[IS&T Security-FYI] SFYI Newsletter, July 19, 2010

[Monique Yeaton]

In this issue:

1. Microsoft Retires Windows XP SP2
2. Information Security Awareness Poster & Video Contest 2011
3. Tip of the Week: Remember Password Checkbox



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1. Microsoft Retires Windows XP SP2
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Last week Microsoft officially retired Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). The company released the final security patch for the operating system on Patch Tuesday (July 13). 

To receive any further fixes, security or otherwise, users must run XP SP3 or upgrade to a newer operating system, such as Vista or Windows 7.

Users at MIT can download these operating systems from the IS&T website:
Windows Vista: <http://ist.mit.edu/services/software/windows/vista>
Windows 7: <http://ist.mit.edu/services/software/windows/7>

The upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 3 is outlined here: <http://ist.mit.edu/services/software/windows/xp> (Note the "Before You Upgrade" recommendations.)

The story in the news: <http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9179159/R.I.P._Windows_XP_SP2>



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2. Information Security Awareness Poster & Video Contest 2011
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Win cash, gain experience, and earn recognition with a poster or one short video!

The EDUCAUSE & Internet2 Higher Education Information Security Council is conducting its fourth contest in search of posters and short information security awareness videos developed by college students, for college students. 

Winners will receive cash prizes. The posters and videos will be featured on the EDUCAUSE website and may be used in campus security awareness campaigns. Winners will be notified in late April 2011. Deadline for submission is March 11, 2011.

Further information about the contest: <http://www.educause.edu/SecurityVideoContest2011>

The EDUCAUSE Website: <http://www.educause.edu/security>


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3. Tip of the Week: Remember Password Checkbox
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Don't check "remember my password" boxes. 

Numerous programs offer the option of "remembering" your password. Unfortunately, many of them have no built-in security measures to protect that information. Some programs actually store the password in clear text in a file on the computer. This means anyone with access to the computer can read the password. It's best to retype your password each time you log in eliminating the possibility that someone will be able to steal or use it.

[Source: SANS.org]


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Find current and older issues of Security FYI Newsletter: <http://kb.mit.edu/confluence/x/ehBB>


Monique Yeaton
IT Security Awareness Consultant
MIT Information Services & Technology (IS&T)
(617) 253-2715
http://ist.mit.edu/security






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