3 Easy Steps To Prevent Ending Up In Java Jail

Do you have Java turned on in your web browser?  If your answer is “Yes” or “I’m not sure” then it’s time to take action to find out.  Why?  The biggest threat to your computer systems in 2013 (and beyond) is no longer Microsoft Windows – it is Oracle Java.

After 20+ years as the poster child for insecure software, Microsoft’s newest operating systems (Windows 7 and 8) have gotten their act together. Cybercriminals like to get the greatest bang for their buck and therefore they’re attacking the Java platform because of its huge market share and because it’s an easier platform to hack than the Microsoft operating system.  Java is now installed in over 1.1 billion desktops and 3 billion mobile phones.  That’s a big target that is very attractive to hackers. Hackers also love that Java is multi- platform, which means it’s capable of corrupting PCs running Windows, Mac OS X or Linux.

  Right now, cybercriminals are aware and exploiting any security flaws in Java that could lead to infections on your computer. There are even automated kits now available to capitalize on any security hole found within days, if not hours of them becoming known. It’s not unusual to see hackers use Java as a first attack to weaken the defenses before serving up an Operating System specific attack.  Even the Department of Homeland Security suggested that “To defend against future Java vulnerabilities, their users should consider disabling Java in web browsers.”

Here are 3 steps you can take today to minimize your risk:

1. Disable or uninstall Java wherever you can.  If you don’t need it, remove it.
2. Where Java is necessary, use a separate web browser only used for Java based websites and be sure to patch Java regularly.
3. Have your staff report the first signs of slowness, possible infections and web browser popups to your IT guy as soon as they happen.

 Shiny New Gadget Of The Month:     IFI (I Found It)

This day and age we have so many electronics to keep up with. Now there’s a simple way to track where you’ve left them and keep them from getting stolen.

The iFi Systems Smart Tags work like a two way pager between you and your valuables. The iFi utilizes a Bluetooth connection through an app on your iPhone or Droid device. It can easily be attached to a handbag, camera case, or just about anything else you’d like to protect. These Smart Tags can also act as a handy reminder that you’ve forgotten something or, worse, that your valuables are walking off with an opportunistic thief!

You can attach multiple tags to multiple items and check the status of each one directly from the home screen. You can customize the names and the alert sounds for each item individually, and you can even monitor battery life via your smartphone. Can’t find the phone you say? Simply use your tag to track it. The communication system works both ways.

iFi Systems Smart Tags come in both iOS and Android models and the associated app can monitor up to 6 different items at a time. It gives a Google map of where a tag was at the time of separation. You can also set up safe zones, like when you’re at your office, so you do not have to endure alerts every time you walk to the water cooler. Get yours at Amazon.com