Current Threats

The biggest current threats on the UNL campus currently are:

• Weak passwords. See the password page for tips on choosing a strong, yet easy to remember password.
• Unpatched computers. Check for updates for your operating system and applications regularly!
  • Microsoft Windows updates (also available in Internet Explorer under the Tools menu).
  • Microsoft Office updates
  • Macintosh OSX security updates
  • Users of other systems should check their vendor's web pages for updates.
• Viruses and Worms. All computers on the UNL network should have anti-virus software installed. If you don't already have up-to-date anti-virus software installed, you can install Sophos Antivirus free-of-charge for all students, faculty and staff. For more information on viruses, see the UNL Antivirus website.

• Trojan Horse programs. These programs don't spread automatically like viruses and worms, but can leave a computer wide open for attackers to control the system, send spam email that appears to be from the controlled system, or act as a file server for copyrighted material. The most common ways for trojans to get onto a computer are through unpatched computers, poor passwords or through vulnerable applications such as KaZaa.

Some links to recent trends in Internet attacks:

• SANS Internet Storm Center (ISC)
• McAfee's Virus Information page
• Symantec's Security Response