Newsletter Archives

• MS-DEFCON 4: Major April issue, but not from updates

  Posted on April 25, 2023 at 02:45 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 20.17.1 • 2023-04-25

  

  By Susan Bradley

  I’m ready to approve the April updates.

  Accordingly, I’ve lowered the MS-DEFCON level to 4. This is not to say there are not a few oddities out there, but they will not affect many users.

  Most of the unusual behavior in updates this month is due to slow changes that will lead to future enforcement changes.

  Microsoft has also pushed off the implementation of the mandatory, number-based, multifactor authentication for Microsoft 365 applications.

  Anyone can read the full MS-DEFCON Alert (20.17.1, 2023-04-25).

  AskWoody Plus Alert, MS-DEFCON Active Directory, Alerts, Domain Controllers, Games, gaming, MS-DEFCON, MS-DEFCON 4, Patch Lady Posts

• MS-DEFCON 2: The maintenance window for Windows closes

  Posted on December 8, 2022 at 02:45 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 19.49.1 • 2022-12-08

  

  By Susan Bradley

  This is your last call to install updates.

  Businesses typically have a concept in their information technology divisions about maintenance windows. It’s a period of time set aside to install updates, review computer systems, and in general ensure that everything is working as it should.

  Consumers and home users should follow a similar concept. Devote a period of time, no matter the platform, to ensure that your devices are working as they should. Then let your maintenance window close. That’s why I’m raising the MS-DEFCON level to 2 — with fresh updates due next week, get the current updates installed now.

  Everyone can read the full MS-DEFCON Alert (19.49.1, 2022-12-08).

  AskWoody Plus Alert, MS-DEFCON Alerts, Domain Controllers, macOS Ventura, MS-DEFCON, MS-DEFCON 2, Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts

• MS-DEFCON 3: Issues with domains

  Posted on November 22, 2022 at 02:45 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 19.47.1 • 2022-11-22

  

  By Susan Bradley

  November updates lead to side effects

  My usual advice regarding updates with known side effects is to wait until the problems are resolved. But every so often, the risk of waiting is greater than the risks associated with the side effects.

  That’s the way I see the situation now. The November updates require you to slog through the issues and deal with the side effects. For that reason, I’m lowering the MS-DEFCON level to 3. I’d really like to go to 4, but I think greater caution is required.

  Anyone can read the full MS-DEFCON Alert (19.47.1, 2022-11-22).

  AskWoody Plus Alert, MS-DEFCON Alerts, Domain Controllers, MS-DEFCON, MS-DEFCON 3, Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts