Adobe Flash Update Tip For Small Businesses
One again Adobe Flash suffered from vulnerabilities that hackers are leveraging. The good news is Adobe released fixes for key operating systems. Adobe (2016) states in its security bulletin that updates for Adobe Flash Player for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Chrome OS are now available.
The bulletin further states that Adobe has received reports that criminals have targeted Windows 10 and earlier with Flash Player version 20.0.0.306 and earlier. You can quickly check what release you are running at the Adobe Support page listed below. Even if you have automatic update feature activated, you might want to use the test on this page to ensure your version is the most current.
If you have removed Adobe Flash, it is wise to periodically check your programs list to make sure it didn’t get re-loaded with another application. I removed Flash several months ago and when I checked my program list yesterday, it had been installed by a new application, unbeknownst to me.
If you need Adobe Flash frequently, you can set your plug-in with your browser such as Chrome or Firefox to control activation. This approach will generate a message asking you if you want to activate whenever an application you are using needs Flash.
While you are checking your computer programs, you might want to check on Silverlight, an application and Web browser plugin that works with browsers such as Chrome and Firefox. A vulnerability that can be used for ransomware was identified earlier this year. This software is generally updated with automated Microsoft updates. You can use the Microsoft’s site to confirm the release you are using (see Sources below). It also tells you how to uninstall if you need to.
If you are running programs that you don’t have set for automatic updating, now if a good time to confirm you have the latest patches. You should have someone designated to check at least monthly for current updates.
For more on securing your small business visit the NCI resources here.
Sources:
Adobe (2016, April 7). Adobe Security Bulletin: Security Updates available for Adobe Flash Player. Retrieved from https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb16-10.html
Adobe (n.d.). Flash Player Help: Flash Player in Five Easy Steps. Retrieved from https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player.html
Microsoft (n.d.). Get Microsoft Silverlight. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx
