The Java debacle: Should businesses be concerned?

If you are a programmer you are well aware of what Java is, for the rest of us computer friendly folks, we just simply download Java when it prompts for an update on our computers. The lesson within this debacle over the latest update to Java certainly makes us feel uneasy and to understand why we need to be concerned we need to grasp knowing what Java is and what it could mean not only for individuals but for businesses as well.

Java (not to be confused with Java Script) is a programming language that allows programmers to only have to write code once, as Java is intended to let application developers “write once, run anywhere” (WORA), which allows for code to run on one platform without having to be recompiled to run on another.

In plain English, it is a programming language that allows users to easily play games and use certain business platforms, without Java, many websites may not work unless it is installed since it has become one of the most popular programming languages in use, in particular for client-server web applications, with a reported 10 million users as of 2012. Java is currently installed on 850 million personal computers worldwide, and on billions of devices including mobile and TV devices.

With that said, many issues as of late surrounding Java and its security have come to question and has left many wondering if they should uninstall Java and the best solution would be to disable Java until Oracle can figure a solution to the issues at hand.

The current state of Java is not safe for any of your computing devices as it currently has security flaws in the Java 7 Update 10, the flaws are enormous, opening users up to malicious malware, identity theft or used to rope personal computers in to becoming unauthorized botnets, which can then be used in attacks against other sites.

Of course this is worrisome for individuals but is a much higher risk for businesses using Java since confidential mass information can be stolen and used inappropriately by hackers. Causing a horrendous mess for firms and businesses that will prolong damage within the future.

Over the weekend Oracle admitted to its security issues and issued a temporary fix as they are trying to provide some order to this ciaos, however it is strongly recommended that you disable Java and do not enable it as of yet, even with the security fix. It may be an inconvenience now but could result in a massive long-term problem if information is leaked or if malware infects your businesses systems.

Currently there are no alternatives to Java and therefore the up rise of this issue is mounting. However, your business needs to be concerned and needs to take the necessary precautions until (when and if) the Java debacle is sorted out.

[Sources: zdnet, oracle, wikipedia, java]

[Java Security issues image via webdevelopergeeks]