Per the Department of Homeland Security, there appears to be a nasty virus going around using the Java plugin to access your computer through your browers.
How miserable is that there’s a virus that affects Macs, too!?
Anyway, read more about it at Reuters’ post on it, “Experts Urge PC Users to Disable Java, Cite Security Flaw”. Trust me, fellow Mac users, if you read the article, it does say we need to disable as well!
NPR also has a post on it with slightly more/different information.
Oracle has a page explaining how to disable Java in various browsers (be warned, Oracle skipped telling us the initial opening tab for Firefox and Chrome so you’ll have to hunt a bit) while Firefox (using Noscript) and Chrome (using Notscripts) both provide information on selectively disabling Java.
The NPR article promises to post updates as they occur.
Even if this does turn out to be a fake-out, it can’t hurt to play it safe.
I’m just curious why this is coming out today when NPR made this announcement yesterday: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/01/14/169338707/java-security-flaw-is-repaired-experts-still-recommend-disabling-it
Obviously, because I am so far behind in reading my email! Still better safe than sorry. Thanks very much for the heads-up!
Aw! It happens to the best of us. At least you don’t have to panic now. You’re welcome and thanks for looking out for us!