Weekend Patch Report, February 14, 2021

Important Security Updates

Adobe Reader: Adobe has released version 2021.001.20135. Updates are available through the program’s Help menu/Check for Updates or from Adobe’s website. Updates are also available for Adobe Acrobat Pro and Adobe Photoshop.

Avast: Avast has released version 21.1.2449 for Free Antivirus. Updates are available on Avast’s website.

AVG: AVG AntiVirus (Free edition) has released version 21.1.3164 of its Internet Security. Updates are available on AVG’s website.

Dropbox: Dropbox has released version 115.4.601 for its file hosting program. Updates are available at Dropbox’s website. [See SecureTheVillage’s warning below]

Evernote: Evernote has released version 10.8.4. Updates are available on Evernote’s website.

Microsoft Patch Tuesday: Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday released updates to address dozens of vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical within Windows operating systems, Exchange Server, Edge for Android, Edge, Excel, Office, Windows, and other Microsoft products. Additional details are available at Microsoft’s website.

Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla has released Version 85.0.2. Updates are available within the browser or from Mozilla’s website.

Opera: Opera Chromium has released version 74.0.3911.107. Updates are available from within the browser or from Opera’s website.

PeaZip: PeaZip has released version 7.7.1. Updates are available from PeaZip’s website.

VLC Media Player: VLC has released version 3.0.12 (32-bit and 64-bit) of its Media Player. Download from the VLC website.

Current Software Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 2021.001.20135

Dropbox 115.4.601 [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 85.0.2 [Windows]

Google Chrome Version  88.0.4324.150 (Official Build)

Explorer 11.0.220

Java SE 8 Update 271 [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.]

Microsoft Edge 88.0.705.68

QuickTime 7.7.9 [ SecureTheVillage recommends removing QuickTime. On April 14, 2016 US-CERT advised Microsoft Windows users to remove QuickTime. This followed a report in ars technica that Apple has no plans to update the Windows app despite at least two reliable QuickTime vulnerabilities that threaten Windows users who still have the program installed.]

Safari 14.0.2 [Mac OS X Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan]

Skype 8.68.0.96

For Your IT Department

Cisco Multiple Products: Cisco has released updates for IOS XR, Security Manager, Identity Services Engine, and more. Apply updates. Additional details are available on Cisco’s website.

McAfee: McAfee has released updates for Endpoint Security for Windows. Apply updates. Additional information can be found on McAfee’s website.

TeamViewer: TeamViewer has released updates for its remote desktop application. Apply updates. Additional details are available on TeamViewer’s website.

VMware: VMware has released updates for vSphere Replication. Apply updates. Additional information can be found on VMware’s website.

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If you are responsible for the security of your computer, our Weekend Patch 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 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 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 © 2021 SecureTheVillage. All rights reserved.

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