The number of Java exploits out there is at an all-time high, and users should hasten to update or patch their Java installation if they have not already done so. What many users do not realize is that unpatched vulnerabilities in Java can be as damaging as any malware attack. In fact, it is entirely possible to affect a compromise via a drive-by attack, in which an infection takes place upon visiting a specially crafted website or legitimate site that has been compromised by hackers.

In an open appeal, SANS Institute security researcher Daniel Wesemann observed that Oracle's (NASDAQ: ORCL) long list of security fixes that was released recently makes updating even more important. "It doesn't look like the situation has improved since, and the bad guys are taking advantage," observed Wesemann. He ended off with the advice, "If you haven't done so yet, hunt down and patch every incarnation of Java on the PCs that you are responsible for."

For more on this story:
- check out this article at InformationWeek
- check out this article at ComputerWeekly

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