Java, a pre-installed plug-in on many pc’s, is causing data security concerns for users. Like so many programs, Java requests to be updated on a regular basis; which many people ignore. As reported by the BBC, research by the FTC has found older versions had a flaw in the update tool that “allowed hackers to craft malware that could allow access to consumers usernames and passwords for financial accounts.” Updates were designed to fix this issue in future installs. But the earliest updates were not designed to delete older versions left on the computer, leaving a backdoor open for hackers. Experts recommend all users update to the most recent version Java. If you don’t need it, then they are urging us to delete it completely. Let us help you maintain data security. Read the full article below:
Millions of Java users are to be warned that they could be exposed to malware as a result of a flaw that existed in the software’s update tool.
The plug-in is installed on many PCs to let them to run small programs written in the Java programming language.
Its distributor Oracle has agreed to issue an alert on both social media and its own site following an investigation by the US’s Federal Trade Commission.
By doing so it has avoided the risk of being fined.
However, the firm has not formally admitted to any wrongdoing.
Malware target
According to the FTC’s complaint, Oracle was aware of security issues in the Java SE (standard edition) plug-in when it bought the technology’s creator Sun in 2010.
“The security issues allowed hackers to craft malware that could allow access to consumers’ usernames and passwords for financial accounts, and allow hackers to acquire other sensitive information,” the FTC said.
The regulator alleged that Oracle had promised consumers that installing its updates would ensure their PCs would be “safe and secure”.
But it said the firm had failed to acknowledge that a risk remained.
This was because Sun’s original update process did not delete earlier versions of its software, which hackers could exploit to carry out their attacks.
When Oracle initially tried to address this, its update tool only removed the most recent prior version of Java, leaving earlier editions behind.
It was not until August 2014 that the company finally rectified the problem.
Oracle could not plead ignorance because the FTC had obtained internal documents dated from 2011 that stated “[the] Java update mechanism is not aggressive enough or simply not working”.
According to the watchdog, Java SE is installed on more than 850 million computers.
Because many of those will still not have installed the latest versions of the plug-in, the warning still serves a purpose and provides a link that can be used to detect and uninstall the code.
Junking Java
Java is still used to power some web browser-based games, calculator, chat tools and other functions.
However, one expert said most users should take this opportunity to trash it.
“Java is one of the top three applications that criminals target,” commented Rik Ferguson, vice president of security research at anti-malware firm Trend Micro.
“It comes pre-installed on a lot of machines, so a lot of people don’t know they are using it.
“There are times in some businesses where they may be internal applications that require Java in the web browser, so you won’t have much option, but our recommendation for others is to remove it and stop using it.”
Mr Ferguson added that the ruling sent out a message to other software providers that the FTC was concerned about update procedures and might not settle future cases without imposing a financial penalty.
Any time your computer breaks down, panic sets in and many different thoughts run through your head. And to make matters worse, computers always break down at the worst possible times. Before you get frustrated, the first question to ask yourself is, “can I fix this on my own?” Here’s an article from 
Moving to the cloud is a big decision for any business, and security is an important factor to consider before making the switch. In fact, one of the biggest reasons businesses avoid making the switch is due to security concerns. However, it’s important to remember that cloud security has improved dramatically over the past several years. Today, we share an article from 
Migrating to the cloud is often overwhelming for business owners. Do I need to enlist outside help? What is the first step I need to take? Will my employees be on board? These are just some of the questions running through every business owner’s head before making the leap to cloud computing. If you’re wondering how to make your cloud migration smoother, check out this article from 
Modern businesses across all industries rely on IT infrastructure, whether it be servers, desktops, printers, etc. These systems are vital to your core processes, which is why an inopportune failure of any one of them is a cause for concern. Rather than being left to improvise when your critical support systems aren’t working when you need them the most, consider signing a contract maintenance agreement with a managed IT service provider. You’ll have the benefit of a routine maintenance schedule, as well as access to emergency repairs. Here are just a few of the many reasons why a contract maintenance agreement for your systems can take your business to the next level.
Moving to the cloud is “the thing” to do in the business world, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Migrating your business’ operations to the cloud may seem like a daunting task. How do you get your employees on board? What programs do you use? Should I outsource to a third-party service provider? These are just a few of the questions running through your head, but just know that it’s normal.
