Computing and Communications Services News: November, 2004

November, 2004

Dell to Replace Power Adaptors for Some Laptops

Computer maker Dell is recalling AC power adapters sold with some Latitude, Inspirion and Precision laptops between 1998-2002 due to reports of overheating adapters. ITSD has arranged for a Dell representative to come to the Lab’s cafeteria on Wednesday, December 1, and Thursday, December 2, to determine whether employees have a recalled adapter, based on their adapter number. If so, Dell will replace it on the spot. Don’t forget to bring in your adapters! Dell is also offering replacements by mail. Read more about the recall.

Warning to Red Hat Linux Users: Look Out for Bogus Updates

Bogus email messages advising users to download and install certain Red Hat Linux updates are circulating on the Internet. Purportedly sent by the Red Hat Security Team, the "updates" are actually malicious programs designed to allow perpetrators to gain control of the system in which they are installed. If you receive one of these messages, delete it immediately and do not forward it. Go to Red Hat’s Web site for more information.

ITSD to Test Mozilla’s New Web Browser Firefox

ITSD is testing to see if Mozilla’s new Web browser Firefox, which has been receiving glowing reviews in the press recently, will be a good fit for the Lab. Stay tuned.

ITSD continues to support two Web browsers, Mozilla and Internet Explorer (IE). Mozilla is also the Lab's standard email client. ITSD recommends that you use Mozilla for all standard Web browsing and for accessing email. Many of the Lab’s business applications and some Web sites require or work better with IE. However, IE has more cyber security vulnerabilities than Mozilla. Switch over to IE only when necessary, and close it down when finished.

Service Tip

Make VPN Work for You

Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides offsite users with a secure connection to the Lab’s internal network services. It enables users to access certain online journals, MS Networking shares, Novell shares and certain Web pages. Users are encouraged to use VPN if they send sensitive data and passwords, which need to be protected from interception as they travel to and from the Lab. Read more.

Protecting Your Computer

Cyber Threats Increase During Holiday Weekend

Traditionally, hackers take advantage of long weekends to stage attacks, particularly on systems running UNIX, including Linux. The Computer Protection Program (CPP) urges all employees to shut down their systems, if possible, before leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday. Also, make sure your system’s security patches are up to date and disable any unused accounts. In case of emergency, contact CPP staff.

Enrollment Open for Dec. 9 Hands-on Linux Security Course

Enrollment in the Linux security hands-on course to be taught from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, in Bldg. 90-0026 is still open, but space is limited on a first come, first served basis. Read the course description. Go here to enroll.

Reminder: Beware of Nigerian Scams

Nigerian email scams are increasingly becoming more sophisticated. Scammers are now setting up fake bank Web sites with fake bank addresses to make their email requests seem valid. Some “banks” even have people at bogus phone numbers who answer and pose as bankers. Please don’t fall for any request from anyone from Nigeria (or anywhere else) asking you to send money or personal financial information to an online site, over the phone or via email. Beware — scams increase over the holidays!

Monthly Virus Update: More than 110,000 Worms and Viruses Knocked Out

Once again the Lab’s virus wall statistics for last month were very similar to the previous month. The virus wall detected and eradicated a total of 110,089 worms and viruses (almost all of which target Windows systems), up slightly from 106,157 worms and viruses the previous month. Read more.

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