New computer security threat: Windows Metafile Format (WMF) processing
by the K-State Security Incident Response Team
published Jan. 10, 2006
There is a new security threat that affects all computers running
Microsoft Windows Operating System 2000, 2003, or XP. While you may
have seen it in the press as the "WMF" or "zero-day" virus, it is
actually
a vulnerability in WMF processing, where hackers have found a way to
infect computers through images you view on your computer.
This includes images you view through e-mail messages, instant
messaging, blogs, forums, online auctions, or websites. Through these
corrupt images, a virus could be downloaded onto your computer without
your knowledge. A computer that becomes infected will have to be
reformatted and reinstalled before it can be reconnected to the K-State
network.
You can protect yourself by following these steps:
- Download the Microsoft Windows security patch* immediately from
update.microsoft.com.
- Update your Symantec AntiVirus definitions.
- Change the settings in your IM program to not allow images to
download automatically.
- Turn off the Preview function in your e-mail client so that images do
not display.
- Use caution when opening links and attachments in both e-mail and IM.
* The security patch is not available for Windows 98, ME, or NT.
Instead, make sure you are running the most current version of Symantec
AntiVirus with all updated definitions, and use an alternate Internet
browser besides Internet Explorer.
If you have questions about the WMF vulnerability or think your
computer is infected, contact the IT Help Desk at 532-7722.
Update on IT Data Center outage
by G. Robertson and J. Bell, Computing and Network Services
published January 10, 2006
During the holiday break, on Dec. 28, there was an extended outage to
install a transfer switch and other vital equipment for the backup
generator. KATS, K-State Online, e-mail (including WebMail), central
web servers, the mainframe, etc., were unavailable for approximately six
hours.
The next phase of the installation process will occur 7 a.m.
Jan. 16, which will require starting the generator and performing a
load-transfer test. The transfer to the generator will occur in seconds and
should not cause any disruption in services. The backup generator will
be available to provide the data center with continuous electrical
power during an extended power outage on campus.
New faculty/staff ID cards became effective Jan. 3
by B. Edwards, Computing and Network Services
published Jan. 10, 2006
The new K-State faculty/staff ID cards became effective Jan. 3.
Those who didn't pick up their new cards in December can do so 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
at the K-State ID Center on the first floor of the Union.
After you've picked up your new card, be sure to
shred your old card since it shows your Social Security number.
For more about the new cards, see the ID Center's
Reasons for new ID page.
Reminder: Change eID passwords by Feb. 8
by B. Edwards, Computing and Network Services
published Jan. 10, 2006
All K-Staters should change the passwords on their eIDs for the spring semester.
Those not changed by the end of Wednesday, Feb. 8, will no longer work. For security,
previous passwords cannot be re-used for at least two years. For details, see the
Password FAQs webpage and the
Jan. 3 password article.
Print quotas reset to $10 in labs, InfoCommons
by R. Cheung, Computing and Network Services
published Jan. 10, 2006
Free printing in the university computing labs and the K-State InfoCommons was reset
Jan. 6 for the spring semester. All K-Staters will receive $10 of free printing
for the spring semester. For details, see
Printing in the UCLs.
January training from iTAC
by S. Silva, Information Technology Assistance Center
published Jan. 10, 2006
Training is being offered by iTAC this month on K-State Online,
K-State Calendar, and web design. Check out the January
IT training calendar
and sign up! All classes are free for K-State faculty and staff, but
require pre-registration.
IT by the numbers: eID/password assistance
by A. Cobb, Information Technology Assistance Center
published Jan. 10, 2006
Today, between 7:45-9 a.m., 50 new and/or transfer students
were provided assistance on eID/password issues.
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Easily changing case in Word and PowerPoint
by S. Pierce, Information Technology Assistance Center
published Jan. 10, 2006
If you are working in Word or PowerPoint and have text that's in the
wrong case, you can easily change the case by selecting the text and
then clicking Shift + F3 until the text changes to the case style you
like. Clicking Shift + F3 toggles the text case between ALL CAPS,
lowercase, and Initial Capital Style. You'd be surprised how often you
use this once you get the hang of it!
Questions? Input?
TellTuesday@k-state.edu.
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