Four Basic Cybersecurity Tips: Operating Systems, Browsers, Java, and Adobe

Dr. Frank Kardasz,  May 22, 2020.  Editor: Ava Gozo.

Computers and Cyberspace offer many opportunities for breaches, hacks, infiltration and other problems.  Here are four basic cybersecurity tips that can begin to assist in protecting computers from attacks.

1. OPERATING SYSTEMS

Operating systems help control the functionality of a computer. Some popular operating systems include Windows, Linux, Macintosh OSX, and Android.   Operating system manufacturers and creators periodically update operating systems when improvements are needed or weaknesses are identified.  Operating systems that are not updated offer avenues of attack for those who exploit computers. Many operating systems offer the ability to automatically update.  Check the settings for your operating system to be sure that you are receiving and installing updates as needed.

The University of Chicago IT Services provides informative web pages with more information about updating operating systems:

https://itservices.uchicago.edu/page/update-your-operating-system

The University of California San Francisco also offers information about keeping operating systems updated:

https://it.ucsf.edu/how_do/update-operating-system

2. BROWSERS

Browsers permit users to navigate the Internet, visit web sites, download information, and conduct other activities.  Popular browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome.  Keeping browsers updated and setting browser security features at appropriate levels will assist towards deflecting attacks.

Luther College offers some good information and links related to keeping browsers updated:

http://www.luther.edu/helpdesk/browserupdates/

3. JAVA

Java is a programming language and computing platform. Some applications and websites will not fully function unless Java is installed and enabled (Oracle). Java has also been a source of many exploits and attacks.  Some advisers (Hoffman) suggest that Java be removed completely if it is not needed. If you must retain Java, keep it updated with the latest versions and security patches.

Visit the Oracle/Java web site to check to ensure that you have the recommended version of Java installed for your operating system:

https://www.java.com/en/download/installed8.jsp

The Java Security Resources Page offers additional tips and information about keeping Java updated:

https://www.java.com/en/security/

4. ADOBE FLASH PLAYER, ADOBE ACROBAT, ADOBE READER

Adobe Flash Player is software used for displaying graphics, animation, games, and various applications. It allows streaming of audio and video, and can capture mouse, keyboard, microphone and camera input. Adobe Acrobat is a program used to create, manipulate, print and manage files in Portable Document Format (PDF). Adobe Reader is a program used to view PDF files. All three Adobe products listed above have been associated with security vulnerabilities and some advisers (Mills) recommend against using them. Users of Adobe products should keep the programs updated to thwart attacks.

For updates to all of the Adobe products, visit:

https://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates.html#featured

While the four simple Cybersecurity tips provided above do not begin to address all of the hundreds of methods criminals can use to compromise computers they can slow some infiltrations and prevent some problems. Most security experts would agree that it is difficult to stop all types of attacks but keeping systems updated is one step towards better cybersecurity.

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REFERENCES

Adobe Systems Inc. (2015). Adobe Product Updates. Retrieved from  https://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates.html#featured

Hoffman, C. (January 12, 2013). How to protect yourself from Java security problems if you can't uninstall it. How-To-Geek. Retrieved from http://www.howtogeek.com/134353/how-to-protect-yourself-from-java-security-problems-if-you-cant-uninstall-it

Luther College. Retrieved from http://www.luther.edu/helpdesk/browserupdates/

Mills, E. (November 12, 2009). Expert says Adobe Flash Policy is Risky. CNET. Retrieved from http://www.cnet.com/news/expert-says-adobe-flash-policy-is-risky/

Oracle Corporation. (n.d.). Java. What is Java technology and why do I need it? Retrieved from https://www.java.com/en/download/faq/whatis_java.xml

Oracle Corporation. (n.d.). Java Security Resources. Retrieved from https://www.java.com/en/security/

Oracle Corporation. (n.d.). Verify Java Version. Retrieved from https://www.java.com/en/download/installed8.jsp

University of California San Francisco. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://it.ucsf.edu/how_do/update-operating-system

University of Chicago IT Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://itservices.uchicago.edu/page/update-your-operating-system