Security expert Avira announced today that all of its antivirus and security software products have been updated to detect the latest Java 7 zero-day exploits.

Millions of computer users are at risk from the Java zero-day vulnerability, which allows hackers to inject malicious code into even fully-patched Windows or Linux computer operating systems.

Fortunately, Avira customers can relax a bit as all Avira software products now protect against generic exploits of the Java 7 vulnerability. Although detecting the exploits does not fix the Java 7 flaw, it keeps Avira customers safe from having their computers used in potentially malicious actions and from losing their private data.

“Whenever a vulnerability like this is discovered – especially when it is in a widely distributed software like Java – the bad guys are quick to write exploits that take advantage of the flaw,” said Sorin Mustaca, IT security expert at Avira. “While Oracle ultimately needs to patch Java, in the meantime we can at least prevent our customers from falling victim to the exploits.”

Links

• To download Avira security software, visit: http://www.avira.com/en/downloads
• Java runs as a browser plug-in and can temporarily turned off or uninstalled until Oracle issues a proper patch. Instructions for how to deactivate the Java plug-in for Chrome, Firefox and Safari are offered here: http://techblog.avira.com/2013/01/11/yajze-yet-another-java-zero-day-exploit/en/
• If you don’t know whether or not your computer has Java running, you can test it here: http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp

About Avira

Avira wants its customers to ‘live free’ from spyware, phishing, viruses and other internet-based threats. The company was founded 25 years ago on Tjark Auerbach's promise to "make software that does good things for my friends and family." More than 100 million consumers and small businesses now depend upon Avira’s security expertise and award-winning antivirus software, making the company the number-two market share leader globally. Avira provides IT-security protection to computers, smartphones, servers and networks, delivered as both software and cloud-based services.

In addition to protecting the online world, Avira's CEO promotes well-being in the offline world through the Auerbach Foundation, which supports charitable and social projects. The philosophy of the foundation is to help people to help themselves.

For more information, please visit www.avira.com or join the community at www.facebook.com/avira.