Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Adobe Releases Critical Flash Patch
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Friday, August 14, 2015
Microsoft Patches for August - Adobe Flash Update
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Michael Glasser, Glasser Tech LLC (516) 762-0155
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Adobe releases Emergency Security Update for Flash Player
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Michael Glasser, Glasser Tech LLC (516) 762-0155
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Critical Updates from Microsoft & Adobe
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Michael Glasser, Glasser Tech LLC (516) 762-0155
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
April Critical Updates from MIcrosoft, Adobe Flash and Oracle Java
For April Microsoft has released eleven security bulletins. The four below are critical. In addition see the Adobe Flash Player and Oracle Java Critical updates below.
Microsoft Critical Patches
Critical Patch #1 is MS115-033 which fixed a vulnerability in Office especially Word 2010. It usually happens with an attacker gets you to open a Word DOCX file. This file may be crafted to look like any other Word DOCX file but when opened could allow for remote code execution and run a program on your machine.
Critical Patch #2 is MS15-034 is to fix a vulnerability in HTTP. This critical fix for all supported editions of Windows 7, Server 2008 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows .1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 is to fix a potentially catastrophic fix for remote code execution.
Critical Patch #3 is a fix a security hole in Internet Explorer versions 6-11. MS15-032
Critical Patch #4 is MS15-035 takes care of a flaw in Microsoft graphics component, files that are Enhanced Metafiles (EMF) can be exploited if an attacker gets you to open a file, website or brows to a specific EMF image file.
Adobe Flash Player has a critical fix. APS15-06
Java - Oracle’s “critical patch update” plugs 15 security holes. If you have Java installed, please update it as soon as possible. Visit www.java.com and click the “Do I have Java?” link on the homepage. Updates also should be available via the Java Control Panel or from the Java website.
As always, it is important to keep your computer up to date to avoid exploits such as those mentioned as well for optimal performance.
Clients with our Proactive Solution to Patch Management Automatically get the Updates.
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Michael Glasser, Glasser Tech LLC (516) 762-0155
Monday, March 23, 2015
It’s March Madness for Microsoft this month as they release 14 separate security-related updates.
MS15-018 This update is cumulative and addresses several vulnerabilities which affect all supported versions of Internet Explorer.
MS15-019 repairs a scripting vulnerability in some older Windows versions
MS15-020 fixes a flaw in the way Microsoft Text Services handles objects in memory and how Microsoft Windows handles the loading of DLL files. This fix is associated with the bugs originally associated with Stuxnet, in 2010.
MS15-021 addresses an issue with the Adobe Font Driver. These vulnerabilities may allow remote code execution.
MS15-022 applies to all supported Microsoft Office versions (2007, 2010, and 2013), as well as the server-based Office Web Apps and SharePoint Server products. It fixes three known vulnerabilities in Office document formats as well as multiple cross-site scripting issues for SharePoint Server. The worst outcome allows remote code execution.
Eight of the remaining nine updates affect Microsoft Windows, and the ninth update is to fix a Microsoft Exchange issue.
One of these updates is to resolve a problem with Windows Task Scheduler. This issue was that a user could bypass file access controls and run executables files. Another update is to fix a DOS (Denial of Service) that only affects systems where Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is enabled. (By default, RDP is off on all Windows versions.)
MS15-031, fixes what has been known as the Schannel vulnerability, more popularly known as the FREAK technique . This update means Microsoft and Apple platforms are secured for Internet Explorer in Windows 10.
Systems with Internet Explorer 11 are also receiving an update to the built-in Flash Player code.
Also this month there are a number of other recommended updates.
If you have a Server with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 please note that support for Server 2003 ends July 14, 2015. It is time to contact us to replace your 2003 server.
Clients with our Proactive Solution to Patch Management Automatically get the Updates.
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Michael Glasser, Glasser Tech LLC (516) 762-0155
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
February Microsoft Patch Tuesday
Updates this month include 9 updates to fix Internet Explorer. Three of these updates are rated critical. Those are:
MS15-009 This fix it for 40 reported vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. It includes a fix for XSS cross site scripting that allows attackers to steal credentials from visitors to a compromised website.
MS15-010 This fix takes care of vulnerabilities that involve flaws in the Windows kernel-level component that handles TrueType fonts.
MS15-011. This update fixes the vulnerability of devices connected to windows domains. Users can be exploited by being convinced to connect to an untrusted network, such as a wifi hotspot.
There are also updates for Microsoft Excel and Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office.
If you are Running Windows Server 2003 please note that MS15-011 will not be released for that operating system. Extended support for Server 2003 ends July 14, 2015. Given this vulnerability it is time to contact us to replace this soon to be unsupported product.
Clients with our Proactive Solution to Patch Management Automatically get the Updates.
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".
Michael Glasser, Glasser Tech LLC (516) 762-0155
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
May’s Patch Tuesday
Patch Tuesday this month brought 8 bulletins from Microsoft and Adobe patches as well. Microsoft has labeled two of the eight bulletins as critical, but none of the bulletins address any issues with Windows XP. This seems to mean that while Microsoft continued to patch Windows XP with the last update, they will no longer be considering XP going forward. Windows XP users are now vulnerable as Microsoft will no longer be focusing resources to patch this out of date operating system. This will probably lead to many attacks as hackers now know that XP machines are vulnerable.
The two critical patches concern the possibility of remote code execution. This would be in IE versions 6-11. There is also a patch for a flaw in the Windows shell interface that could allow a user to gain administrator privileges with the right set of code.
Users of SharePoint should review the windows update MS14-022 which is a fix for a vulnerability that that might allow an attacker to update a file with malicious code.
It is important to keep your computer up to date. If your computer is not set to run windows update automatically, you should check it so that you can update it manually when needed.
Also released this month are Adobe patches for Reader, Flash and Illustrator. Keep in mind that Adobe also no longer releases updates or patches for versions of its software that are running on the Windows XP machines.
If you are running Windows XP on any of your machines, it is critical that you replace those machines. Now that Microsoft has stopped support for Windows XP, you are leaving your network open to attack.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Internet Explorer Flaw poses Serious Risk to Users
Last Saturday, Microsoft reported that because of a new security flaw found in Internet Explorer, hackers can take over your computer remotely if you go to certain malicious websites.
All you need to do is visit a website that hackers have attacked, then malware gets downloaded onto your computer that allows them to be able to gain control of your PC. This allows them to obtain passwords and other private information or see everything you are doing. This flaw applies to Internet Explorer versions 6-11.
What is Microsoft going to do?
Microsoft plans to roll out a windows update for newer operating systems. This will probably happen during the next Patch Tuesday which will be in May. If your Windows updates are enabled, it will be done automatically. If you do not have Windows Updates enabled you should check if there are any updates available.
Important Info for those with Windows XP!
If you have a computer with the Windows XP operating system you will continue to remain vulnerable as Microsoft stopped supporting this operating system April 8, 2014 and it will no longer be patched. It is best to replace any Windows XP machines to keep your network safe.
What can be done prior to Microsoft releasing the fix?
We recommend using an alternate browser like Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer. You can download Chrome by clicking here.
Adobe has also issued a Patch
Adobe released a flash update fixing a new exploit as well. The patch will fix a flaw in Flash media player, where hackers could run code on your system if you are lured to a website with specially crafted Flash content.
To fix this flaw go to Adobe Flash Player. Remember to uncheck the free offer. It may be for Google or McAfee. Also remember that some browsers like Chrome and IE 11 embed Flash directly, so you will also have to update those browsers individually.
Of course we are always happy to assist you. If you have any questions, please call us at 516-762-0155.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
This month’s Patch Tuesday is all about flaws in Internet Explorer
Patch Tuesday brings with it a fix for 18 new patches for Internet explorer. These updates are critical. After a review of the new patches, it appears that most of them have to do with flaws causing memory corruption and how Internet Explorer handles HTML. There is a possibility if you get on a website containing certain code that an attacker could gain control of your computer. It is important to always keep your computer up to date.
If your computer is set to update automatically you have no reason to be concerned. If you want to know more about this month’s security patches, please click HERE.
As always, please feel to contact our office if you have any questions.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Emergency Flash and IE fixes
I know you are probably thinking that patch Tuesday already happened this month, so why are Adobe and Microsoft releasing further patches? It was recently discovered that hackers were able to exploit certain websites through security holes in Adobe Flash and Internet Explorer versions 9 and 10. The latest version of Flash should be 12.0.0.70. To find out what version of Flash you have, click here.
To find out more about the Internet Explorer 9 and 10 fix, click here.
Tired of worrying about all of these fixes and patches? The best way to keep your systems up to date, is with proactive patching. With Glasser Tech’s Proactive Care, we take care of all of the patching for you. We will make sure that your computers have the latest patches and fixes as soon as they are available. It’s one less thing for you to worry about. To find out more, give us a call at 516-762-0155
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
February Patch Tuesday
Patch Tuesday has arrived with multiple patches for Windows. Twenty four vulnerabilities lie in Internet Explorer. There is a cumulative update MS14-010: Cumulative Security update for Internet Explorer (2909921) This is considered to be a critical update for Internet Explorer. This update corrects how Internet Explorer handles objects in memory and adds additional permission validations to internet Explorer. It also corrects flaws that could allow remote code execution where an attacker could get into a computer if the user went to a particular website. If automatic updates are enabled on your computer, this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically.
Other patches include MS14-005: Vulnerability in Microsoft XML Core Services Could Allow Information Disclosure (2916036)
MS14-006 Vulnerability in IPv6 Could Allow Denial of Service (2904659)
MS14-007 Vulnerability in Direct2D Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2912390)
MS14-009 Vulnerabilities in .NET Framework Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (2916607)
MS14-010 Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (2909921)
MS14-011 Vulnerability in VBScript Scripting Engine Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2928390)
Also today, Adobe released a new patch for their Shockwave Player to fix two vulnerabilities. You can download the latest player by visiting Adobe's Shockwave Player Site.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us as 516-762-0155.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Your Adobe Flash Player needs an update!
Adobe has recently released a software upgrade to Adobe Flash. This update is encouraged as Adobe feels that a vulnerability in lower versions would allow attackers to take control of your system. This most recent version of Adobe Flash Player can be downloaded by going to the Adobe site. click here
Be aware of other installers within the Adobe site such as Google Chrome or McAfee. To make sure you are only downloading the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, uncheck where it also says to install Google Chrome or McAfee. The most recent version of Flash should be 12.0.0.44.
If you have any questions regarding this recent update, please feel free to contact our office at 516-762-0155.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Make sure your computer is up to date!
This month there were some serious updates released. First, we will start with the most recent JAVA update.
Oracle released several updates including 36 fixes for Java SE. These fixes are to prevent hackers from getting into your computer. Oracle feels strongly that customers should update their computer as soon as possible. The easiest way to know if you have a current version of JAVA is to go to their website www.java.com and click on the free download.
The next update to talk about is for Adobe.
Adobe has released an update for Flash, Reader and Acrobat Players. Without this update, you could unknowingly allow an attacker to cause crashes and gain control of your computer. You can find the full bulletin for Adobe Reader and Acrobat by logging on to this site Adobe Security Bulletin. Updates for Flash Player can be found at this site Adobe Flash Security Bulletin.
Last on the list are Microsoft Windows XP updates.
Microsoft has released some updates for Windows XP, an operating system which will no longer be supported after April of this year. If you have the Windows XP operating system, you should probably replace the machine but if for some reason you can’t, you should make sure it is up to date. To view the 4 updates provided this month, go to Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary. Microsoft would also like to make sure you are on the latest version of Internet Explorer, however, keep in mind that some older versions of software will not work with the newest version. If your computer is not set to update Windows automatically, go to the start button, then Control Panel and click on Windows updates.
Should you have any questions regarding these or any updates, please feel free to contact us at 516-762-0155.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
December’s Patch Tuesday
It’s the last Patch Tuesday of the year! Microsoft released patches for 24 vulnerabilities yesterday along with 11 security bulletins. For the Patch Tuesday bulletin click here.
Critical Bulletins include:
Bulletin MS13-097 which is regarding Internet Explorer. This fix prevents users being exploited by maliciously crafted web pages.
Bulletin MS13-098 is to assist with attackers being allowed to add their own malware to software being installed on a computer over a network.
Bulletin MS13-099 is about vulnerability in the Windows Script functionality that allows remote attackers access though a website that hosts special content.
Bulletin MS-105 is to take care of problems with Outlook Web Access that could allow an attacker to gain access to Microsoft Exchange.
Adobe Patches
Adobe also release a patch for Flash and Shockwave Player
An attacker could try to get you to run malicious Flash or Shockwave content from a website or from content embedded within some documents. To install these updates go to for Shockwave click here and for Adobe Flash update click here.
Remember
Windows XP machines will no longer be supported by Microsoft as of April, 2014. Microsoft will stop issuing security patches or fixes for known issues leaving your computer and/or network at risk. Be proactive and replace your XP machines prior to April, 2014.
Summary:
The latest patches from Microsoft illustrate the need for companies to initiate automated patching as well as move from older versions of Microsoft Software that pose security risks.
Keeping your computer up to date is critical for your systems security. Keep in mind that if have our GT Proactive Care all patches and updates would be done automatically for you. If you have any questions regarding the latest round of updates or GT Proactive Care, please call us. (516) 762-0155.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
November’s Patch Tuesday
Yesterday’s Patch Tuesday brought lots of updates. One of the key updates was a fix for Adobe’s Flash Player Software for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android devices. If you have Windows 8, you will want to update manually if your Flash is not set to update automatically. This update of Flash is version 11.9.900.152. You can download the latest version of Flash by clicking here.
Also there are 5 important Microsoft updates to fix vulnerabilities in Microsoft Active X Control, Graphics Device Interface overflow, Ancillary function driver and Digital Signature Handling. There are also fixes for Multiple word Memory Corruption Vulnerabilities and the Outlook S/MIME information disclosure flaw. To get to these updates you can go to this page or go to automatic updates and choose for your updates to run automatically. If your computer is set to automatic your computer was probably already updated.
**Note to Windows XP users. Tuesdays updates have cause some issues with the SVChost.exe taking up all of the CPU usage. If you experience this problem, please call our office. 516-762-0155.
Keeping your computer up to date is the best way for it to function optimally. Keep in mind that if you have Glasser Tech’s Proactive Care all patches and updates would be done automatically for you. If you have any questions regarding November’s updates or Proactive Care, please feel free to call us. 516-762-0155.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Be aware of attackers exploiting TIFF Image Files
On November 5, 2013, Microsoft release a critical advisory warning customers of a vulnerability regarding TIFF images.
Basically it has to do with how versions of Windows, Office and Lync handle TIFF images. If you are lured into viewing a malicious image, including ones that are already embedded into Office documents, code can be executed on your computer that would allow the attacker to gain control of your computer.
Mostly these images have been arriving as malicious Word documents that have an embedded TIFF in them. They would probably be sent to you in an email.
Microsoft is working on a patch for this. However, in the meantime, they have released a FixIt which you can apply. While a FixIt is not considered a full patch, it is helpful. When bulletins arrive like this, we can easily block TIFF images for you if you had a Watchguard Firewall. To find out more about Watchguard Firewalls, please give us a call at Glasser Tech at 516-762-0155.
Friday, October 18, 2013
D-Link Router Backdoor Security Alert
It is our recommendation to utilize a Business Class Firewall instead of a Router meant for home use. Low cost home routers have features that automatically open potential security holes (UPNP). While the UPNP feature makes it easy to get an XBOX Game Console or home automation thermostat working on the internet, a malicious piece of software could open your whole network to the world. Firewalls inherently have enhanced security features that protect the network. Firewalls such as the one we utilize (WatchGuard) do not have UPNP and include subscription services that allow us to proactively protect the network including blocking known and emerging malicious websites and antivirus scanning of all downloaded files. Here is a link that describes some of the services available for the WatchGuard Firewall.
We strongly suggest you take a Proactive approach rather than a Reactive approach.
Call us to find out more about solutions to protect your network and your data.
Michael Glasser, Glasser Tech LLC (516) 762-0155
Monday, September 30, 2013
Beware of new malware that holds your data hostage
You probably have had some exposure to spyware, malware and viruses. There are the typical spyware/malware instances that have been around for years that display tons of pop ups or look like an antivirus program that is telling you that you have spyware and you should scan with their scan. Then there is spyware/malware that locks up your desktop by displaying a message that the government is watching you. But this new malware causes so much damage it can be put into a category all by itself.
What is does is this: It looks at your local and network drives and share folders and will ENCRYPT files matching a set of extensions from common applications that you probably use. These include Word, Word Perfect, Excel, etc.
What this means: You can’t get into ANY of your files.
How it gets in: Malware/spyware comes in through e-mail attachments, drive-by downloads from websites that are infected, a trojan-downloaded or backdoor scenario or manual infiltration though remote desktop protocol.
What can you do?
1) First, be sure that you are checking your back up every day. A good backup is the best chance for restoration of your data.
2) You should also have a firewall to proactively block known websites that tend to be infected.
3) All of your computers should be up to date with the latest windows updates installed.
4) Restrict all Users from being able to install Applications to their computers. While some users may find this annoying, we have found that this reduces the risk of a network breach/compromise.
5) Patch Management. Patch management would automatically apply updates such as Windows, Flash, Java, Acrobat Reader, etc. Quite often we find clients that do not have Patch Management have security holes because not all users are applying all the patches.
Let us help you pro-actively block spyware, malware and viruses. Call Glasser Tech at 516-762-0155
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Microsoft Releases Critical Temporary Fix for Internet Explorer
Microsoft “Fix it”
Vulnerability affects: All Internet Explorer Versions.
How an attacker exploits it: Microsoft says: "This would typically occur when an attacker compromises the security of trusted websites regularly frequented, or convinces someone to click on a link in an email or instant message"
Impact: In the worst case, an attacker can execute code on your user’s computer, potentially gaining complete control of it.
1) "Enable the MHTML protocol lockdown"
2) "Set Internet and Local intranet security zone settings to "High" to block ActiveX Controls and Active Scripting in these zones"
3) "Configure Internet Explorer to prompt before running Active Scripting or to disable Active Scripting in the Internet and Local intranet security zone."
In its advisory, Microsoft said that it was actively working to release a patch for the issue, either in its next monthly security update – due out Oct. 8 – or in an out-of-cycle release.
Clients with our Proactive Solution to Patch Management Automatically get the Updates.
Contact us to find out how you can become "Proactive" instead of "Reactive".




