Lightning storm caused moderate damage at K-State
by N. Beemer, Telecommunications
published Aug. 15, 2006
As a result of a lightning storm early Monday,
13 network switches and two hubs were replaced across campus yesterday and today.
Telecommunications is still fielding phone calls due to damage from the storm.
Many network cards in K-State computers have been damaged and
are in the process of being replaced. K-Staters experiencing problems with their network connections
should submit a trouble ticket by calling 785-532-7111.
New security threat underscores importance of patching
by H. Townsend, interim IT security officer
published Aug. 15, 2006
A new security exploit discovered over the weekend underscores the importance of keeping
computers up to date with the latest security patches. This new malware
started spreading on the Internet just a few days after Microsoft released
a patch on Aug. 8 as part of its normal monthly security updates.
If your Windows computer has the
MS06-040 patch
applied, you are safe. (It gets installed as "Security Update for Windows XP -- KB921883".)
Make sure your computer has this patch and is
configured to automatically receive updates from Microsoft to help protect
yourself from attacks like this that occur so quickly after the patch is
released.
K-State has protection in place on the border of the campus network that prevents
this malware from spreading to campus from the Internet and Internet2, but that
does not stop someone from bringing an infected computer to campus,
connecting to the network, and attempting to infect other campus
computers. Laptop computers brought to campus and connected to K-State's
wireless network are a good example of this type of risk, as are computers
brought into the residence halls as new students move in.
K-State's
network security staff will be watching closely over the next few weeks as
students and others return to campus to start the fall semester. Any
infected computers will immediately have their network access blocked
in order to prevent the spread of this malware.
This also emphasizes the importance of keeping your antivirus sofware
up to date since both Trend Micro and Symantec products used at K-State can now identify
this malware and prevent it from infecting your computer. Like your
operating system patches, make sure your antivirus software is configured
to automatically check for and apply updates.
For more information about this malware, see:
For questions on how to configure your operating system and antivirus
software to receive automatic updates, contact the IT Help Desk at
helpdesk@k-state.edu or call
them at 785-532-7722.
"Freedom Call" audio/video links soldiers, families
by M. Chastain, Regents Educational Communications Center
published Aug. 15, 2006
The second
"Freedom Call" -- linking families at Ft. Riley with
loved ones stationed in Iraq -- took place Sunday, Aug. 6 in the Regents Educational Communications Center (ECC)
electronic classroom in Dole Hall on the K-State campus.
Eighteen families, most affiliated with the 82nd Air Med
Unit, were united via live 2-way audio/video with their loved ones
using H.323-format equipment made possible by K-State, the ECC, and Kan-ed.
Aug. 22 is last day for TechBytes survey
by C. Rodriguez, Information Technology Assistance Center
published Aug. 15, 2006
Reminder: Take a few moments to share your IT and
computing needs by completing the short
TechBytes
survey
that is online through Aug. 22.
K-Staters' wishlists will be used to select topics for upcoming TechBytes sessions.
IT job opening in ECC
by B. Newhouse, Regents Educational Communications Center
published Aug. 15, 2006
The Educational Communications Center has a full-time, unclassified position available for a
multimedia/web developer and technologist.
The application deadline is Sept. 11.
For more information, contact Paula Seematter, 785-532-3104.
Security tip: Reboot Windows computers after patching
by H. Townsend, interim K-State IT security officer
published Aug. 15, 2006
More times than not, Windows computers require a reboot after receiving
security patches from Microsoft. The patches released Aug. 8
were no exception. In order for patch MS06-040
to take effect and thereby protect your computer from the exploit now making its rounds on the
Internet (see "New security threat" in this issue), your computer has to be re-booted. Please make sure your
computer has been patched and restarted since last Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Also, whenever your computer tells you that security patches have been
applied and asks if you want to reboot now, don't put it off.
It is common for exploits to hit the Internet very
quickly after Microsoft releases its patches. Worse, the exploits sometimes
hit BEFORE the patch is released (called "zero-day exploits"). So
take the time to save your work and reboot right away.
IT by the numbers: K-State central e-mail
by the editors, InfoTech Tuesday
published Aug. 15, 2006
- 827,140 = Average number of e-mails handled on a weekday basis (up 62 percent from a year ago)
- 517,201 = E-mails rejected on a daily basis (up 86 percent from a year ago)
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