Combating Internet Viruses

As a business owner or a user of business software, we are jointly hurt by the terrible viruses and worms which are attacking us. The cost to protect, the cost to recover, the cost to prepare are all too real.

Although significant resources are routinely put on this topic, I think it behooves us to act responsibly in these three areas:

1) Make sure we are current with the latest application software version.

a. Software updates are constantly striving to find both application bugs and also virus vulnerabilities, hence newer software has stronger code to combat known weaknesses.

2) Make sure you have processed the most current Service Patches for the operating platform and application software.

a. Always work through your IT department regarding Service patches. Let the IT department implement its strategy for handling SP ‘s in an effective manner

3) Always seek to have the latest Virus protection software and updates.

Handling updates, service patches, product revisions are complex tasks. Always work though the proper IT channels when contemplating updates. Do your homework carefully so that all your combating internet virus efforts are successful.

Recently, Microsoft MBS division, recommended that certain service patches be installed for all Solomon users. The vulnerability is in visual basic assistant (VBA) which is used by the customization manager in Solomon. VBA is also a key part of Microsoft Office Suite. I recommend you work through your IT department and your local Solomon VAR to take action on this potential problem.

See the link:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-037.asp

There is a SP3 for Ms 2000 SQL which also affects our Solomon users. This SP should be installed by all users of MS 2000 SQL.

Below are two other resources regarding this topic. Please review them or forward them to the correct people in your organizatron.

Microsoft Guide to Security Patch Management

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/topics/patch/secpatch/default.asp

Protect your PC

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp