Weekend Patch and Update Report, January 22, 2023

Keeping your computer programs patched and updated is one of the Top-5 things you can do to protect your security and privacy. While there are tools that support this, such as Norton 360 on Windows and Ninite, it’s important that you make certain the updates are correctly applied. There are no silver bullets in cybersecurity.

Important Security Updates

UPDATE Button on Computer Keyboard

Microsoft Edge: Microsoft has released version 109.0.1518.61 of Edge. Updates are available within the browser under About Microsoft Edge on the Menu button in the top-right corner of the screen.

Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla has released Version 109.0. Updates are available within the browser or from Mozilla’s website.

Skype: Skype has released Skype 8.93.0.404. Updates are available from the program or Skype’s website.

Spotify: Spotify has released version 1.2.3.1115. Updates are available on Spotify’s website.

Zoom: Zoom has released update Version 5.13.5.12053 for Zoom Client for Meetings. Updates are available from within the program under “Check for Updates” or Zoom’s website.

Current Software Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 2022.003.20282

Dropbox 165.4.4300 [SecureTheVillage warns against relying on security of Dropbox or other cloud-based file exchange systems. We recommend files containing sensitive information be independently encrypted; encryption keys be at least 15 characters long; and the master Dropbox [or other] password be at least 15 characters long and different from other passwords.]

Firefox 109.0 [Windows]

Google Chrome 109.0.5414.75 (Official Build)

Microsoft Edge 109.0.1518.61

Microsoft Explorer 11.0.220

Java SE 19 [SecureTheVillage recommends removing or disabling Java from your browser. Java is a major source of cyber criminal exploits. It is not needed for most internet browsing. If you have a particular web site or application that requires Java, SecureTheVillage recommends using a two-browser approach to minimize risk. Unplug Java from the browser you use for everyday surfing and leave it plugged in to a second browser that you only use for sites that require Java. And if you have a specific use or need for Java, make sure you have the latest version.]

Safari 15.1 [Mac OS X Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan]

Skype 8.93.0.404

Zoom 5.13.5.12053

For Your IT Department

Cisco Multiple Products: Cisco has released security updates to address vulnerabilities in multiple products. Some of these vulnerabilities could allow a remote attacker to take control of an affected system. For updates addressing vulnerabilities, see the Cisco Security Advisories page

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If you are responsible for the security of your computer, our Weekend Patch and Update Report is for you. We strongly urge you to take action to keep your system(s) patched and updated.

If someone else is responsible for the security of your computer, forward our Weekend Patch and Update Report to them and follow up to make sure your computer has been patched and updated.

Vulnerability management is a key element of information security management. Cyber criminals take over user computers by writing computer programs that “exploit” vulnerabilities in operating systems (Windows, Apple OS, etc) and application programs (Adobe Acrobat, Office, Java, etc). When software companies find a vulnerability, they usually issue an update patch to fix the code running in their customer’s computers.

SecureTheVillage publishes our Weekend Patch and Update Report to alert readers to some of the week’s important updates and vulnerabilities. Our focus is on software typically found in the small or home office (SOHO) or that users are likely to have on their home computer. The report is not intended to be a thorough listing of updates.

Copyright © 2023 SecureTheVillage. All rights reserved.

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