Weekend Patch Report, January 16, 2022

Important Security Updates

Adobe Reader: Adobe has released version 2021.011.20039. Updates are available through the program’s Help menu/Check for Updates or from Adobe’s website. Updates are also available for Adobe Acrobat.

Apple Multiple Products: Apple has released security updates for iPhones, iPods, watchOS, tvOS, iOS, iPadOS and more. Additional details are available on Apple’s website.

Microsoft Edge: Microsoft has released version 97.0.1072.62 of Edge. Updates are available within the browser under About Microsoft Edge on the Menu button in the top-right corner of the screen.

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

Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla has released Version 96.0.1. Updates are available within the browser or from Mozilla’s website.

Current Software Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC 2021.011.20039

Dropbox 139.4.4896 [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 96.0.1 [Windows]

Google Chrome 97.0.4692.71  (Official Build)

Microsoft Edge 97.0.1072.62

Microsoft Explorer 11.0.220

Java SE 8 Update 311 [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 8.79.0.95

Zoom 5.9.1.2581

For Your IT Department

Cisco Multiple Products: Cisco has released updates for Apache Log4j Library affecting Cisco Products, Small Business 220 Series Smart Switches, Unified Contact Center Management and Unified Contact Center Domain Manager, Tetration, Security Network Analytics, prime Infrastructure, IP Phones, Enterprise Chat and Email, Security Manager and more. Apply updates. Additional details are available on Cisco’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.

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