Notes on patching and supported browsers

Keep OS patched and use current browser versions
Keep OS patched and use current browser versions

Beginning January 12, Microsoft is dropping support for Internet Explorer 8 and 9. Office 365 access and functionality using these browsers will be greatly diminished.

The December 8 Windows update from Microsoft fixed a major malware vulnerability that bypassed Outlook’s security features. “BadWinmail” exploits the vulnerability by executing an email attachment by simply viewing the email-without the user actually opening the attachment itself.

As the year winds down and the holiday break approaches, ITS wants to make you aware these of two examples-especially on personally-owned computers. It is always critical to keep operating systems updated and patched. Using current-version browsers is also important in terms of user functionality and protection against exploited vulnerabilities.

Encourage your users to run auto updates on their personal home computers.

ITS Enterprise Desktop Services publishes system updates for supported areas on Fridays following Microsoft’s Tuesday releases. For more information on how client management tools can help your department or college, go to http://its.unl.edu/desktop

Read more on IE browser support: https://products.office.com/en-us/office-system-requirements?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

Read more on the Outlook vulnerability: http://arstechnica.com/security/2015/12/outlook-letterbomb-exploit-could-auto-open-attacks-in-e-mail/

Symantec antivirus is available at no charge for all UNL personnel, even for personally-owned computers: http://antivirus.unl.edu

For details on supported standards, go to http://its.unl.edu/standards