Microsoft security updates for August 2007

As part of Microsoft's routine, monthly security update cycle, today we released 9 security updates and re-released one: MS07-042 - addresses a vulnerability for Windows and Microsoft Office (KB 936227) MS07-043 - addresses a vulnerability for Windows, Office for Mac, and Visual Basic (KB 921503) MS07-044 - addresses a vulnerability for Microsoft Office (KB 940965) MS07-045 - addresses a vulnerability for Internet Explorer (KB 937143) MS07-046 - addresses a vulnerability for all editions of Windows except Windows Vista (KB 938829) MS07-047 - addresses a vulnerability for Windows Media Player (KB 936782) MS07-048 - addresses a vulnerability for all editions of Windows Vista (KB 938123) MS07-049 - addresses a vulnerability for Microsoft Virtual PC, Microsoft Virtual Server, and Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac (KB 937986) MS07-050 - addresses a vulnerability for Internet Explorer (KB 938127) MS07-038 - If you have already successfully installed this Microsoft Windows update, you do not need to take any action. If this update didnt install successfully visit the Microsoft Update Web site now. (KB 935807) More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/bulletins/200708.mspx For assistance in deploying these and other Microsoft updates, visit http://gfactor.gtechserv.com.

Microsoft security updates for July 2007

As part of Microsoft's routine, monthly security update cycle, we released the following security updates in July: MS07-036 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Office Excel (KB 936542) MS07-037 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Office Publisher (KB 936548) MS07-038 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows (KB 935807) MS07-039 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows (KB 926122) MS07-040 - addresses a vulnerability in the .NET Framework (KB 931212) MS07-041 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 running IIS 5.1 (KB 939373) MS06-078 - MS06-078 has been updated to support the release of Windows Server 2003 SP2 (KB 923689 and KB 925398) More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/bulletins/200707.mspx For assistance in deploying these and other Microsoft updates, visit http://gfactor.gtechserv.com.

DHS acknowledges own computer break-ins

More than 800 hacker attacks, virus outbreaks and other problems

WASHINGTON - The Homeland Security Department, the lead U.S. agency for fighting cyber threats, suffered more than 800 hacker break-ins, virus outbreaks and other computer security problems over two years, senior officials acknowledged to Congress. In one instance, hacker tools for stealing passwords and other files were found on two internal Homeland Security computer systems. The agencys headquarters sought forensic help from the departments own Security Operations Center and the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team it operates with Carnegie Mellon University.

In other cases, computer workstations in the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration were infected with malicious software detected trying to communicate with outsiders; laptops were discovered missing; and agency Web sites suffered break-ins. The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said such problems undermine the governments efforts to encourage companies and private organizations to improve cyber security. What the department is doing on its own networks speaks so loudly that the message is not getting across, Thompson said.

Oversight hearing Congressional investigators, expected to testify Wednesday during an oversight hearing about the departments security lapses, determined that persistent weaknesses threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of key DHS information and information systems, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office being released later in June.

The Homeland Security Departments chief information officer, Scott Charbo, assured lawmakers his organization was working to prevent such problems. We need to increase our vigilance to ensure that such incidents do not happen again, Charbo wrote in testimony prepared for Wednesdays hearing. The department takes these incidents very seriously and will work diligently to ensure they do not recur.

The computer problems disclosed to the House Homeland Security subcommittee occurred during fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006, and occurred at DHS headquarters and many of the departments agencies, including TSA, the Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, Customs and Border Protection and others. The subcommittees chairman, Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., said break-ins to government computer networks and theft of information are one of the most critical issues confronting our nation, and we must deal with this threat immediately. All the problems involved the departments unclassified computer networks, although DHS officials also have acknowledged to lawmakers dozens of incidents they described as classified spillage, in which secret information was improperly transmitted or discussed over nonsecure e-mail systems.

Microsoft security updates for June 2007

Microsoft has released the following security updates for June 2007: As part of Microsoft's routine, monthly security update cycle, we released the following security updates in June:

• MS07-030 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Office and Visio (KB927051)
• MS07-031 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows (KB935840)
• MS07-032 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows (KB931213)
• MS07-033 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer (KB933566)
• MS07-034 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows (KB929123)
• MS07-035 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows (KB935839)

More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/bulletins/200706.mspx

For assistance in deploying these and other Microsoft updates, visit http://gfactor.gtechserv.com.

Microsoft security updates for May 2007

As part of Microsoft's routine, monthly security update cycle, we released the following security updates in May:

• MS07-023 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Office (KB934233)
• MS07-024 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Office (KB934232)
• MS07-025 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Office (KB934873)
• MS07-027 - addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows (KB931768)
• MS07-028 - addresses a vulnerability in CAPICOM (KB931906)

For more info please visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/bulletins/200705.mspx

For assistance in deploying these and other Microsoft updates, visit http://gfactor.gtechserv.com.

Microsoft Office Small Business 2007 Product Overview

Microsoft Office Small Business 2007 is a powerful and easy-to-use suite of productivity and contact management software with new tools to help you save time, stay organized, and deliver better customer service. Easily manage your prospect and customer information in one place. Quickly create dynamic documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Develop professional-looking marketing materials for print, e-mail, and the Web, and produce effective marketing campaigns in-house. You can manage your calendar, tasks, and e-mail more efficiently, and filter out unwanted e-mail messages to help keep your computer safe and secure. And you will spend less time learning new features by using improved menus that present the right tools automatically. For more information: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/suites/HA101656521033.aspx

For assistance in purchasing or deploying Office 2007 for your business, visit http://gfactor.gtechserv.com.

Windows Vista: When Should My Business Upgrade?

After 5 years of development and a reported nine billion dollar investment yes, thats a b Microsoft will release the newest version of their Windows operating system, Microsoft Windows Vista, in February 2007. Vista brings a variety of important changes to the Windows computing experience, including: Enhanced security, improved encryption and a more robust firewall Aero an updated interface More intuitive, quicker navigation through folders and system resources The new web browser, Internet Explorer 7, also available as a free update to some previous versions of Windows Intelligent auto-discovery and configuration of network resources, printers and other external devices Integrated desktop search A richer multimedia experience So with all of these new features, many businesses are already considering what timeframe they should plan on to upgrade to Vista. Businesses need to carefully weigh the benefits of Vista with the possibilities for disruption that a new operating system introduces. Hardware: Vista requires much more robust hardware than XP. To run Vista, Microsoft recommends at least 1GB of RAM, a 1 GHz or faster processor, a DVD-ROM drive, and a powerful graphics processor. Many new computers that are shipping with Windows XP already meet Microsofts requirements for Vista, though businesses should be cautious when purchasing new computers with the Windows Vista Capable logo. The hardware requirements that a computer needs to merit the Windows Vista Capable logo are less than what is necessary for all of the premium features of Vista, such as the Aero interface. For these features, you should purchase hardware labeled Windows Vista Capable Premium Ready. As a rule of thumb, most computers that have been in service for more than a year are likely to be underpowered for Vistas premium features, and will likely need to be upgraded or replaced. Software: One of the reasons that Microsoft invested so much time and money in developing Vista is their commitment to maximizing backwards compatibility that is, the ability to run Microsoft and third-party programs that were released prior to Vista. Throughout the development process, Microsoft regularly tested programs from more than 150 companies. In addition to these efforts to enable Vista to run as many programs as possible, Microsoft has built some exciting features into their new operating system to enable users to bridge the gap between Vista and their favorite programs. These include the use of Virtual PC to run a guest operating system, such as Windows XP, within your Vista computer in order to host older applications. Vista also allows older applications to be configured with higher local security permissions without impacting other security features. Still, if your business runs a critical application such as a practice management program, it is advisable to wait until that program has been updated for Vista. Then wait an extra three months or so to see what glitches emerge for early adopters. Its important to begin asking your software vendors now about their plans for Vista compatibility. Home users may be the first to widely adopt Vista, taking advantage of its exciting new features for media and gaming. Vistas ability to interact with Microsofts Xbox 360 game console is another compelling factor that will drive upgrades of home computers. Action: Because of the possibilities for disruption to business due to incompatible device drivers, printers, network devices or software applications, I would recommend waiting approximately six months after the release of Vista before seriously considering an upgrade to your business computers. Most major software and hardware manufacturers are planning early 2007 releases of Vista-compatible versions of their products, and that may be the time to begin planning your upgrade. When you do, one of the best resources you will find is your local Microsoft partner. Partners have access to tools and resources that can help assess your business network and applications and provide guidance to your upgrade plans.
http://gfactor.gtechserv.com.