Protect your Rowan workstation from Log4j vulnerability

Information Resources & Technology is taking every possible step to block a newly-discovered security vulnerability in the Log4j library used by many of our systems and applications, but we need your help to protect your Rowan workstation — particularly if you don’t regularly bring your computer to campus. 

If you have not already, you must take the steps below to make sure your computer is equipped with the tools it needs to fight off security threats, like the Log4j vulnerability. We will begin notifying individuals and start disabling access to University owned computers that do not meet our security standards on Thursday, Dec. 16. 

  1. Connect to the Rowan VPN from off-campus. When you use your computer off-campus, you must log in to the Rowan VPN for at least two hours a day to ensure your computer receives security and software patches and other necessary updates. For instructions on connecting to the Rowan VPN, see our article on logging in to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client, which should already be installed on your computer. If your computer is used on-campus most days of the week, you can skip this step.
  2. Check for updates and regularly restart your computer. Keep your computer up to date and restart it at least once a week to reduce the risk of infection from ransomware and malware and optimize performance. Do you know how to check for pending updates? Here’s what to look for on your Rowan computer.

The Log4j vulnerability has been discovered in a library used in services provided by Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, IBM and others. By exploiting the Log4j vulnerability, hackers can take full control of a system. One technology CEO called the vulnerability “a design failure of catastrophic proportions.” 

By regularly restarting and updating your computer and connecting to the Rowan VPN for at least two hours every day, you can help us protect your data, your team and your university from the Log4j vulnerability and other threats. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Technology Support Center at 856-256-4400, or submit a ticket in the Rowan Support Portal.