July 2007

ITS is in the process of evaluating the recently introduced Apple iPhone, a widely publicized mobile PDA device which uses the AT&T network for voice and data services.

You should be aware that Apple & AT&T's initial release of iPhone service is aimed at personal use, rather than at seamless, reliable, standards-based integration with services that may be provided by institutions like ours, including NYURoam, NYU Email, Meeting Maker and so forth. AT&T does not yet offer corporate or institutional account management for iPhone service.

Although iPhone may be a great choice for your personal purpose, iPhone unfortunately does not yet qualify for inclusion among NYU-supported mobile PDA devices. We are not yet able to migrate service or phone numbers to iPhones from other NYU-sponsored or personal cell phones or PDA devices, or to provide University coverage of ongoing iPhone service fees.

We hope future releases of iPhone will better accommodate integration with organization-provided services such as ours. We will continue to monitor changes to the iPhone and its capabilities and to seek effective ways to integrate it with NYU services.

For more information about mobile PDAs at NYU, please visit the ITS Website at www.nyu.edu/its/pda/

If you are interested in learning more about our evaluation, or have comments, please email your questions and feedback to its.mobile@nyu.edu. You can also contact us via the Ask ITS area in NYUHome or by calling ITS Client Services at 212-998-3333.

We will continue to update the NYU Community as more information becomes available.

Posted by Jill Hochberg at 12:09 PM | Permalink

July '07 has been a busy one for software companies: multiple critical updates have been issued for Adobe, Microsoft, Apple operating systems and applications.

Adobe:

Two (2) vulnerabilities in Adobe's popular Flash player may allow a specially crafted website to load malicious arbitrary code and possibly even take control over a victim's computer. These updates apply to both Windows and Mac OS X.

Adobe recommends all users of Adobe Flash Player 9.0.45.0 and earlier versions upgrade to the newest version 9.0.47.0. Click here to download the latest version.

Apple:

Eight (8) vulnerabilities in Apple's popular Quicktime player may attackers to load malicious arbitrary code and possibly even take control over a victim's computer. These updates apply to both Windows and Mac OS X.

Apple recommends all users download the latest version of Quicktime player 7.2, available here

Microsoft:

Eleven (11) vulnerabilities in Windows (i.e. Windows XP SP2, Vista, etc.) and Office suite may allow attackers to load malicious arbitrary code and possibly even take control over a victim's computer. These updates apply to Windows only.

Microsoft recommends all users update their computers via the Automatic Updates feature or by visiting: http://update.microsoft.com

Posted by cp493 at 01:17 PM | Permalink

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security feature that helps protect the privacy of documents transmitted over the Internet, including email messages. If you use an email client other than NYUHome to check your NYU email, do your part to help protect NYU's network and activate SSL today. It's quick, easy and very important! (If you use NYUHome to check your NYU email, SSL has already been activated for you; ITS cannot, however, activate SSL for other email clients--you must take these steps yourself.) See www.nyu.edu/its/email/ssl/ for instructions.

Posted by Kate at 11:01 AM | Permalink

Google Desktop is a desktop search application designed to simplify your access to information on your computer and the Internet. Among other features, this program automatically indexes and allows you to search the full text of virtually all your files.

As is the case with nearly every computer program, if Google Desktop is not properly maintained and updated, it could potentially allow attackers to compromise your computer and/or access your local files. Google Desktop does provide automatic updates as vulnerabilities are discovered, but if you handle or store sensitive University data on your computer, you should consider avoiding and/or uninstalling this program.

If you continue using Google Desktop, ITS strongly recommends that you do the following (click each link for instructions on the Google website):

• Set Desktop not to search or index any sensitive files or folders.
• Disable "Search Across Computers"
• Disable "Secure web history"
• Disable Google Integration
• Enable "Encrypt Index" (Please note that enabling this option will automatically disable "Search Across Computers.")

For more information about privacy and Google Desktop, see the Google Desktop website.

If you use a third-party desktop search program besides Google Desktop, ITS encourages you to review the program's supporting documentation to see what you can do to help secure the program and your data.

If you have questions about data security, contact ITS Technology Security Services at security@nyu.edu.

Posted by Kate at 10:15 AM | Permalink

On Wednesday, July 4th, all ITS lab facilities will be closed in observance of Independence Day. The normal summer labs schedule will resume on Thursday, July 5th.

The ITS Client Services Center will be open for telephone (212-998-3333) and email support from noon to 8:00am on Wednesday, July 4th, but closed for walk-in assistance at 10 Astor Place. Normal telephone, email, and walk-in hours will resume on Thursday, July 5th.

Enjoy the July 4th holiday!

Posted by Kate at 03:54 PM | Permalink