Cybersecurity Threats

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Explanation of the Current Alert Level of GUARDED

The alert level is the overall current threat level.

On August 16, 2018, the Cyber Threat Alert Level was evaluated and is remaining at Blue (Guarded) due to multiple vulnerabilities in the Linux Kernel, Oracle Database, Adobe, Microsoft and HP Printer products. On August 9, the MS-ISAC released an advisory for a vulnerability in Linux Kernel which could result in denial of service conditions. On August 13, the MS-ISAC released an advisory for a vulnerability in Oracle Database which could allow for complete compromise. On August 14, the MS-ISAC released an update to an advisory for multiple vulnerabilities in HP Printer products due to a DEFCON presentation on a remote code execution vulnerability in the fax protocol. On August 14, the MS-ISAC also released advisories for multiple vulnerabilities in Adobe Acrobat and Reader, and Microsoft Products, the most severe of which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Organizations and users are advised to update and apply all appropriate vendor security patches to vulnerable systems and to continue to update their antivirus signatures daily. Another line of defense includes user awareness training regarding the threats posed by attachments and hypertext links contained in emails especially from un-trusted sources.