Early this week a major bug was discovered in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer – IE – that would allow code imbedded in web sites to potentially exploit the computers who visit those sites. This has many people wondering if they should use a different browser besides IE.
Some people choose to use a different browser other than IE. I use Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer depending on the task. You may choose to switch browsers or use other browsers as well. Just keep in mind that ALL browsers need to stay patched and current. If your organization uses WSUS for patches, keep in mind that WSUS will patch IE but will not patch Firefox centrally – a reason to consider staying on IE.
The most important thing is, no matter what browser you use, be sure to keep all the applications, operating systems, and firmware in your devices patched with the latest security patches. If you continue to use IE, be sure to backup your computers and apply the patch using a staged deployment when Microsoft releases the patch on Wednesday.
Posted by Mike Foster in Best Practices, IT Security, Technology on December 17th, 2008.
Tags: computer security, Internet, protect, secure, security
An IT professional discovered an unauthorized computer on the network! “I know all our computer names and I knew this one did not belong. I immediately called our consultants thinking we were being compromised. They said the computer was in our office. I searched through the office and found that one of the (employees) brought in a (outside representative) into the office and set her up in one of our offices. She was allowed to plug her laptop in to our network and proceeded to access the internet.” I frequently come across offices that freely offer for visitors to “plug in to the network” to check e-mail or access the Internet. Same with offering visitors wireless access. The people offering access to complete strangers obviously have no idea of the danger.
Continue reading ‘Are employees or guests connecting unauthorized computers to your network?’
Posted by Mike Foster in Best Practices, IT Security, Technology on March 26th, 2008.
Tags: block, computer, ethernet, guest, infection, IT, laptop, meeting room, network, policy, protect, security, unauthorized, virus, WiFi