DHS Recommends Security Patch to Protect Against a Vulnerability Found In Windows Operating Systems

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5789

Press Releases


DHS Recommends Security Patch to Protect Against a Vulnerability Found In Windows Operating Systems

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
August 9, 2006

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recommending that Windows Operating Systems users apply Microsoft security patch MS06-040 as quickly as possible. This security patch is designed to protect against a vulnerability that, if exploited, could enable an attacker to remotely take control of an affected system and install programs, view, change, or delete data, and create new accounts with full user rights.

Windows Operating Systems users are encouraged to avoid delay in applying this security patch. Attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems routinely occur within 24 hours of the release of a security patch. This vulnerability could impact government systems, private industry and critical infrastructure, as well as individual and home users.

Users can apply the Microsoft MS06-040 security patch at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-040.mspx. Home user may prefer to go to Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com and select ?express? to install critical security updates, including the MS06-040 security patch.

The Department?s U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) continues to work closely with Microsoft to minimize any impact from this vulnerability. US-CERT has issued an alert through the National Cyber Alert System and conducted a series of briefings with federal Chief Information Officers and Chief Information Security Officers, and critical infrastructure sectors through Information Sharing and Analysis Centers. Additionally, all federal agencies are required to provide US-CERT with regular updates on their patching status.

DHS recommends that computer users and administrators implement the following preparedness measures to protect themselves against this vulnerability, and also from future vulnerabilities, worms, and viruses:


Keep up-to-date on security patches and fixes for your operating system. The easiest way to do this is to set your system to receive automatic updates, which will ensure you automatically receive security updates issued by Microsoft. If your system does not allow automatic updates, we recommend that you manually install the Microsoft security patch today through Microsoft Update at http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate
Install anti-virus and anti-spy ware software and keep them up-to-date
Enable a firewall which will help block attacks before they can get into your computer
Do not open emails from unknown sources and do not open or execute email attachments that you are not expecting even if they come from a known and trusted source.


To access the alerts for this vulnerability and for additional information on cyber security tips and practices please visit at www.us-cert.gov.

 

RightIsWrong

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2005
5,649
0
0
Somehow I get the tinfoil feeling that, if the DHS is peddling/recommending this patch, it is just a way to give them a backdoor into your system. Maybe it's just me?
 

KLin

Lifer
Feb 29, 2000
29,963
388
126
Originally posted by: RightIsWrong
Somehow I get the tinfoil feeling that, if the DHS is peddling/recommending this patch, it is just a way to give them a backdoor into your system. Maybe it's just me?

IT'S A CONSPIRACY BY BIG BROTHER!!!! QUICK, EVERYONE INSTALL LINUX!!

/paranoia
 

Kaervak

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2001
8,460
2
81
Originally posted by: RightIsWrong
Somehow I get the tinfoil feeling that, if the DHS is peddling/recommending this patch, it is just a way to give them a backdoor into your system. Maybe it's just me?

That or when it comes to security, the US Government isn't who I think of first.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,215
13,477
146
While this MAY be a serious threat, and I do keep my OS updated regularly, DHS making a recommendation, comes under the "Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape" category for me...they lost ALL credibility with that one.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: BoomerD
While this MAY be a serious threat, and I do keep my OS updated regularly, DHS making a recommendation, comes under the "Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape" category for me...they lost ALL credibility with that one.

don't forget to duck and cover!
 

Miramonti

Lifer
Aug 26, 2000
28,651
100
91
Originally posted by: RightIsWrong
Somehow I get the tinfoil feeling that, if the DHS is peddling/recommending this patch, it is just a way to give them a backdoor into your system. Maybe it's just me?

 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,374
8,499
126
i'm glad that i've set windows to automatically download updates, and yet there are 11 of them waiting on windows update, and my computer hasn't bothered to download a single one