On April 26, 2014 Microsoft released Security Advisory 2963983 for Microsoft Internet Explorer. This issue is a zero-day vulnerability, which means the exploit depends on a flaw already present in affected systems. There is steady activity underway at Microsoft and the various security product vendors such as McAfee and Symantec to mitigate this risk.

Because this issue is non-specific to PCRecruiter and involves the administration of our customer's computer systems, Main Sequence has no recommendation on the use / non-use or configuration of Internet Explorer. PCRecruiter offers Java downloads for use with Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers, but we have not tested all versions of those browsers in all possible environments.

Reports indicate that operating Internet Explorer with "Enhanced Protected Mode" configured or using the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) version 4.1 or the new 5.0 Tech Preview edition will avoid the vulnerability. PCRecruiter has been tested to a limited extent with "Enhanced Protected Mode" and appears to operate normally. You will need to ensure that EMET is configured to protect IE if you select that option.

If you experience unexpected system behavior when using PCRecruiter with any browser, our technical support staff can process error reports and work with you to resolve issues.

Please see this item regarding the vulnerability for more information:

http://blog.securestate.com/cve-2014-1776-internet-explorer-0-day-vulnerability/

On April 7th, 2014, a serious security vulnerability was publicly announced in the popular OpenSSL software library, which is used by many web systems for encrypting and decrypting data. The bug opens up the secret keys used to identify the service providers and to encrypt the traffic, the names and passwords of the users and the actual content. If exploited, attackers could eavesdrop on communications, steal data directly from the services and users and to impersonate services and users.

Are PCRecruiter databases affected by this issue?

PCRecruiter software runs on web servers which do not use the OpenSSL library by default and therefore are not vulnerable to the exploit.

If you are a PCRecruiter user concerened that your password may have been compromised by use with another website, you may wish to use the 'Change My Password' option on the MyPCR screen to update your password.  It's a 'best practice' to change passwords regularly.

Your PCRecruiter system administrator may also select a strong password mode. In this mode:

  • Users must have secure passwords that include a mix of upper and lower case alpha characters, numbers, and special characters
  • Users will be prompted to change passwords regularly.
  • Users will be restricted from the use of common elements such as days of the week, months of the year, and their user name in the password.

For more information on security practices in PCRecruiter, contact your representative.

For more information on the Heartbleed bug, see http://www.heartbleed.com/

Main Sequence is currently beta-testing PCRecruiter 9, the most extensive update we've released since PCRecruiter made the leap from the desktop to the cloud over a dozen years ago.

PCR 9 All-New UIMain Sequence is currently beta-testing PCRecruiter 9, the most extensive update we’ve released since PCRecruiter made the leap from the desktop to the cloud over a dozen years ago.

The new PCRecruiter is currently in the hands of an initial group of customers for evaluation that is expected to span several weeks. We are planning for two rounds of beta testing, followed by a phased rollout to our online and self-hosted customers. All users will maintain the option for 12 to 18 months to use either the new version 9 or the final maintenance updates of the PCRecruiter 8.xx generation.

If you would like to be considered for the second round of beta testing, email Professional Services Manager Liz Annable at lannable@mainsequence.net.

Once PCRecruiter 9 is released for general use, what can you look forward to?

Completely Revised User Interface

  • PCRecruiter 9 presents a completely overhauled user interface that’s is cleaner and easier to use than ever before.
  • We’ve re-built it using HTML 5 and standard web frameworks to streamline, simplify, and modernize your user experience.
  • Our menus have been re-structured to separate ‘navigation items’ from ‘action items.’ Finding your way around in PCR 9 is a snap, both for new users and seasoned pros.
  • The updated MyPCR home screen has a fresh new look with visualizations for your key metrics.
  • A new log-in screen makes it easier than ever to keep up on the latest info on PCRecruiter.
  • If you’ve got photos stored in your name records, you’ll now see them in your ‘recently viewed’ record list.
  • Overlays and progress bars keep your experience confined to a single browser window, with fewer pop-ups and new windows to manage.
  • Maximize and minimize panels with a single click to see more of your data than ever before.

Even More Configurable

  • PCR 9 Screen Config ToolPCRecruiter has always been the most user-configurable staffing and recruiting system available, and PCR 9 makes configuration faster and more flexible with a new drag-and-drop system.
  • Configure your name, organization and job layouts with field groups and custom labels.
  • Drag-and-drop configuration utilities also extend to your search options and search results.
  • PCRecruiter 9 is all about putting what you need front and center and reducing distractions.

Streamlined Document Handling

  • The PCRecruiter 9 launcher opens your Word, Excel, and other documents directly in Microsoft Office, Open Office, and other WebDAV-enabled suites. Just click, edit your file in its native software application, and re-save back to the database instantly.
  • Resumes can now be viewed and exported in PDF format for easy download or emailing.
  • Custom resume headers have been consolidated, using a single image-based header for all of your resume documents, regardless of format.

New HTML Editor

  • New PCR 9 HTML EditorOur all-new HTML editor for job descriptions, emails, and form letters operates completely within the browser, requiring no local installation, for a seamless editing experience regardless of platform.
  • The new editor is more adept at recognizing and appropriately converting proprietary content generated by Microsoft Office, such as Word and Outlook documents.

Simple, Searchable Menus

  • Primary and record-level menus are easily adjusted with drag/drop and pin/un-pin utilities, hiding the items you don’t use regularly for easier, faster navigation.
  • The deeper menus, such as the Reports and System areas, are now quickly navigable with keyword search boxes. Just start typing the name of the item you’re looking for and your options appear instantly.

Enhanced Emailing Capabilities

  • Outbound email screens now instantly notify you when an email address is already in your database.
  • Click on the email addresses in your ‘To’, ‘Cc’ and ‘Bcc’ fields to view and edit the contact record quickly.

Enterprise Platform Improvements

  • PCR 9 Login ScreenPCRecruiter 9 is more than just a pretty face. The new version is powered by Microsoft’s most current web development framework and modern JavaScript libraries, setting the stage for easier development and more rapid deployment of PCRecruiter’s new-feature roadmap which, like the new user interface, is completely updated for 2014-2015 with items designed to enhance recruiter performance in any setting.

New Training Materials

  • We know how important it is to grasp new tools quickly. That’s why PCRecruiter 9 includes not only in-screen help options, but also an entirely new learning center with a growing list of how-to documents and videos.

And this is only the beginning. Main Sequence sees PCRecruiter 9 as the launching point for a new era in interface power, integrations and innovation, all designed to make your job easier. Watch for more information soon!