I'm a black and white kind of guy Borgz-would it simply be safer to kill the Java program-remove it?
Then when we go somewhere and need it-we simply allow it to install again-with the newest and greatest version and updated protection?
I'm guessing it's not that simple, is it? Please don't get all tech on me-I was brought up in the days of the Commodore 64....we were still doing punch cards in college... men still dragged their women home by the hair...
LOL!
A malware can be downloaded and installed in a computer through a program that connects to the internet. Basically, its the Internet Explorer and other web browser programs enable users to connect online. Websites require some add-on programs in browser to display media and effects. Most common browser add-on is flash player, it is required in youtube to play online video. Another example is adobe, you can directly open a .pdf file while in internet explorer because of that add-on.
But this time, the most controversial is Java. Many websites require it. Java claims to be useful in online 3d rendering and even internet banking.
You can read java admits that a malicious software can be downloaded into your computer:
Virus found in the Java cache directory
Imagine such an unsecure add-on program running in your Internet explorer. Its why virus download into the java cache in your computer and expands from there.
- Not recomended to uninstall java though, its even pre-installed in newer version of windows. It has lots of uses.
- But its easy to disable an add-on and enable it back incase a website requires it. Just click "Tools" in IE, scroll down to "Manage Add-ons" scroll and make selections, click the name of the add-on(Ex. Java), then click the disable button below. Do it when surfing "for the boys" sites. Enable it back incase you need it. And no need to re-install the program back.
- Update all add-ons(adobe,Java, flash player etc) remember they are not microsoft's responsibility that auto install when you get updates from windows. Browser add-ons are just team mates. They can get vulnerable to pest infections.
I only have average computer knowledge, just wonderin why a virus gets downloaded, when IE will usually warn you about something. From what i've read, browser helpers and add-ons are the transport of these malwares. Before, a virus gets intalled because a pop-up is being setup and appears in an infected site, by clicking yes or no, it will still transfer you to the walware's downloader and install in your computer. But this type of gimmick is easily solved by the browser's default pop-up blocker. So now, virus authors are getting smart...

