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
Adobe Multiple Products: Adobe has released updates for several of its products, including Acrobat and Reader. Additional details are available on Adobe’s website. Updates for Adobe Reader are available on Adobe’s website.
Apple Multiple Products: Apple has released updates for its iOS and WatchOS. Additional details are available on Apple’s website.
Dropbox: Dropbox has released version 159.4.5870 for its file hosting program. Updates are available at Dropbox’s website. [See SecureTheVillage’s warning below]
Google Chrome: Google has released Google Chrome version 106.0.5249.119. Updates are available from within the browser or from Google’s website.
Microsoft Edge: Microsoft has released version 106.0.1370.47 of Edge. Updates are available within the browser under About Microsoft Edge on the Menu button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Spotify: Spotify has released version 1.1.96.785. Updates are available on Spotify’s website.
Zoom: Zoom has released update Version 5.12.2.9281for 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 2022.001.20169
Dropbox 159.4.5870 [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 105.0.3 [Windows]
Google Chrome 106.0.5249.119 (Official Build)
Microsoft Edge 106.0.1370.47
Microsoft Explorer 11.0.220
Java SE 18 [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 8.89.0.403
Zoom 5.12.2.9281
For Your IT Department
Microsoft Multiple Products: Microsoft has released security updates for many of its products to address vulnerabilities. For additional details, see Microsoft’s security advisories.
VMware vRealize: VMware has released security updates in vRealize to address vulnerabilities. For additional details, see VMware’s security advisories.
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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.
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