As you have already noticed, Java is a very weak point of your computer. Although it went through an emergency patch, Java is still exposed to all kinds of possible threats. Therefore, you should consider disabling or uninstalling it completely from your computer, so you can avoid any trouble. In case Java is totally useless for you, the uninstallation is the best choice you have. You will find it in the list of your programs in the Programs and Features section of your Control Panel.
However, there are still a few people out there, who need Java. In this tutorial we will give you some advice, in order to ensafe your device from any malicious attacks.
In case Java is totally useless for you, the uninstallation is the best choice you have. You will find it in the list of your programs in the Programs and Features section of your Control Panel.
Tips in case you use Java for Desktop Programs
You may keep Java installed in your device, because you use desktop programs such as Minecraft or Android SDK. If you need Java only for those kinds of programs, make sure that the Java browser intergration is disabled. As a result, dangerous websites will not be able to load the Java browser plugin, in order to install malware discreetly in your device.
- Press the Windows key to open the Java Control Panel. Then type Java and press Enter. If you are using Windows 8, you will just need to select the Settings section after typing Java.
- In the Java Control Panel go to the Security tab. There uncheck the Enable Java content in the browser box. This action will disable the Java plugin in every browser of your PC. We should inform you though that all your installed apps will be able to use Java.
NOTE: This option was firstly introduced in Java 7 Update 10. Before this Java edition there was not an simple method to disable it in all your browsers.Â
Tips in case you use Java in your Browser
Well, if you belong to this category of users, here are a few tricks you can use to make your browsing safer.
- First of all, you should have many available browsers in your PC. As a result, Java will only be activated in a browser that you do not use in a regular basis. Your main browser should have Java disabled. This method prevents websites from taking advantage of Java’s weak spots, while you browse.
- Be aware that the disabling process differs in every browser. For example, in Google Chrome you will need to go to about:plugins in your browser bar, locate Java in the list of plugins and then disable it.
- On the other hand, in Firefox you will have to open the appropriate menu and click on the add-ons button. After this, find Java and disable it.
NOTE: If you want to control the actions of your Java contents, you should activate the click-to-play plugins Google Chrome and Firefox.
Update Java Frequently
If you don’t want to uninstall Java from your PC, you should at least keep it updated.
- Change your Java’s Update Settings by opening using the Update tab from the Java Control Panel.
- Make sure that Java will check for updates automatically by checking the appropriate box.
NOTE: You can also check for updates by clicking the Update now button on the bottom.
- Click the Advanced button to configure when Java will check for updates. It is recommended to choose Java to check for updates daily.
The latest versions of Java have managed to remove their older editions, when they get updated. This is a big progress, if you consider that keeping the older Java versions can make you even more exposed to malware. However, do not think you have secured your PC successfully. Even the latest Java version, which has gone through emergency patch, is vulnerable against malicious attacks. The best solution is the complete removal of Java.
