Oracle Yet to Fix Java Security Flaw, So Be Careful
Java is one of the most widely used programming languages and also very much appreciated by developers and experts alike. However, that reputation has taken a major hit. The Department of Homeland Security issued a major warning to the users of Java on January 14th, 2013. The department has instructed users to disable Java in all the browsers and also disable it on any other active application. That is because major security flaws have been discovered in the language. This information has also been confirmed by many leading technology sites. So, there is no doubt that your system’s security is at risk if you are using Java.
What Is The Flaw?
If you call Java one of the greatest ever programming languages ever developed, you will not be wrong. If you have taken Oracle training classes, you will probably know that you can literally create any virtual environment with this amazing programming language. Blackberry and Android phones have it in their operating systems. Organizations like banks, hotels, shopping sites, gaming sites, etc. use Java for improving the user experience.
The flaw itself is not at the user level. The flaw was unearthed at the level that was maintained by Oracle itself. There is nothing the users can do to protect themselves from these flaws. Only Larry Ellison and his team of developers can fix this flaw with proper maintenance. But for business reasons or reasons that make sense only to Oracle, the maintenance has been below par. Consequently, Java has developed some gaping security holes.
Programming Language is Similar to Water in Aquarium
Programming environment is important and needs maintenance because it is like an aquarium. It is a closed environment that doesn’t allow outside transactions. Compare the transactions to the fish that are swimming around in the water. If you regularly monitor the quality of water, the fishes will be healthy. Also, you need to remove the dead fish as soon as possible. Otherwise, the water becomes stale. However, if you ignore either of these activities, intruders like algae and bacteria will flourish. In Java’s perspective, the algae and bacteria are the hackers and intruders.
Update Also Has Not Fixed the Flaw
Oracle did release an update after the major security flaw was discovered. But this wasn’t very effective as the update failed to fix the security flaw. Experts and developers gave the verdict about the new update in a matter of hours after it was released. Even the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement that users should avoid downloading Java, even with the new update. The implications of this update are practically humorous. Instead of making the Java performance and security better, this update will actually open up your computer to malicious software and hackers.
Experts Suggest Oracle to Take the Microsoft Route
Many experts are of the opinion that Oracle should adopt new rigorous development practices to ensure that they do not spoil Java entirely. In email interviews with leading sources, the experts quoted the problem that Microsoft faced nearly a decade ago. Microsoft adopted extremely rigorous development practices to come out of that slump. The experts suggested that Oracle take a cue from Microsoft in this regard. In fact, if you are up for it, you can actually hold a discussion in your Oracle training classes to try and figure where Oracle went wrong. This will give you a better perspective on Java while enabling you to work around these security flaws and ensuring that the damage is minimized. Let’s face it: Java is too widely used to be canned.
Oracle Hasn’t Carried the Java Baton from Sun Well
Ever since Oracle took over Sun Microsystems, the company responsible for development of Java, it hasn’t done anything noteworthy for it. True, there have been new versions and updates. But nothing has improved the programming language significantly. The developers at Sun tended to Java with an apparent motherly tenderness which held in good stead. Although they were not making much profit with the programming language, they never messed it up like Oracle has.
Oracle Promises Security Patch Shortly
Meanwhile, Oracle issued a statement that they are working very hard on developing a security patch for this flaw. The statement said that the next update would definitely fix the flaw in Java without fail. Oracle has managed to acquire a reputation for itself as one of the leading players in the industry. If they want to maintain this reputation, they better come out with a workable patch soon.
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