flashback malware

Run Software Update and download the update to Java. If using Safari, disable Java under Safari > Preferences > Security > Uncheck the box for Java.

Current recommendations is turn Java off. Generally you don't need it. Do not confuse it with Javascript which you do need for your browsers.

You can disable in the browser you are using and/or more globally using the Java Preferences too (in Utilities), General tab (uncheck the checkboxes).

More new tricks from Flashback

How to check for and disable Java in OS X

Protect Yourself from the Mac OS X Java Vulnerability

If it turns out you need it for some specific application or web site that you trust then turn it on only when running that application or visiting that site. If your work requires Java be enabled then at least disable it in your browsers. If you do need to run Java, be sure that you pick up the the latest Java Software Updates.

Flashback is a moving target with lots of strains (various versions, permutations) and changing all the time. So who knows what's next?

So if we have been installing the Java updates, all of the sudden, we turn Enable Java off by unchecking it in Safari and do NOT install this update 8?

Is that what is recommended?

TXS

If the update is offered in Software Update, by all means install it.

If you have never allowed Java in Safari Preferences, and a Java Runtime is not installed on your Mac (both of which you must explicitly permit, at least in recent versions of Lion) then Security Update 2012-003 will not appear in Software Update.

John-

What I was saying is that I have had this laptop (MBP) for 3 years. The entire time the "Enable Java" has been checked in Safari Security. this is maybe the 6th or so Java update I have installed on this computer with Safari always being the browser. I have updated Safari when an update came along, but I do not understand why with this Jave for Mac Update 8 are we supposed to uncheck "Enable Java" in the browser? Is this just important with this Java Update, or should Enable Java always be unchecked in the browser? anywhere else should Jave be disabled?

Doing a Spotlight search for Java brings up a lot of results.

I am trying to learn, which is the reason for all the questions.

Also I have Security 2011-003 but not 2012-003. Is that because I have Sl?

I responded to your question in your other post: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3872815?answerId=18115414022#18115414022

🙂

Previous iterations of OS X had many Java updates too, eight or nine as I recall.