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9:15 a.m., Aug. 18, 2003--As of July 31, as the result of Microsoft Windows security vulnerability, approximately 100 hacked systems have been removed from the University’s computer network, and 1,200 more remain vulnerable to attack, according to IT-User Services.

“It is imperative that you check your Windows system immediately to deal with this security vulnerability before a malicious person takes complete and total control of your system and uses it to launch a widespread attack on the campus network,” IT-User Services Director Leila Lyons said.

Windows users are advised to follow the instructions at [www.udel.edu/security/secms.html] under “Windows Critical Updates.” When checking machines for Windows updates, be sure to install ALL CRITICAL updates for each machine. This may require running Windows Update several times on each machine in order to install all needed patches.

Follow these steps when checking/updating your Windows operating system:

• Run Windows Updates and scan for updates.
• Choose and install all critical updates listed.
• Reboot the machine.
• Run Windows Updates again and scan once more for updates.
• If any critical updates are listed, install these and reboot.
• Continue this process until you see "There are no critical updates available at this time."

You should also check system date and time for accuracy. If the date and time on your system are set too far in the past, Windows update doesn't complain, but also doesn't offer any patches. A dead motherboard battery or bios could cause this kind of situation.

Windows XP and Windows 2000 users are advised that they should set up automatic operating system updates by visiting [www.udel.edu/topics/windowsxp/XPupdate.html].