Information Technology

Critical Flash Player Update - 2/24/2014

Adobe recently released a critical update for their Flash Player software, embedded in most web browsers.  The update addresses vulnerabilities in Flash that are being actively exploited "in the wild" on the internet which allows an attacker to gain access to your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer. Please read below to learn how to keep your Reed-owned and personal computers safe.

What faculty/staff should do for their Reed computer

CIS has recently begun to manage some software on Reed-owned Mac computers, enabling the rapid deployment of security patches such as this Flash vulnerability. If you see the "Managed Software Update" app in your Applications > Utilities folder, your computer can receive critical updates from CIS. Managed Software Updates will run automatically and prompt you to install the necessary software which will fix the Flash vulnerability. Please follow the instructions when the "Managed Software Update" window appears. Note: you may manually launch the Managed Software Update app at anytime from the Applications > Utilities folder.

If the Managed Software Update app is not installed on your Reed computer, you should follow the instructions below for personal computers. Over time, Managed Software Updates will be installed on all Reed computers. Please contact the CUS Help Desk at x7525 or cus@reed.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Learn more about how CIS manages software updates.

What everyone should do for their personal computer

We encourage everyone to update personal computers as soon as possible. The process is different depending on your web browser:

More information

More information about the Flash vulnerability is at the following websites:

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb14-07.html

https://arstechnica.com/security/2014/02/adobe-releases-emergency-flash-update-amid-new-zero-day-drive-by-attacks/

Please contact the CUS Help Desk with any questions or concerns: cus@reed.edu or 503-777-7525.