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If you are using Adobe Shockwave, your computer may be vulnerable!
November 5th, 2009 by KenInstalled on more than 450 million computers, Adobe Shockwave is a multimedia player that allows users to view animations and play games on any computer that has the Adobe Shockwave plug-in installed. Whether you’re watching a recently released cartoon or playing the latest online game, Shockwave cultivates the kind of creative energy that can only be realized with software of its kind, making your internet experience all the more lively and interactive.
Used primarily to enable users to participate in the exploding online gaming scene, Adobe Shockwave is installed on over 50% of the world’s internet-enabled computers.
Just this week, a company that specializes in providing solutions for improved security on our computers has identified numerous ways for people to use Adobe Shockwave to harm your computer. What they uncovered are backdoor exploits that leave unsuspecting users susceptible to the malicious aims of hackers looking to take advantage of their unprotected system from a remote location.
All of these vulnerabilities — they have identified four, so far — can be exploited for the purpose of deceiving a user into visiting a website that has been created with the express intent of harming their system.
These vulnerabilities affect those users who have a version of Adobe Shockwave that’s older than latest one, which was just released days ago.
If you think you have an outdated version of Adobe Shockwave, we strongly suggest that you upgrade to the latest release.
To download it, you can visit: http://get.adobe.com/shockwave
Though these were just reported, there’s no telling how many websites have been created to take advantage of the vulnerabilities that exist. As we’ve always advised Geek Choice users, it’s important to stay vigilant and remain aware of where your travels on the internet take you.
If you mistakenly find yourself on a website you’re unfamiliar with, close the web browser. If the web browser refuses to close, press the following key combination: CTRL – ALT – DELETE. Doing so will bring up your Task Manager. From there, you will be able to select the process associated with your web browser. For a more in-depth look at how beneficial Task Manager is, particularly when dealing with a stubborn web browser, visit this link.
Even when visiting a website that you’re acquainted with, make sure to note anything that looks troubling, as these hackers are skilled in crafting mock websites that mirror those which are otherwise safe to visit.
Geek Choice is a leader in providing solutions to the security challenges that confront you. If you have any questions about how to best protect your computer, feel free to call us.
Related posts:
- Advanced tools for the average user
- Spring cleaning comes early to your computer
- Microsoft Security Essentials is the #1 Free anti-malware tool
- A free diagnostic tool for your computer
- Perhaps it’s time to try Firefox?
4 Responses to “If you are using Adobe Shockwave, your computer may be vulnerable!”
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by rogersanchez and Jeanette Marsh, Geek Choice. Geek Choice said: New Blog Post: URGENT! If you are using Adobe Shockwave, your computer is vulnerable. Please upgrade NOW: http://bit.ly/3UcqOS [...]
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by GeekChoice: New Blog Post: URGENT! If you are using Adobe Shockwave, your computer is vulnerable. Please upgrade NOW: http://bit.ly/3UcqOS...
Well said! I completely agree with your post, the internet is with a doubt growing into the most important medium of communication across the globe and its due to sites like this that ideas are spreading so quickly.