The Forestry Forum

Quoted from indicated source:

Security researchers have discovered two gigantic security flaws in Java version 7 that allow hackers to silently take control of both PCs and Macs. In the few days since this discovery, more than 100 malicious websites have appeared that exploit these flaws.

Until a patch is released, you will want to uninstall Java.


In cases where you require Java for essential programs, such as LibreOffice, you can disable it from automatically running in your browser. This will minimize the risk if you stumble on a malicious site.


For Firefox: Click the Firefox button and select Add-ons. In the Add-on management window, choose Plug-ins. Find any items on the list that say Java and click the Disable button next to those items. Restart Firefox.

For Chrome: Type "chrome://plugins/" (minus quotes) into the browser address bar. Find any Java items and click the Disable button next to those items. For Internet Explorer: This process is extremely complicated. I recommend either uninstalling Java or switching to a different browser in the meantime. Norm Source:  http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=13191

New version of Java has been released that fixes the bugs.

Best option now is to download that and carry on.

http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp (http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp)

Ian

Good thing I have Ubuntu which has zero viruses and hackers pay no attention to it. I wouldn't recommend it for the non-techy though.

For what its worth, here is some additional info.

http://osxdaily.com/2012/08/29/java-7-security-issue-how-to-protect/