Should You Uninstall Java, Today?

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Approximately three (3) billion devices uses Oracle’s Java software and in a PC Pitstop study, they’ve shared that out of 155,745 computers, 29.6% of these have Java.  Sadly, Kapersky Lab, stated that half of the cyber attacks that happened last year have been caused by it.

Java and the Department of Homeland and Security

How to uninstall Java in Windows 7
Is it time to uninstall Java?

On January 2013, the Department of Homeland Security recommended everyone to uninstall Java immediately. This was issued after the Department issued a rare alert saying,

… Java 7 Update 10 and earlier contain an unspecified vulnerability that can allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system. This and previous Java vulnerabilities have been widely targeted by attackers, and new Java vulnerabilities are likely to be discovered.

Java and the Zero Day Mayhem

“Zero Day” refers to an infestation with no patch to it. As a result, users are given no alternative on how to keep themselves protected.

Doing further analysis, Kapersky revealed its 2010 Third Quarter malware attack report to the online community with these figures:

Java security holes were responsible for 50% of attacks. Windows components and Internet Explorer were only exploited in 3% of incidents.” 

With these facts, is this a call to finally get rid of Java?

Programs that Require Java

These programs require Java for it to operate:

  • OpenOffice
  • Adobe Creative Suite 5.5
  • Crash Plan Pro
Should you still use Java?
Retain Java if and only if you really need it.

Do you believe you need Java for your systems to function efficiently? You can still have it in your system, just make sure you disable it in your browser plug-in.

Games that Require Java

Should you still install Java?
Games that require Java

The following are some of the most popular games that require Java:

Minecraft – 26 million registered users
Runescape – 10 million active accounts

You can stick with the games you love. Just make sure you keep the most recent update for Java. Always check your system and uninstall unnecessary files that are starting to accumulate that is now slowing down your PC.

What’s the score? Should you uninstall Java?

Unless you do need Java for you to run your applications, it is highly recommended that you uninstall it by following these steps:

Internet Explorer

  1. Click on the Tools dropdown menu.
  2. Go to Manage Add-ons.
  3. Find the Java Plug-in under Toolbars and Extensions (it’s listed under Oracle America).
  4. Highlight it and click Disable.

Chrome

Click on the Chrome menu.

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Click Show advanced settings at the bottom of the Settings window.
  3. Click on Content Settings located at the the Privacy Section at the bottom of the page.
  4. Still at the  Content Settings panel, scroll to the Plug-ins section and click Disable individual plug-ins.
  5. Locate the Java plugin and click Disable.

Firefox

  1. Click on the Firefox tab.
  2. Choose Add-ons.
  3. Select Plugins.
  4. Find “Java (TM) Platform plugin”.
  5. Click Disable.

NOTE: (An advise has been issued that as of 1/11/13, Firefox has automatically disabled the Java plugin, but you should check to verify this has been done for your browser).

Taken from: http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2013/01/16/uninstall-java-now/

To fully uninstall your system from unwanted programs left behind even after uninstalling the Java, download Mirekusoft Install Monitor. Its an efficient way of removing unnecessary junk that may have accumulated over time in your system.

Sources:

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2013/feb/08/java-remove-ask-jack-technology
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/how-big-a-security-risk-is-java-can-you-really-quit-using-it/4749