Keep Java updated to reduce security breaches
7:30 pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Q: I just read an article about the Java program being hacked and recommending that users disable the program to prevent malicious spyware from infecting their computers. Is there any truth to this?
A: Java, by Sun Microsystems, is the programming and scripting software language that drives much of the interactive content on the World Wide Web. Without Java installed on your computer, many websites simply won't function - including popular gaming sites and other Web-based applications.
Unfortunately, Java has been and continues to be a vector for the introduction of malicious software onto personal computers. This is due, in part, to various vulnerabilities in the software as well as the ways it is deployed on the Internet.
Oracle, which now owns Sun Microsystems, continues to endorse and promote Java, and websites continue to use it to deliver their interactive content.
Oracle maintains the software and frequently pushes updates to address the security problems. But like any other software developer, it can struggle to keep up as new vulnerabilities are discovered.
As to whether you should uninstall it, it depends on how you use the Internet. If you use a lot of websites that require Java, you might find your Internet experience degraded and frustrating without Java installed. On the other hand, if your computer frequently is infested with spyware and malware, uninstalling Java might give you an edge on keeping malicious software at bay.
I keep Java installed because I find it useful in my day-to-day browsing, at least until an alternative, HTML 5, becomes more dominant on the Internet. I also keep my Java up to date with the latest patches. Whenever my PC alerts me to a Java update, I install it.
Simply put, any computer connected to the Internet is at risk - with or without Java installed.
As a computer user, it is important to keep yourself educated and protected. Don't let websites and pop-ups trick you into installing anything unless you know it's OK. If you don't know, don't install it. If you get an email from someone you don't know, be leery of links and attachments. For that matter, be wary of attachments and links from people you do know. Keep a good antivirus program installed on your computer, and keep your data backed up.
A little preparedness goes a long way.