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Disable Java not Bob’s Java Jive (or JavaScript)
A vulnerability in the most recent version of Java means that attackers can fool you into visiting a malicious or compromised web site and, without any interaction use the vulnerability to install malicious code onto your computer. It has already been used to install a well known backdoor, giving criminals remote control over the infected machine and been incorporated into several attack tool-kits, both professional and criminal.
The fact that Java is a cross-platform environment means that it is relatively simple to create attack code for most major operating systems.
In the absence of a patch for this widespread and already abused vulnerability, the best advice is simply to disable Java in your web browser and this is where the distinction between Java and JavaScript becomes key, otherwise you may very well end up disabling the wrong thing and remaining at risk.
To disable Java in Internet Explorer:
In the Tools menu of Internet Explorer, select Manage Add-Ons and disable Java™ Plug-in SSV Helper and Java 2™ Plug-in 2 SSV Helper
To disable Java in Firefox (MacOS & Windows):
In the Tools menu select Add-ons and disable the Java Deployment Toolkit, Java™ Platform and/or Java Applet Plug-in
To disable Java in Google Chrome:
Select the Wrench icon in the top right of the Chrome browser window, choose Settings and right at the bottom choose Show advanced settings. Find the Privacy section and click the Content Settings button. Find the Plug-ins section and click the Disable individual plug-ins, look for Java and hit the Disable link. That one is well-buried!
To disable Java in Safari for MacOS:
In the Safari menu, open the Preferences dialogue box and select Security. untick the box Enable Java
To disable Java in Safari for Windows:
Click the Gear wheel in the top right of the browser window and choose Preferences, select Security and untick the box Enable Java.
JavaScript is a whole different security conversation, but for the purposes of this current vulnerability it is irrelevant.
Image credit: Homini:)’s Flickr Photostream under creative commons.
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