Wait! Are you a computer magnet? Then, this is a calling for you- Do you know if any Java plugins are installed on your browsers? If yes, which versions they belong to? Across globe, Java 7 or Java 6 are powering hundreds of millions of computers everyday. And in a phase, where security vulnerabilities have become a common affair in Java and Oracle is making ends meet to cope with these vulnerabilities, numerous users worldwide continue to use Java 6 with complete loyalty. This clearly highlights a worrisome fact- businesses as well as consumers are still unaware of the muddle that the imperative use of Java can land them into. They are blindfolded about the fact that their systems are hot attack properties for hackers to exploit.
If you are a business owner who is looking to outsource Java development, then Java vulnerabilities are something that shall be of high concern to you. Here's a quick round up of 5 Java-related security concerns as well as their solutions that are a must-know for every Java user.
Java Attacks Will Be A Regular Affair: Java attacks have seen an upsurge lately. According to Chaouki Bekrar, CEO of Vupen Security, the increased attacks are a result of low development costs and ease of developing new applications. Many security experts also continue to discover new Java zero-day threats with every passing day. For instance, five new vulnerabilities have been discovered in Java 7 earlier this week. So all in all, if you are a regular Java user, getting used to threats is one thing that you will have to do.
Oracle's Response Speed is Improving: As new zero-day threats have been unveiled in recent months, Java users have become more susceptible to malicious attacks. And the saddest part is there isn't any way out other than waiting for an update from Oracle or disabling the software entirely. Furthermore, Oracle has lately been at the receiving end of lot of flak for failing to address the threats aptly or giving resolutions in a timely manner. But keeping it's word of mending its ways, January onwards Oracle has adapted a more rigorous course of action, as a result of which it has already released three Java updates this year.
Java 6 Has Hit the Sack: Java 6 was officially retired by Oracle last month but it's update 43 that came out last week, kept users guessing about Oracle's future plans for this version of Java. Though, update 41 was announced as the last update for Java 6, but in the wake of recent attacks, Oracle reconsidered its decision and issued updates for both Java 6 and Java 7. How long will we see Java 6 updates coming our way? Well, good question because as and when Oracle fails to release right Java 6 update, it will be putting the security of millions of users at stake.
Java 6 Still Remains A Hit Number, Even at Workplaces: Collectively, Java 6 and Java 7 are dominating the workplaces. According to the latest statistics collected by StatOwl.com, 47 % users are still working with Java 6 while 15 % have installed Java 7 on their systems. This means even after Oracle has bid farewell to Java 6, it is acting as the powerhouse of millions of computers across the globe.
Recommended: Disable Java Plugins Wherever Possible:Although Oracle is working rigorously towards fixing Java vulnerabilities, introducing new security patches, but experts still recommend disabling Java plugins from your browsers whenever possible. If you are one of those people, who absolutely need a Java plugin on their browsers, it is recommended that you install it on a secondary browser and then use it to surf online trusted websites. This approach doesn't promise to keep all threats at bay such as the watering holes threat, but it might help.
Java has been increasingly used to develop applications at various enterprise levels, thanks to it's easy to use development frameworks. But the scenario is changing now. It is not out of harm's way anymore. So if you are planning to begin a new Java venture and hire offshore Java developer for the same, think again!
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