Security for Windows, Macintosh, and Unix Computers
Did you know that when you connect a computer to the Internet, it is usually scanned by hackers within the first few minutes to discover whether it can be broken into? As an open research and education organization connected to the Internet, Stanford's network is accessible to most anyone worldwide. Having your computer on Stanford's network means you are vulnerable to these hackers as well.
There are a number of basic steps that every computer user can and should take to make their computers safer.
FIND THE COMPUTER SECURITY INFORMATION YOU NEED IN YOUR ROLE AS A ...
- Personal Computer User
- Helpful security information for anyone using a personal computer or workstation in their daily work or at home, or anyone with a SUNet ID.
- Technical Professional
- Information security information specifically oriented toward people who are responsible for managing, supporting, or maintaining desktop systems (usually for others), server devices, or the networks to which they are connected.
- Administrator, Department Head, or Principal Investigator
- Important security information for those who have management or oversight responsibility for information systems but are not providing "hands on" support themselves.
Security Alerts
June 15, 2009
Increased Phishing Scare
There have been several complaints about a new phishing attack. These emails currently are not being labeled as spam. Here is an example of what these emails look like... Read complete entry
March 26, 2009
Conficker C April Fools Day Scare
There are many news reports circulating the Internet about a new variant of the Conficker or Downadup family of malware. The Conficker worms are very sophisticated worms that use encryption to hide their code from analysis... Read complete entry
March 5, 2009
Adobe Acrobat and Reader JavaScript Vulnerabilities
Vulnerability Identifiers: APSB08-19, APSB08-13, APSA09-01; all platforms (Windows, MAC) There are two Adobe Acrobat security vulnerabilities which have recently been seen on Stanford machines. These involve a series of critical JavaScript vulnerabilities (APSB08-19, APSB08-13). They affect Acrobat and Reader... Read complete entry
February 20, 2008
Phishing email attack steals passwords
Summary Stanford users are being subjected to an ongoing "phishing" attack through email messages that ask users to reply with their SUNet account credentials and other personal information. What To Do Do not reply to any message that asks for... Read complete entry