Adobe PDF Reader and Flash security issue
You may have already heard that there is a critical security issue with the following Adobe software:
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.3.2 and earlier 9.X versions for Windows, Mac, UNIX,
Adobe Flash Player, 10.0.45.2 and earlier 10.0.X versions for Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris,
Adobe Flash Player, 9.0.262 and earlier 9.0.X versions for Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris.
(list supplied by Adobe)
Adobe have confirmed that:
Adobe Flash Player, 10.1 Release Candidate does not appear to be vulnerable,
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.X are confirmed not vulnerable.
Why does this matter to you?
Because Adobe software is installed on 95% of computers worldwide, there is a high chance you will have it on your computer.
What is the security issue?
There is a vulnerability in Adobe’s Flash and PDF software which allows computer hackers to ‘take’ control of a computer through an infected Flash or PDF file. You could quite innocently come across one of these files simply by browsing the internet. Hackers could then use the infected computer to send out ‘spam’ emails or to search for personal details.
What should you do?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself (either at home or in the office)
Make sure you have a full and proper anti-virus installed on your system. With so many threats to your computer ‘out there’ it really is worth investing in a full anti-virus and not just relying on a freebie or trial.
Until Adobe have released an update, try and use a different PDF reader other than Adobe’s Acrobat Reader. For Mac users this is ‘Preview’. If you use Windows, visit this Wikipedia page which lists different software that you can use: http://tiny.cc/r51ys Alternatively Windows users can delete/rename the Adobe Reader file: “authplay.dll” from their system. This is located here: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\authplay.dll
For the Flash Player, Adobe have suggested that you upgrade to Flash Player 10.1 Release Candidate which does not appear to be vulnerable.
Make sure that when you are browsing the internet you only visit trusted websites (it can’t guarantee your protection but will help).
Try not to download PDFs or Flash movies from the internet until Adobe have fixed this security issue.
Stay vigilant and keep your anti-virus up-to-date.
Don’t open odd attachments (especially PDFs from people you don’t know).
The contents of this blog have been put together by AnsteyDesign. AnsteyDesign is a creative graphic design and communication company based in Alton, Hampshire. Our interest (and expertise) in Adobe software stems from significant everyday use. Information and advice supplied in this email has been taken from: http://bit.ly/cKPjhf and http://bit.ly/9fQhhY and our own personal experience.
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