Importance of Installing Critical Security Patches Letter

July 2004

Dear University dial-up modem user,

Recently there has been a rash of computer virus and worm infections originating with dial-up modem users that are infecting other computers on the University network. We are sending this message to ask for your help by checking to make sure that you have applied the latest critical security patches to Windows software on your computer.

This message is intended for Windows computer users due to recent security vulnerabilities. If you never use a Windows computer on the University dialup modem connection, you can ignore this message (but obviously it is a good idea to make sure your non-Windows system has up-to-date security patches as well).

You are receiving this email only because you have been identified as a dial-up modem user of the University network, not due to any specific problem reported for your computer. A related message concerning the need for anti-virus software is being sent separately.

For Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP perform the following steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft Windows Update web site: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
2. Click on "Scan for Updates" and then install all "Critical updates and service packs".
3. Reboot the computer.
4. Repeat steps one and two until it says "There are no critical updates available at this time."

Other software such as Microsoft Office also need to have security patches installed. Check the vendor's web site. For Microsoft Office, go to: http://office.microsoft.com/officeupdate/default.aspx.

If you have questions, call the University technology helpline at 612-301-4357 (1-HELP). See http://www.umn.edu/adcs/help.

Thank you for your assistance in protecting the University community.

Steve Cawley, Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer