Version 7 of Oracle's Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) prior to update 7u11 has a vulnerability through which hackers may take control of your computer, steal personal information, and make your computer part of a "bot net" used to launch attacks.
Please complete the following procedure on your computer systems as soon as possible:
Checking and Updating Java
If you have Java and it’s current, you’re done.
If you have Java, but it’s out of date, please use the links on the page to download and update.
If the Verify Java Page doesn’t find Java, do not install it. Instead, you must look in one more place.
Check Control Panel (Windows) or Systems Settings (Mac).
- If you do not find a Java icon, you're done. Do not install Java if you do not already have it.
- If you find a Java icon, you must either uninstall or update Java.
If you use a 64bit version of Windows and you have Java on your system, you need to either uninstall Java or update both the x86 and the x64 versions of Java on your system. You can find a list of Java installers on this page.
Java Browser Add-ons
If you previously disabled the web browser add-ons for Java, you may now re-enable them. However, if you do not normally use Java applications within your browser, there is no harm in leaving the Java add-ons disabled. In fact, leaving the Java add-ons disabled is advised unless you have a particular need for them.
Consider Uninstalling Java
If you do not use Java, it is recommended that you uninstall it from your system: Windows instructions, Mac instructions. You may always install it later if the need arises. Java has become a major target for computer hackers seeking system vulnerablies, yet Java is not widely needed by most computer users.