A few days ago, Microsoft announced that it, like Apple, Facebook, Twitter and hundreds of other prominent companies had been hacked. The Microsoft hacking is still being investigated and it has not yet been determined if sensitive information was compromised or taken by the hackers, but the lesson is clear for us all. You are only as secure from identity theft as the security of the weakest place that holds personal information about you. In the Microsoft and other company hackings in recent days, it appears that, once again, it was a vulnerability in Java that was exploited by the hackers and since anti-virus security software is always playing catch-up when responding to the latest viruses created by the hackers and identity thieves, people should ask themselves whether or not they need to use Java software on their computer. It has been estimated that half of the major computer hacking last year was done by exploiting vulnerabilities in Java. It would appear that as soon as Java plugs a hole in their software, the hackers find another to exploit.
TIPS
You should consider whether or not you need Java software since it is such a target for hackers who may hack into your computer just as they have done with hundreds of businesses that use Java. If you need Java, you should install the latest security patch. Here is the link to information about both installing the latest Java security patch as well as information about deactivating Java from your computer. http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA13-051A.html
Here at scamicide, I will continue to promptly update you with the latest information about security patches you should use to make sure your computer is protected as well as possible.
You should also make sure that your Firewall is operating, use a complex password, maintain constantly updated security software and be prudent when downloading anything or clicking on a link as I have described in my book “50 Ways to Protect Your Identity in a Digital Age” because, as I have told you before, security software is only about 5% effective against the latest viruses. It takes generally about a month before the software is updated. Also, in order to limit your exposure to identity theft, limit the amount of information that you provide to companies and websites that store that information because if they are hacked, your security is compromised.
