Bill Lunam, Kinetics Operations Manager, 30 September 2010
It’s not uncommon for me to be asked how the Adobe update notifications can be turned off. When that happens my first response is to ask why. Some people get the same update notification day after day, even though they choose to install it. In that case, the answer is that the update needs to be installed fully. This may mean changing your rights on the PC, logging on as a different user with more rights or choosing to run the update as 'administrator'. When you get prompted every day, its an indication of a security rights issue and that should be able to be resolved.
The other response people give me is that they just don’t want to be bothered with updates, even if they are only occasional. Unfortunately that is not a good idea. The use of Abode Reader, Flash and Shockwave is extremely wide spread. One or other of those would be on just about every PC. That widespread adoption means that many websites and applications take advantage of Adobe features. However that also makes them a target for hackers. So those updates are really there to protect you.
On September the 13th, Adobe released information about one of these vulnerabilities http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa10-03.html. According to Trend Micro, patches for this will be realised over the next few weeks but meantime hackers have started making use of these vulnerabilities - http://blog.trendmicro.com/new-adobe-flash-critical-vulnerability-exploited-in-the-wild . This particular exploit is being activated though websites and does not appear to be widespread. But it’s a timely warning that you should allow these updates.
For customers with Kinetics KARE (levels other than 'Ready Reaction') we will be applying the updates for you. None-KARE clients can visit the Adobe site http://www.adobe.com for updates or we can arrange to do this for you. It’s also worth noting that Adobe updates are different from Windows updates, and Macintosh and Linux are also affected.
If you would like us to help with Adobe updates, please call 09 379 8200 email support@kinetics.co.nz or ask your account manager or engineer.