URGENT UPDATE!
Microsoft is urging Windows users to immediately install an update after security researchers found a serious vulnerability in the operating system.

The security flaw, known as PrintNightmare, affects the Windows Print Spooler service. Researchers at cybersecurity company Sangfor accidentally published a how-to guide for exploiting it.

Microsoft (MSFT) warned that hackers that exploit the vulnerability could install programs, view and delete data or even create new user accounts with full user rights. That gives hackers enough command and control of your PC to do some serious damage. 

Please update your PC as soon as possible to limit your exposure to this serious vulnerability.

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NOTE: If you have Automatic Updates turned on, you will most likely already have this update installed. Here’s how to tell and what to do if it’s not installed.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update. If you have ANY updates waiting, install them.

2. After any waiting updates are installed, go to “Update History” and look for “2021-07 Cumulative Update……(KB5004945). If this update is listed, your computer is protected from this vulnerability. 

3. After installing all waiting updates and checking for the above specific update and find it’s not listed, run “Windows Update” to see if it downloads and installs the above update. 

4. If you still do not have “2021-07 Cumulative Update……(KB5004945)” installed, be patient, as it will eventually be downloaded and installed.

Windows 7 users. 
Microsoft has added an update for this vulnerability to Windows 7, even though they don’t typically update operating system versions that are past their End-of-Life date. If you still use Windows 7, check for this update.

The Education committee is writing new articles to help you begin your new year by learning more about the technology devices you use. When selecting article topics, we used the results of the TVCUC Survey from last year and input from FLS. We will identify the articles as Novice Level or Intermediate Level so that you have a better idea of what is being presented. We are also populating an archive of many “How-To” articles.

If you like the new format or if you have a technology topic you’d like us to research and write about, email our Education Committee chair. We look forward to helping you continue to learn and be more confident in the use of technology.

Apple is urging iPhone and iPad users to promptly update their operating systems to fix security bugs that may have already been exploited by hackers. The latest update (14.4) was released on January 26. Don’t wait to install this update.

On its support webpage, the company said three security flaws “may have been actively exploited.” It did not reveal too many specifics about the bugs, noting “Apple does not disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available.” The issue is a link in an exploit chain, meaning a hacker would need to exploit further bugs for it to be fully executable.

Latest statistics on TAP deliveries of refurbished computer systems and youths assisted:

Systems delivered in 2020	493