. You may be infected by attackers who are taking advantage of frightened users.

Online lists of infected apps includes a PDF Reader app, WinZip, and card scanner applications. More apps are being discovered as the investigations continue.

If you want to find more information, enter this search into Google: XcodeGhost site:apple.com

Finally, and most importantly, raise your awareness that all devices are susceptible to attacks. It doesn’t matter what manufacturer, what platform, what operating system, or whether it is a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. We are living in a different kind of world now. Some people on the planet, very brilliant people, have different ethics and morals than you do.

Keep using good security habits!

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Test to see if you have the most recent version of Flash. Ask your IT Pros to visit, and you do this on your family’s computers too, this page:

https://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

Adobe will provide a report about what version of Flash you have, and provide a way to update it if necessary.

Forward this to all of your friends if you care about their security!  Should you omit your mother-in-law from the list of people to whom you forward this? Well, that’s up to you. 🙂

The post Stop Your Vulnerabilities in a Flash appeared first on Foster Institute.

Visit, or be sure your IT Pro visits, Adobe Flash Player to see what version of flash is installed. The page shows what version is installed on your browser, and shows the most recent version. Visit that site in each of your browsers to be sure they all have the latest version of Flash.

Thank you for helping keep the world a safer place to work and live!

Please post your comments below…

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