PC users are being urged to disable Java software in their browsers by computer security firms across the globe. According to experts, the free software from Oracle Corp opens up the users' machines to hackers. There is no way to defend yourself against such attacks, is the concern of the experts.
The warnings began emerging from security firms like Alien Vault and Rapid 7 over the weekend has become a major security threat for the PC community. Researchers have been able to identify the code that attacks users' machines. The code works by exploiting the newly discovered flaw in the latest Java software.
Jaime Blasco, a research manager with AlienVault Labs, said, “Once the code is used for exploiting the machines, yet another piece of software called 'Poison Ivy' is released which helps the hackers gain control over the infected computer.”
Security firms have suggested that users should disable Java software in their Internet browsers. It is worth mentioning here that it is a major security risk as Java sits on 97 per cent of the enterprise desktops. This data has been provided by Oracle itself. Tod Beardsley, engineering manager, Rapid7's Metasploit division said, "The attacker can perform any action on the victim's machine, if exploited."
The hack happens without the knowledge of the users simply by a visit to any website that has been compromised by hackers, opined Joshua Drake, senior research scientist, Accuvant. Security experts suggested that users should not enable Java for universal use on their browsers.
via Diksha P Gupta, EFYTIMES News Network
