It's Time to Disable Java on Your Computer | SGA Technologies, LLC

Want to protect your computer from hackers? Slate technology writer Will Oremus has one suggestion: disable Java. If you do not know, Java is software that runs interactive functions on some web pages. The software has been roundly criticized for being an open door of sorts to hackers. In a recent story, for example, Business Insider pointed to the 700,000 Apple computers infected earlier this year with the Flashback Trojan malware. All of these computers were running out-of-date versions of add-ons that let their web browsers run Java. The best way, then, to protect your computer? Oremus says it is all about disabling Java.

Security flaw

Hackers recently found a flaw in Oracle?s Java software that enabled these cyber criminals to break into users? computers and install malware. Back then, the threat was considered a ?zero-day? one, meaning a threat that uses a vulnerability that wasn?t formerly known and for which no fix can be acquired. Since the security hole was discovered, Oracle launched a new version of Java that the developer says fixes the vulnerability. But the fact remains: Hackers often use Java to break into users? computers. Turning it off, then, makes the most sense, especially since Java is no longer needed for the vast majority of websites.

Turning off Java

Turning off Java requires different steps depending upon what web browser you use. In Firefox users must first select ?tools? from their browser?s main menu. They should then click ?add-ons? and the disable buttons next to any Java plug-ins.

Safari users must first click ?Safari? in the main menu bar and then ?Preferences.? Once they?ve done this, they can select the ?security? tab and make sure that the button next to ?enable Java? is not checked.

Google Chrome users need to type ?Chrome://Plugins? in their browser?s address bar. They can then click the ?disable? button listed below any Java plug-ins.

Don?t touch JavaScript

Here?s a warning, though: Java and Javascript are not the same thing. If you wrongly disable Javascript on your computer, you won?t do anything to protect yourself from hackers. However, you might make it so that the websites you visit no longer work properly.

Source: http://blog.sgatechnologies.com/2012/its-time-to-disable-java-on-your-computer/

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