Java Prompt

Oooops! · May 9, 2013

I visited a website that allows coupon printing.
When I clicked on "print", the website prompted me to install "Java". Is this version of Java safe, or the one that we were cautioned against using?

Thanks!
:wave

cipher · May 9, 2013

I don't know where that button links to, but if you need Java to do the coupons, get it from here:

https://www.java.com/en/

This is an official site...

plodr · May 10, 2013

No version of Java is safe.
The latest has security problems, just like all the previous versions.

With your browsers closed, I'd advise you to click the Java icon in control panel, then the security tab. From there you can enable and disable Java in the browsers. Keep it disabled until you want to print coupons. Enable it, go to the coupon site, print the coupons, close the browser and disable it again.

It sounds like a headache but keep this fact in mind, "93% of the malware last year came in through Java". It is easier to enable/disable it than to try and clean up an infected computer.
http://a r s t e c h n i c a.com/security/2013/04/java-users-beware-exploit-circulating-for-just-patched-critical-flaw/ had to put in spaces so you can see the site; remove the spaces to read the article on the latest exploit.

I'm still searching for the article on percentages. When I find it, I will post it. The other program to be aware of is Adobe Reader.

Oooops! · May 10, 2013

plodr said: ↑

"93% of the malware last year came in through Java". It is easier to enable/disable it than to try and clean up an infected computer..
Click to expand...

Not worth the headache and risk over a coupon! lol
Would it be advisable to delete Adobe?
Thanks for your help!

plodr · May 10, 2013

I found this chart where the rate shows Java was responsible for 50% in 2012
https://www.securelist.com/en/analy...lletin_2012_The_overall_statistics_for_2012#4
note Adobe Reader is 2nd at 28%. Remove Java and Adobe Reader and you, as a target remove 78% of ways to infect your computer.

I replaced Adobe with another reader, Sumatra. Some use Foxit. I used to use that but it started getting bloated so I switched.

mjnc · May 10, 2013

plodr said: ↑

No version of Java is safe.
The latest has security problems, just like all the previous versions.

With your browsers closed, I'd advise you to click the Java icon in control panel, then the security tab. From there you
can enable and disable Java in the browsers. Keep it disabled until you want to (.....). Enable it, go to the web site,
...(do your thing), close the browser and disable it again.
Click to expand...

plodr said: ↑

Remove Java and Adobe Reader and you, as a target remove 78% of ways to infect your computer.

I replaced Adobe with another reader, Sumatra. Some use Foxit. I used to use that but it started getting bloated so I switched.
Click to expand...

Very good information there and thanks for the advice, plodr.

I have been very reluctant to let go of Adobe Reader because nothing else seems to display document text as clearly as Adobe.

I have settled for [MG] PDF-XChange Viewer.
Tip: document view can be easily Zoomed In or Out by using CTRL+ and CTRL-.

Best Free Non-Adobe PDF Reader

pwillener · May 11, 2013

mjnc said: ↑

Best Free Non-Adobe PDF Reader
Click to expand...

I strongly advise against installing Foxit Reader; it will try every trick in the book to sneak spyware on users' computers.

gman863 · May 11, 2013

While I agree both Java and Adobe Reader have issues, the biggest problem is still users who don't think about and use basic safety precautions.

If a website or ad looks suspicious, do not click on it. Don't even trust ads on your homepage. I made the mistake on clicking on one on my AT&T Yahoo home page a few months ago that somehow was able to create endless pop-us when I tried to close it (even with pop-up blocker enabled). I finally did a CTRL-ALT-DEL reboot followed by a full Malware Bytes scan (luckily, no damage was done).

Ditto for e-mail. NEVER click on a link unless you are SURE of the source AND are sure the e-mail is legit. Even if it appears your best friend sent it, it could be a spoof or hijack of their e-mail address. "Friends" don't send e-mails for discount sex pills, fake Rolex watches or generic e-mails to the tune of, "Awesome web site - click here!"

Just remember: If something looks too good to be true, there's likely a virus or malware hiding in it. No antivirus/malware/spyware software is 100% effective - it's up to the user to beware and be sensible.

plodr · May 11, 2013

While your advice is good gman863, it does not apply to java. Java installs as a driveby exploit. You do not need to click on anything to get infected.
Example: recent US Dept. of Labor website
http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2013/05/09/redkit-exploit-kit-part-2/

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Java Prompt

Oooops! MajorGeek

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Oooops! MajorGeek

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