Patch Tuesday August 2024: some steamy security updates for your small business this month.
Apple Bytes
Recently The Record reported a new infostealer which targets the macOS system. An infostealer program harvests user passwords, files, browser cookies and logins. The Banshee stealer proves that regardless of platform hackers will target you. I still run into people who are convinced that because they’re running a mac they ‘re safe. Or that they’re too small to be worth hackers’ attention (see 7 Deadly Cybersecurity Myths).
Yes, it’s time to patch your Apple devices. August 7th, Apple released security updates for macOS Sonoma and Monterey. Apple also patched their browser Safari and iOS versions.
Details on the latest Apple updates here.
Adobe Updates
Adobe released security updates for Acrobat and Reader as well as most parts of the Creative suite such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. These updates apply to both macOS and Windows.
You can check for updates directly from the Acrobat and Reader by going to Menu, Help, Check for updates.
Be sure to run those updates.
Microsoft Patch Tuesday August 2024
Microsoft released security patches for over 90 problems for its products including squashing 9 critical security holes.
Hackers can use two of the security holes to infect Windows without any interaction from the user. This is not click and run.
Full details on the latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday August edition here.
Intel and AMD updates
Both Intel and AMD issued numerous advisories and updates for most of their products. AMD decided not patch a critical vulnerability on older versions of their CPUs. So many advisories I’m still working through them to check if any of my clients are running the affected processors.
What to look for? Your computer manufacturer will issue firmware updates. For example, Lenovo has the Vantage system update software on all their devices. If you’re running a Lenovo computer, open the Vantage program (Lenovo usually places the icon on the right hand side when you first click the Windows start button). Check for updates. Be sure you’ve closed all open program and plugged in the device as firmware updates usually require a reboot.
You may also have Intel update software on your computer. Open that and check for updates.
Patch Tuesday August 2024: an ounce of patching is cheaper than a pound of hacking.
