Java vulnerability fixed with new update

Java has been updated. We highly recommended everyone installs this update, as it fixes a potentially dangerous bug. Last week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security advised users to disable JAVA, as an bug had been discovered that could allow malicious attacks.

The new update fixes this bug, and makes one more notable change: the default Java Security Level is now ‘High’, instead of ‘Medium. This means you will be notified before any unsigned Java applet or Java Web Start application runs.

You can download the update here. If you disabled Java in response to the security announcement, you need to manually re-enable it. Open the Java Control Panel, and check the box in the Security tab.

If you disabled your browser plugin, you’ll also need to re-enable it. In Firefox, open the Add-ons manager, and click Plugins. You can check if your plugin is up-to-date by clicking the ‘check to see if your plugins are up to date‘ link at the top.

Some security experts claim that this update does not make Java 100% safe, as Java is a big target for hackers. However, if you make sure you always have the latest version installed, you will be as safe as it’s possible to be.