Disable Java? This Must Be Serious! -- Redmondmag.com

Barney's Blog

Disable Java? This Must Be Serious!

Java runs on a goodly portion of today's PCs. I know I used to get plenty of notices to update the darn thing, almost as many as for Adobe or Firefox, but those updates have slowed in recent months. Maybe they shouldn't have.

There is now a zero-day exploit that experts are so worried about that advise totally shutting off Java.

Since it is a Java exploit it crosses platforms, and most PC and Mac browsers are at risk. Attacks have already taken place in the wild, which is why experts are so concerned.

These attacks are pretty simple, the virus can gain privileges and once in can install malicious software.

There is an unofficial patch, but the safest bet is shutting down Java entirely.

What would you lose if Java went away? Answers welcome at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on 08/29/2012 at 1:19 PM

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