Security news9 July 2008
Microsoft issues security fixes, but warns of unpatched Word flaw Vulnerabilities discovered in SQL Server, Exchange Server and Windows
Sophos's 'NAC for Dummies' guide explains how companies can enforce a security policy and prevent unpatched computers from accessing the network.
Experts at Sophos have advised businesses to deploy Windows security patches after Microsoft issued a warning of security flaws in its software.
As part of its monthly "Patch Tuesday" schedule Microsoft has issued a number of bulletins about security vulnerabilities in its software. The list of affected software includes Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange and various versions of Windows.
Separately, however, Microsoft has issued a security advisory about an as yet unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft Office Word 2002 Service Pack 3, which could allow remote code execution. Microsoft acknowledges that it is possible that other versions of Word are also vulnerable.
"As internet criminals become more organized and financially-motivated it is more important than ever to ensure that your business is properly defended with the latest patches," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. "It will be interesting to see how quickly Microsoft can turnaround a fix to the possible flaw in Microsoft Word, which is reported to be being exploited in the wild by hackers."
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit update.microsoft.com to have their systems scanned for Microsoft security vulnerabilities.
Sophos suggests that every IT manager responsible for security should consider subscribing to vulnerability mailing lists such as that operated by Microsoft at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.
How can Network Access Control help your business?
Network Access Control enables companies to control who and what is allowed onto their network; blocking unauthorized users, controlling guest access, and ensuring compliance with a business's security policy. By implementing NAC firms reduce the risk of unauthorized, guest, non-compliant, or infected systems compromising the network, ensuring that only correctly secured computers gain network access.
"NAC identifies managed, unmanaged and guest computers that do not comply with your security policy, and acts as a vital tool when dealing with newly reported security vulnerabilities such as these," explained Cluley. "It is possible to quickly assess, for instance, which computers are incorrectly patched or have their firewall disabled. You may then choose to automatically fix vulnerabilities before allowing the PCs to access your network, or simply block non-compliant computers."
- Network Access Control (NAC) - How compliant are your computers?
- Listen to a podcast about Network Access Control
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About Sophos
More than 100 million users in 150 countries rely on Sophos as the best protection against complex threats and data loss. Sophos is committed to providing security and data protection solutions that are simple to manage, deploy and use and that deliver the industry's lowest total cost of ownership. Sophos offers award-winning encryption, endpoint security, web, email, and network access control solutions backed by SophosLabs - a global network of threat intelligence centers. With more than two decades of experience, Sophos is regarded as a leader in security and data protection by top analyst firms and has received many industry awards.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.
