12 Jan 13
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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is warning users to disable or uninstall Oracle Corps’ Java software on their computers because of a flaw that would allow hackers to install malicious software.
Java is used by hundreds of millions of Windows, Mac and Linux computers along with mobile devices, reported ZDNet.
It’s rare for a government agency to recommend users completely disable a software program because of a security threat. Typically warnings will recommend taking steps to reduce risk while manufactures work on a security update.
According to ZDNet, hackers have discovered a weakness in Java 7 security that could allow the installation of malicious software and malware on machines.
These programs could increase the chance for identity theft, or force your computer to participate in a botnet — where a group of computers cede control to a hacker who uses them to carry out attacks against websites.
“We are currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem,” said the DHS’ Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) in a post on its Web site on Thursday evening. “This vulnerability is being attacked in the wild, and is reported to be incorporated into exploit kits. Exploit code for this vulnerability is also publicly available.”
DHS recommends Java users disable Java immediately to mitigate any damage.
Oracle declined comment Friday.
Java is used by programmers to write software using just one set of code. It runs on virtually any type of computer through Java programs called modules or plug-ins, that run Java software on top of browsers such as Internet Explorer and Firefox. It is not the same as JavaScript, which is used to write the coding of websites.
http://kdvr.com/2013/01/11/homeland-security-warns-to-disable-java-amid-hacker-threat/
Does anybody here know if this is legit and if so, will disabling it mess up my internet experience ? Such as RHP ?
12 Jan 13
Originally posted by utherpendragonIt's legit. I got an instruction from my employer to uninstall Java.
[quote]WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is warning users to disable or uninstall Oracle Corps’ Java software on their computers because of a flaw that would allow hackers to install malicious software.
Java is used by hundreds of millions of Windows, Mac and Linux computers along with mobile devices, reported ZDNet.
It’s r ...[text shortened]... if this is legit and if so, will disabling it mess up my internet experience ? Such as RHP ?[/b]
15 Jan 13
Originally posted by utherpendragonJava is so ubiquitous, that many devices may lose significant functionality without it. I just got a Java update a day or two ago, but they never explain the update.
[quote]WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is warning users to disable or uninstall Oracle Corps’ Java software on their computers because of a flaw that would allow hackers to install malicious software.
Java is used by hundreds of millions of Windows, Mac and Linux computers along with mobile devices, reported ZDNet.
It’s r ...[text shortened]... if this is legit and if so, will disabling it mess up my internet experience ? Such as RHP ?[/b]
I do nothing financial on a Windows computer, or on a smartphone. The few online transactions I make are done on a Linux machine.
Don't use auto fill on any computer. If there isn't anything of value on your computer to steal, don't worry.
15 Jan 13
Originally posted by normbenignNo computer requires java. No browser requires it either.
Java is so ubiquitous, that many devices may lose significant functionality without it. I just got a Java update a day or two ago, but they never explain the update.
I do nothing financial on a Windows computer, or on a smartphone. The few online transactions I make are done on a Linux machine.
Don't use auto fill on any computer. If there isn't anything of value on your computer to steal, don't worry.
This also isn't just about stealing anything. This kind of vulnerability also can allow people to use your computer to participate in an attack on a server.
15 Jan 13
Originally posted by utherpendragonDisabling Java should not cause any problems with RHP.
[quote]WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is warning users to disable or uninstall Oracle Corps’ Java software on their computers because of a flaw that would allow hackers to install malicious software.
Java is used by hundreds of millions of Windows, Mac and Linux computers along with mobile devices, reported ZDNet.
It’s r ...[text shortened]... if this is legit and if so, will disabling it mess up my internet experience ? Such as RHP ?[/b]
15 Jan 13
Originally posted by Soothfastyou will find it very hard to move your pieces in the web browser.
Disabling Java should not cause any problems with RHP.
I disabled my browser plugin for all of a half a day and then switched it back on. Without Java the internet's the way it was like in the 90's or like how its still like for linux users 😛
16 Jan 13
Originally posted by kmax87Months ago Apple released a "Java update" for its Safari browser that simply uninstalls the Java plug-in altogether. I resisted for months, but recently decided to give it a go. No problem moving my pieces whatsoever. I think RHP operates mainly with javascript (and other code like php), which of course is not the same thing.
you will find it very hard to move your pieces in the web browser.
I disabled my browser plugin for all of a half a day and then switched it back on. Without Java the internet's the way it was like in the 90's or like how its still like for linux users 😛
16 Jan 13
Originally posted by sasquatch672I wouldn't think that there is anything of any importance on
It's legit. I got an instruction from my employer to uninstall Java.
my Toshiba laptop for any hacker to be interested in.
I don't work at the Pentagon or GCHQ.
A hacker would be bored to death if he managed to see
all that I had on my computer.
He'd probably do me a favour and add a few programmes.
16 Jan 13
Originally posted by johnnylongwoodySounds like the old Irish break and enter joke where they clean up everything and leave your home spotless. If only....
I wouldn't think that there is anything of any importance on
my Toshiba laptop for any hacker to be interested in.
I don't work at the Pentagon or GCHQ.
A hacker would be bored to death if he managed to see
all that I had on my computer.
He'd probably do me a favour and add a few programmes.
I sometimes wonder if this whole vulnerability issue was to sell the new disable feature of the #10 update and at the same time let you realise how much of the internet experience depends on java. Frinstance how do you check your fb notifications or even log off from it without java, and thats just for starters. However its nice to be able to go to a news website and not have a zillion things load and want to play in the background....
16 Jan 13
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Originally posted by rwingettThe US is only allowed to carpet bomb Vietnam. Crossing the border to do it would be a war crime, everyone knows that.
Disable Java? And here I thought this thread was about carpet bombing a certain Indonesian island in order to take out FMF. What a disappointment. 😠
18 Jan 13
Originally posted by joe beyserAfter two terms of "W" and Obama that is all we have left. :'(
Still fun to think about though. You still got your dreams!
I think what is needed is urgent action from government. Where is Obama and his Executive Orders to remedy this situation? 😠