Update your Flash Player(s)
A “highly critical” vulnerability has been found in Macromedia Flash Player that affects virtually every web browser on every platform.
Earlier this month, Macromedia disclosed a problem with its Flash Player software that may give hackers access to your computer. Secunia also reported the problem, giving it a rating of Highly critical.
Does this affect me?
Yes. Almost without question. Virtually every web browser comes with Flash Player as part of the software (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer) or as a downloadable plugin (as in Firefox, etc). Macromedia’s surveys claim that 97% of browsers have Flash Player.
The vulnerability has been confirmed not only on Windows systems but also on Mac and Linux platforms.
In fact, if you have more than one browser installed, you probably also have more than one version of Flash Player installed. For example, Windows comes with Internet Explorer already installed (and so also Flash Player), so if you’ve upgraded to a better browser (eg. Firefox or Opera), you probably have another version of Flash Player installed.
How do I update Flash Player?
Go and get yourself a cup of your favourite beverage before you start, particularly if you’re not that comfortable with the thought of upgrading things.
Updating Microsoft Internet Explorer
All Windows users should do the following:
- Open Microsoft Internet Explorer (one of the only times I’ll be telling you to do this!);
- Browse to the Macromedia Player Download Center at http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflash;
- Follow the instructions to upgrade IE’s Flash ActiveX control. You may need to read the instructions related to browser security options;
- Close Internet Explorer. If you have another browser, you still need to upgrade its Flash Player as well (keep reading).
Updating other browsers
To update other browsers, such as Firefox, Mozilla or Opera:
- Open your preferred browser (not Internet Explorer!);
- Browse to the Macromedia Player Download Center at http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflash (you’ll see a different page than that displayed by IE);
- Download the latest version of Flash Player to your computer (v8.0.22.0 at the time of writing);
- Close your browser and install the Flash Player update (double-click the install file).
All done
If you have done all the appropriate steps outlined above, your Flash Player(s) should be up to date and safe from this vulnerability.
Take a deep breath and relax for a bit! If you’d like a laugh after all the hard work, check out my favourite reason to have a Flash Player — Homestar Runner.
Blessings, Steve
[Listening to Dream Theater, Falling Into Infinity — New Millennium]
