Computing and Communications Services News: August 2003

September, 2003

The Real Threat Isn’t Worms or Viruses -- It’s the Whole Darn Internet
During the past month, the Lab’s virus wall has been Blaster-ed, hit by a worm that was SoBig, and visited by old acquaintances with such names as Klez, Bugbear and Sluter. Rumors of more nasties to come continued to circulate. While each virus or worm appears to pose an individual threat to Lab computers, the real threat is the Internet itself, Computer Protection Program Manager Jim Rothfuss told members of the Computing and Communications Services Advisory Committee (CSAC) at their September meeting.

Reminder: Using Lab Computers, Networks to Share Copyrighted Files is Unacceptable Use
With the music recording industry taking legal action against people who download illegal copies of copyrighted material, Lab employees need to remember that using LBNL computing or networking resources to share such files is also a violation of Lab policy, and violators are subject to disciplinary action.

Mac/PC Support Group to Restructure Recharge Rates Beginning Oct. 1
To adapt to changing demands and expectations, the Mac/PC Support Group (MPSG) that provides centralized desktop computer support will be instituting some new charges, while reducing others, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1.

iFolder and iPrint Services Make it Easy to Update, Print Files from Almost Any PC Almost Anywhere Using a Web Browser
If you use multiple PCs, or have a laptop and travel a lot, two services provided by the Computing Infrastructure Technologies Group may make your life easier when it comes to working on documents at multiple locations or printing from here to there. Both of the services – iFolder and iPrint – are currently available only to users of Windows 98, XP and 2000 systems, and Linux and UNIX versions are in the works.

Higher Bandwidth Needs on the Horizon? Let NTD Know Now
Lab organizations with pending high-bandwidth requirements are encouraged to contact the Networking and Telecommunication Department as early as possible. The department is in the midst of a multi-year project to increase the bandwidth of network connections between buildings. Knowing future requirements will help prioritize projects. A project map and contact information are posted on the Web.

Still Time to Provide Input in Survey on Future Library Services
As reported in the August Computing and Communications Services News, TEID is asking Lab staff to provide input on the future of the Lab Library and the services it provides. To this end, a Web-based survey has been launched. Employees interested in participating in the survey should contact their division representative on the Computing and Communications Services Advisory Committee.

Protecting Your Computer

New Monthly Cyber Security Support Program Now Available to Windows Users
The need to keep your computer security patches and anti-virus software up to date was clearly demonstrated in last month’s onslaughts by the Blaster worm and SoBig.F virus. And just as the UNIX Systems group has established a monthly cyber security support service for UNIX systems, the Mac/PC Support Group is now offering a similar service for Windows users.

Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Users--Patch Your System!
Microsoft has published a bulletin describing three very dangerous vulnerabilities that affect Windows NT/2000/XP and 2003. Two of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system privileges. The third may allow a remote attacker to cause denial of service. A single patch, MS03-039, fixes all three vulnerabilities. If you haven't installed this patch yet, now is the time to do so. Go here and click on the name of your system's operating system to download the appropriate patch for your system or simply click on "MS03-039 Auto-patch" if you do not know.

Tip of the Month: How to Ward Off Worms, Viruses and Other Mischief
At the September meeting of the Lab’s Computing and Communications Services Advisory Committee (CSAC), Mark Rosenberg of the Computing Infrastructure Technologies Group described the magnitude of recent attacks – 250,000 virus-related emails in two weeks, compared to 40,000 infected email interceptions in the past year.

Is Your System Blocked from Internet Access? Here’s What to Do
Your system may be blocked because of a worm infection or because you did not patch a critical vulnerability by the deadline given in an message you received from the Computer Protection Program. If so, click here to find out how to get your system unblocked.

Cyber Security Expert Howard Schmidt’s Talk Rescheduled to November 11
Howard Schmidt, who until recently was the chief cyber security advisor to President George W. Bush, will present a talk, "Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure and Protection," at noon on Tuesday, November 11 in the Bldg. 50 auditorium. His talk was previously set for September, but had to be postponed. Schmidt is currently the chief information security officer for eBay. All employees are invited to attend this talk.

Monthly Virus Update: And Oh What a Month It Was
Ho-hum, just another LBNL virus wall report, right? Think again -- last month was the busiest ever. Without the virus wall, so many Windows machines would have become infected with worms and viruses that desktop computing at LBNL would have come to a virtual standstill. The LBNL virus wall dealt with a total of 100,579 infected messages and attachments, a huge increase from the number the previous month (3,321)!