I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but there was another Java exploit discovered and this one is the worst kind of security hole. It’s one that allows a hacker to install malware or viruses without your knowledge simply by visiting a website. The exploit has been confirmed by Bitdefender, a popular anti-virus company, as being actively used by hackers on the internet to compromise computer systems.
The really dangerous part is it appears to affect all installations of Java and there is no known way to stop it outside of disabling or uninstalling Java. Oracle, the makers of Java, are aware of the exploit and are doubtlessly working on a fix, but no ETA or information has been released.
The easiest and most secure way to disable Java is to follow the instructions provided by Oracle by clicking here. You can re-enable Java after Oracle patches Java and you download an updated version. Disabling Java may cause certain websites to perform differently as Java will not be available to them so keep that in mind if you experience any unusual performance.
-Tim
Update: Java was patched early this AM. Please download the latest version by clicking here and clicking Free Java Download. You can read the press release here.
Tim,
Thanks for the warning. After reading this, and looking into it further, I disabled Java on Firefox (my default browser). Disabling it was a snap and it didn’t make any noticeable difference.
Stopping Java in control panel of XP was not correct.
Really appreciate the alert.
Your instructions make it really easy to disable Java. Hope it gets fixed soon. Again, thanks for the alert and how to defend against the attack. I hate hackers!
Hi, well I did what you said to uninstall java and it keeps telling me it canot find a match in search for control panel. I have windows 8. what do you think is the problem
Just got an e-mail from a website that uses Java with a link to fix the java problem with an download has any one else recieved one? Would like to know if it is safe. Thanks Tim for looking out for us.
I clicked on the link and found pages of stuff to read but never could find a lick to download the patch.
Wish this had come out 2 weeks ago. Cost me $75 to fix the problem and get Java off my computer. DO NOT DOWN LOAD ANYTHING THAT SAY “FREE JAVA DOWNLOAD”
Please tell me is Java is “good” now. Is the corruption fixed? Do I need to disable my version? Thanks.
1/24/13 6:30pm
Is it safe to enable Jave yet? Please advise.
Thank you