Jump to content

US warns Internet users to disable Java


Recommended Posts

It appears there is a big distinction between Java and Javascript - not the same thing and the latter is allegedly not affected.

Also, the Department of Homeland Security, run by Janet Napolitano, is not much of an authority on anything and certainly is not one of the first places I'd go looking for computer advice. I wouldn't be all that surprised to learn that the Obama administration believe Fox News uses Java and have decided that they can turn off Fox's audience by doing this. (OK, just kidding - I'm not really THAT paranoid).

I believe this vulnerability is probably real but I'm not about to go running lemming-like off a cliff until I hear from some of the experts in the business at hand.

I'll be very intrested to hear what Oracle has to say. Microsoft too should be chiming in soon. I'll wait a day or two and see what percolates out of all this.

Thanks for the head's up, March.

John

Link to post
Share on other sites

John,

As software security goes this is fairly old news. And it is not only limited to Java. There are a number of badly written plugins out there that are dangerous for the average user because they are susceptable to misuse.

I do advice using plugins like NoScript in Firefox and specifically allow scripts to run on trusted sites to limit the dangers.

Furthermore just use common sense and don't follow unsollicited links will keep you pretty save.

Cheers,

Kasper

CEH, ECSA, LPT

Link to post
Share on other sites

Actually my fault for not remarking on the distinction between the two.

Java is quite maleable, as is any software that is capable of writing scripts (instructions). I thought it wise to pass on the particular news article that I picked up in my normal morning reading.

YMMV

Cheers,

March

Link to post
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...