I have the current version of Norton Internet Security on a laptop and two desktops, all with Windows 7. This morning a CNN story about cyber security said that what users can do to protect themselves from hackers, etc. is not have Java or Flash on their computers. I have Java on my computers, maybe Flash, too. Does NIS protect that? Thanks.
I have the current version of Norton Internet Security on a laptop and two desktops, all with Windows 7. This morning a CNN story about cyber security said that what users can do to protect themselves from hackers, etc. is not have Java or Flash on their computers. I have Java on my computers, maybe Flash, too. Does NIS protect that? Thanks.
Sweman wrote:Hey
Best way to have a secure computer is to always have your programs up to date, specially Java and Flash are always prone to attacks by hackers and other people that want to harm you in any way.
Norton/Symantec can do, is to protect you from Malware, Virus, Trojan, Spyware, Backdoors, and for that, Norton uses several techniques, like Norton IPS, heuristic scanning, Virus definitions, Sonar, Download Insight to keep you safe, But no security is 100 % bulletproof.
You always keep your Windows or other operating system up to date, and that goes to your other programs that you have installed on your computer, to keep your whole your computer up to date, is a good way to stop bad things happening to your computer, but also you as a USER have a big responsibility to keep your computer safe.
www.java.com = check for the latest version of java,
www.adobe.com = check for the latest Flash/shockwave player and Adobe Reader updates.
I recommend you to use the program Filehippo Update Checker, you use this program to se if thier are any new updates to your programs that is installed on your computer, its a good way to keep track of what programs that need to be updated to the latest version. i use this program all the time.
http://filehippo.com/updatechecker/
Thanks
Sweman
Thanks for the FileHippo link. It comes in real handy. Good information.
Edjr60
Hi stefanmaine,
The basic rule is to remove any programs that you do not use, in order to decrease the "attack surface" on your computer. Both Flash and Java are frequently exploited. Java is something that you can probably do without. Flash, on the other hand, is ubiquitous and you will probably need to keep it in order to view the content on many websites.
Please see the following article on Java. If you don't need the program, uninstall it in Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs in XP). You may have more than one version installed - if so, remove them all, starting with the most recent.
What is Java and what will happen if I uninstall it?
Since you will almost certainly want to keep Adobe Flash Player, make sure you have the latest version installed and that you have enabled it to update automatically. The latest version of Flash Player has a background updater that allows Adobe to push out and install zero-day patches quickly and silently, You can read about that feature here:
http://blogs.adobe.com/asset/2012/03/an-update-for-the-flash-player-updater.html
Norton Intrusion Protection does block known exploits for Java and Flash Player, but the problem is the new, unknown, ones. Therefore it is always preferable to remove or fully patch all programs on your PC in order to eliminiate vulnerable software in the first place.
Thank you three!