Does Norton for Mac protect Java (and Flash)?

I have the current version of Norton for Mac on a MacBook Pro with Mac OS 10.7.3. 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 MacBook. Does NIS protect that? Thanks.

Norton does not provide anti-phishing or Safe Web protection if you are using Safari.

 

This means that Norton won't block malicious web sites or protect your computer from visiting them.

 

So, it's possible that your computer could download a virus or a trojan.

 

Symantec will tell you that its Vulnerability Protection will protect you, but it's a weakness in their product that the malicious software isn't being kept off your computer in the first place (and it also relies on Norton being able to detect the latest variants).

 

Ideally, if you don't need Java (or Flash), it's best not to install it, so any vulnerabilities like that can't be exploited to begin with.

 

 

Thank you.

 

Flash is not installed, but Java is. I am not aware of using Java, so maybe I will uninstall it, and see if I "miss" it.

 

You said, "If you use Safari". I do, but mostly because I am a new Windows-to-Mac switcher, so I am favoring (learning) the defaults. However, I also have Firefox (and Google Chrome) installed. I notice Norton's active presence on Firefox, including features like "Norton SafeSearch" (which uses Ask.com instead of Google) and "Site Is Safe". On a Mac with Norton, is Firefox therefore a safer, better protected choice than Safari?

Yes, since Norton supports Firefox, it is a safer, better protected choice than Safari.

 

Safari has been without toolbar protection for almost a year now, despite it being a "priority" for the Norton for Mac team.

I have made Firefox the default browser. Thanks again for your help.