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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ITSec on July 13, 2015, 08:15:52 PM

Title: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: ITSec on July 13, 2015, 08:15:52 PM
Regardless of what operating system you use, you should disable Flash for the next few days, likely till next week. A so-called 'white hat' hacking firm (I'm dubious about them) was itself hacked recently, and some of their techniques are now in the hands of the true baddies. So far, several techniques for using even the most updated versions of Adobe Flash Player to attack systems have been found, and I believe a few more will be on the way soon.

Note that this affects all systems that use Flash Player - Windows, Mac, Linux, whatever. The flaws are NOT operating system specific. The attack would need to be, but any system that allows a browser to activate the Flash Player is potentially at risk.

Even if you limit your browser use to supposedly safe sites, you can be attacked. The usual technique for doing this is for the attacker to compromise a publisher of advertising content. The victim visits a 'good' site, like a news network, a hobby site, or something similar. That 'safe' site includes ads provided from the now compromised server, so even though the place you are visiting is not infected, some of what they send you is...

And we'll have fun, fun, fun, till her daddy takes the T-Bird away...
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 13, 2015, 08:21:03 PM
So, how do you disable it?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: cruzziguzzi on July 13, 2015, 08:30:09 PM
Nevermind, confusion reigns.

Disabling Adobe Flash:
http://www.komando.com/tips/296083/keep-your-computer-safe-from-the-next-adobe-flash-bug

Check status of your system's Flash updates here:

http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

It will automatically rate your current version relative to the most recent offered and connect to updates if needed.

Todd
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: LowRyter on July 13, 2015, 08:40:30 PM
I have the newest version.  Is that OK?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: sib on July 13, 2015, 08:59:33 PM
I've been using Macs since 1984, and had a Lisa even before that.  I've never had a virus, worm, or any other kind of malware or compromise, and I avoid anti-virus apps like the plague that they are.  I do keep my software up to date, but I'm always amused by the hysteria.  I avoid Flash because of other reasons, like it's an inefficient CPU hog.  All this aside, these days there's little reason to use Flash, and I agree perhaps it's time to get rid of it.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Shorty on July 13, 2015, 11:57:32 PM
Don't hurt Flash, dagnabbit... (http://www.anorak.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/dukesofhazzard-best.jpg)
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 14, 2015, 02:30:11 AM
Thanks for the heads-up!  I've been discouraging my customers from using flash for some time now because of the potential for malware and counterfeit updates.  This is another reason to avoid it altogether.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: yogidozer on July 14, 2015, 06:25:18 AM
I thought Flash was a TV show?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: boatdetective on July 14, 2015, 06:57:56 AM
Could someone please tell us how to disable flash (in English- without having to read a multiple page article).

How long are we supposed to keep this disabled?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: bluecycle3 on July 14, 2015, 07:05:11 AM
well i saw this to late,  yesterday mine kept saying you need a new version so i went into google chrome and updated it.  what do i do now?   and how do i disable it?     thanks greg
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 14, 2015, 07:09:57 AM
well i saw this to late,  yesterday mine kept saying you need a new version so i went into google chrome and updated it.  what do i do now?   and how do i disable it?     thanks greg

I just uninstalled it. Simple. Go to Control Panel, Programs, uninstall a program.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: boatdetective on July 14, 2015, 07:23:48 AM
Could someone please tell us how to disable flash (in English- without having to read a multiple page article).

How long are we supposed to keep this disabled?

Got it.

BTW- THANK YOU for the warning!
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Lcarlson on July 14, 2015, 08:47:13 AM
Go to Adobe's website; download the Adobe flash player ininstaller; run the ininstaller. Adobe will then confirm that the flash player has been uninstalled from your system.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Lcarlson on July 14, 2015, 08:50:34 AM
Sorry, that's "Uninstaller" (but you probably figured that out).
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: jreagan on July 14, 2015, 08:54:04 AM
Actually, it is a Java day one that seems to be getting the most attention.  There are already attacks exploiting the bug.

http://blog.trendmicro.com/pawn-storm-first-java-zero-day-attack-in-two-years-targets-nato-us-defense-organizations/ (http://blog.trendmicro.com/pawn-storm-first-java-zero-day-attack-in-two-years-targets-nato-us-defense-organizations/)

As for the Flash bug,  Adobe is updating this week.

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsa15-04.html (https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsa15-04.html)
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: slowmover on July 14, 2015, 01:01:44 PM
 Now what about porn,is that still safe to look at?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: jackson on July 14, 2015, 01:07:51 PM
http://money.cnn.com/2015/07/14/technology/flash-firefox-facebook/index.html
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 14, 2015, 01:15:08 PM
Viruses are gotten by installing flash updates.  They trick you into installing them by looking very much similar (but not identical) to a legit update.  If

the adobe logo isn't on the notice (often a similar but different logo is on the fake)

the download notice came at some point other than computer start-up, such as while visiting a web page (to view this video you need an update to the flash player.  Click here to download.  . .)

the download doesn't happen from the adobe website

There are odd sentence structures, word choices, and/or misspellings in the notice

then it might not be actual adobe flash.

Viruses come in the flash video as well.  Hackers embed the code, and when the video is run, flash hatches the virus.

porn is shot full of flash viruses, just like real-life whores.


It's a big enough problem that the advice to remove it is good.  Think about it -- when was the last time you NEEDED to watch a video?  My personal policy is to not install flash, not click unexplained links on this (or any other) forum or email, and to not click any links to u-toobe-type videos.  I help enforce my rule by not having speakers on my computer.  I often get 'flash error -- flash player not installed'  errors when looking at news stories and they're trying to auto-run a video (I'm just wanting to read the text like a newspaper).

When I am compelled to watch a training video or other required viewing for work I use a sacrificial laptop.  It has nothing but a raw operating system -- no other programs, email, etc.  The duty generally falls to my macbook, since it sucks at everything except entertainment and reloads easily when destroyed.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: jreagan on July 14, 2015, 01:24:39 PM
When any website offers/suggests that you update something, never do it from the offered location.  Always, get out of the browser, go to Adobe.com, Oracle.com, etc. and do your update from there.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Stevex on July 14, 2015, 02:04:38 PM
Does uninstalling / disabling Flashplayer remove the threat?
If not, will a security scan, in my case Kaspersky Internet Security 2015, pick up the threat?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 14, 2015, 02:07:37 PM
This seems complicated, what will happen if I dont?  If I have a Chromebook do I have Flash??
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 14, 2015, 02:36:14 PM
Does uninstalling / disabling Flashplayer remove the threat?
If not, will a security scan, in my case Kaspersky Internet Security 2015, pick up the threat?

If you uninstall before anything bad happens you remove that vulnerability.  If you remove it after the fact it's just busy work -- has no effect on the infection.  I don't know if your Kapersky will find it or not.  Some of these new generation viri don't plant code, they just change the lines in the system registry (or in a mac -- the preferences files) or other configuration files to do their business.  Check with the kapersky website for their statement about it.

Mayor -- what happens if you don't what? 

Nobody can tell if your chromebook (or any other book) has it or not without looking.  So LOOK.  It's not rocket surgery.  It's not complicated.  It's there or it's not.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 14, 2015, 02:46:36 PM
If you uninstall before anything bad happens you remove that vulnerability.  If you remove it after the fact it's just busy work -- has no effect on the infection.  I don't know if your Kapersky will find it or not.  Some of these new generation viri don't plant code, they just change the lines in the system registry (or in a mac -- the preferences files) or other configuration files to do their business.  Check with the kapersky website for their statement about it.

Mayor -- what happens if you don't what? 

Nobody can tell if your chromebook (or any other book) has it or not without looking.  So LOOK.  It's not rocket surgery.  It's not complicated.  It's there or it's not.

What am I looking for a virus or a flash??  I wouldnt know where to begin, my friend.. I dont know what either of those look like.  If it can't be done in 1-2 clicks, I dont know how to do it.  I'll just roll the dice, I recokon... what's the worst that could happen
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 14, 2015, 03:07:18 PM
 You will develop chronic stinkfoot , and BBQ won't taste right ever again  :laugh:

   Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Stevex on July 14, 2015, 03:18:38 PM
This seems complicated, what will happen if I dont?  If I have a Chromebook do I have Flash??

Chrome uses Flash by default, you have to disable it if you use Chrome.
However, Chrome also automatically updates Flash and when I checked Adobe's website Chrome had already updated the vulnerable version of Flash on my laptop...I still disabled it tho'.

To disable Flash using Chrome, type 'chrome:plugins' into the address bar.
You'll get a list of plugs ins, scroll down to Flashplayer and tick the 'disable' box.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: slowmover on July 14, 2015, 03:23:53 PM
MY BRAIN HURTS!!
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 14, 2015, 04:06:19 PM
You will develop chronic stinkfoot , and BBQ won't taste right ever again  :laugh:

   Dusty

I once drank whisky that gave me drizzlin shits and the jake leg
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: ITSec on July 14, 2015, 10:56:37 PM
To the question of whether the latest Flash update solves the problem - NO. There are multiple vulnerabilities being discovered as a result of the original attack on the hacker group, and even the latest update is incomplete. Flash version 209 (actually, 18.0.whatever.209) handles all current known issues as of this afternoon, but the other shoe is still in mid-drop.

And no, porn is not safe to look at - but it's not malware you have to worry about!  :thewife:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 15, 2015, 12:30:49 PM
I have all my flash folders locked. Not only does that prevent attacks but no sites can attach cookies within flash on my computers. I run Macs and it is easy to lock all the folders and prevent any access to flash. And all video works because I have it set up to say I am allowing content to my computer when in fact the folder is locked.
This is what the folder looks like when it is checked off in the "locked box"?
(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/redrider901/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-15%20at%201.12.11%20PM_zpssza8sj2n.png)

And this is what my macromedia file looks like in library (finder). Notice at the bottom of each folder there is a little "x" that means the folder is locked.
[URL=http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/redrider901/media/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-15%20at%201.11.31%20PM_zpsmcsjglbl.png.html](http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/redrider901/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-15%20at%201.11.31%20PM_zpsmcsjglbl.png) (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/redrider901/media/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-15%20at%201.12.11%20PM_zpssza8sj2n.png.html)
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: ITSec on July 15, 2015, 12:36:42 PM
While locking folders will prevent changes to Flash code on your Mac, it will NOT necessarily prevent these exploits from working. Locking the folder prevents changes to the STORED file, not to the code loaded into memory when the executable is activated. The exploits use the Flash code as it is held in memory, take advantage of a flaw, and then use that flaw to allow the loading and running of code of their choice.

Locked files are an excellent concept - they just aren't enough in this case.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 15, 2015, 01:02:55 PM
While locking folders will prevent changes to Flash code on your Mac, it will NOT necessarily prevent these exploits from working. Locking the folder prevents changes to the STORED file, not to the code loaded into memory when the executable is activated. The exploits use the Flash code as it is held in memory, take advantage of a flaw, and then use that flaw to allow the loading and running of code of their choice.

Locked files are an excellent concept - they just aren't enough in this case.


I am hardly an IT guy but how does the exploit get past all those locked files? Now if you are saying I am downloading a virus from Adobe when I upgrade (I unlock every folder before I upgrade)  and therefore it is in the locked file I can understand it. But can you explain how the virus gets past the whole Macromedia locked files in order to exploit it?  If you are correct that locking the files is not enough then you not only have to run the  uninstaller  but then go into these two files and put them in trash to completely eliminate all Flash from the hard drive.
<home directory>/Library/Preferences/Macromedia/Flash\ Player
<home directory>/Library/Caches/Adobe/Flash\ Player
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 15, 2015, 01:44:03 PM
I'm certainly not an IT guy either, but he said
Quote
Locking the folder prevents changes to the STORED file, not to the code loaded into memory when the executable is activated. The exploits use the Flash code as it is held in memory,
makes sense to me..
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 15, 2015, 02:20:41 PM
I'm certainly not an IT guy either, but he saidmakes sense to me..


Ah..... thanks I read it too fast. After reading everything on the net right now I might just uninstall the whole thing and disable Java from what I am reading.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: bad Chad on July 15, 2015, 04:35:55 PM
Really?  Surely the usual internet hysteria at work.  I have disabled not a thing, and all is normal.  But of course I only use Mac, so I am better than those who can only get by with p/c. :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 15, 2015, 05:24:18 PM
While locking folders will prevent changes to Flash code on your Mac, it will NOT necessarily prevent these exploits from working. Locking the folder prevents changes to the STORED file, not to the code loaded into memory when the executable is activated. The exploits use the Flash code as it is held in memory, take advantage of a flaw, and then use that flaw to allow the loading and running of code of their choice.

Locked files are an excellent concept - they just aren't enough in this case.

 :1:

Like locking the front door and leaving the windows open and all the door inside are open too.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 15, 2015, 05:35:52 PM
If the locked folder defense has been anticipated by the virus it simply builds its payload in another folder.  If the file is locked, it can still be copied to another location, altered, and then a path made to the new location -- much the same as you do when you have a picture on a CD you want to edit.  The CD is not writable (same as a locked folder) but the picture can still be tinkered with, saved to another location, and used.

Please folks -- don't let the mythology of Linux and OSx make you complacent.  This is a platform-independent problem.  As long as flash works with your OS you are at risk. 
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 15, 2015, 08:20:46 PM
Really?  Surely the usual internet hysteria at work.  I have disabled not a thing, and all is normal.  But of course I only use Mac, so I am better than those who can only get by with p/c. :grin: :grin:

Same here, all these internet issues are almost a 100% Microsoft/PC user problem. You would think people would get the clue.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 15, 2015, 08:30:36 PM
Same here, all these internet issues are almost a 100% Microsoft/PC user problem. You would think people would get the clue.

Actually, they are nearly all a user problem. Many of us use the Microsoft OS and PCs and don't have the issues that become hyped all the time.

If using MACs was as secure and trouble free as it is made out to be, Apple would not need to employ "Geniuses" at the cost of many millions of dollars per year to fix them and charge their customers billions more to pay for the privilege of talking to them.

I'd go so far as to say that owning a MG is contrary to idea of owning a MAC if that means it should never break or have a fault and going to a Genuius to get it repaired.

I have never had to talk to a "Genius" to use my PC but there is a line at every Apple store with people needing to do just that. I bet very few of them ride a Guzzi, present company excepted. :wink:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 15, 2015, 08:42:09 PM
It`s not hype it`s consistently prevelant. You don`t pay to use a Genius at the Apple store nor during warranty and many times even when off warranty. When you call, their is actually little or no wait or they will call YOU back at a time YOU pick. Apple is not perfect but 1000 times better than Microsh-t. Try getting help on a Microsh-t OS PC without paying for it, if you can even find it.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 15, 2015, 08:47:47 PM
You didn't pay for that warranty and Apple provides the Genius out of pure philanthropy?  Now who needs to get a clue?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 15, 2015, 08:50:40 PM
That isn't consistent with owning a Motor Guzzi now is it? Just saying.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 15, 2015, 08:57:19 PM
 You mean Apple isn't a philanthropic not for profit organization ? Damn .

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 15, 2015, 09:08:02 PM
You mean Apple isn't a philanthropic not for profit organization ? Damn .

  Dusty

Was wondering the same about Motor Guzzi...
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 15, 2015, 09:17:31 PM
It all good though, to each his own and at least with a PC you own the thing. :boozing:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 15, 2015, 09:31:01 PM
You didn't pay for that warranty and Apple provides the Genius out of pure philanthropy?  Now who needs to get a clue?

For the first year no, it`s called providing a service and it`s good.  Something Microsh-t doesn`t understand, unless providing free patch after patch after patch every other day for bad products is considered good service.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 15, 2015, 09:35:15 PM
You mean Apple isn't a philanthropic not for profit organization ? Damn .

  Dusty


I own a Mac because they really are easier to use for those who do not think well with computers. My wife and brother are perfect examples of people who struggled to use windows and find it easier to use a Mac. They still do not find computers easy to use, but they find Macs easier to use than Windows.  Lots of people find Macs easier but not necessarily easy to use. Whether they are better computers is a fight I  could care less about.  I am glad I bought a handful of Apples shares. It has made me more than a few bucks.
As for their service I find it excellent. They do not always get it correct but there is easy access to Apple Care.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Bill Hagan on July 15, 2015, 09:45:34 PM
For the first year no, it`s called providing a service and it`s good.  Something Microsh-t doesn`t understand, unless providing free patch after patch after patch every other day for bad products is considered good service.

I thought NP's point was that there is no free lunch and thus that we Macsters paid for that in the "HOW MUCH!?!" sticker price for initial outlay, which I think is way more than what the "equivalent" PC, laptop, etc. costs.

I don't know enough to debate with the IT folks here over the merits of eating apples v. other types, but I do know I'll never leave the orchard.  Zero problems in 4+ years with our MacBook Pro 13's.  Worth the entry fee to us.

Bill

Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 15, 2015, 09:46:38 PM
 Dang Harv , I thought YOU were a non profit  :grin: Yeah , Dave Barry wrote about how superior Macs were to any other computer , but all they are is a toy to me , so it doesn't matter .

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: bad Chad on July 15, 2015, 09:49:25 PM
Bingo Bill!  Perhaps one does pay a $100-$200 premium for a Mac, but over the course of a few years it pays for itself in spades. 
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 15, 2015, 09:52:22 PM
Dang Harv , I thought YOU were a non profit  :grin: Yeah , Dave Barry wrote about how superior Macs were to any other computer , but all they are is a toy to me , so it doesn't matter .

  Dusty

I am an old hippie socialist who charges for his services. Never figured out how to understand the socialist side gets along with the capitalist side.
Constant conflict until the person is leaving my lab and they owe a few hundred $s and somehow the capitalist side always wins out.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 15, 2015, 09:56:30 PM
 Harv , even us old socialist hippies gotta eat  :laugh: Plus , gas ain't gettin any cheaper  :bike-037:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 15, 2015, 10:01:04 PM
Harv , even us old socialist hippies gotta eat  :laugh: Plus , gas ain't gettin any cheaper  :bike-037:

  Dusty

Actually gas is cheaper. I filled the propane tank yesterday and it dropped $.75 gallon the week before. Saved $200 dollars! Hot dang.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 15, 2015, 10:25:37 PM
I wiped clean both my Macs tonight all things adobe and reinstalled with the new version with the patches.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 16, 2015, 12:00:16 AM
Bingo Bill!  Perhaps one does pay a $100-$200 premium for a Mac, but over the course of a few years it pays for itself in spades.

Exactly, and in lack of frustration also!
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 16, 2015, 12:09:01 AM
Same here, all these internet issues are almost a 100% Microsoft/PC user problem. You would think people would get the clue.

Let's see . . . So far this year you've blamed Microsoft for the quality of Chinese manufacturing, made them responsible for urban planning, and made Bill Gates personally responsible for not building you a freeway bridge.  Now you're saying MS is responsible for an Adobe Flash hack.  This is beyond irrational.

Microsoft is not Adobe.  Flash is not a Microsoft product.  Flash works across all platforms, not just Microsoft.  The vulnerability is an attack on the internet, not Microsoft.  It is equal opportunity.  Those are the facts.  It's time to pull your head out of your ass.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: ITSec on July 16, 2015, 12:59:30 AM
Regarding the merits of platforms and their relative potential to be attacked...

I have worked in and with IT since the late 70s. I have had DOS systems since they became available, my first Mac was a LISA, I have worked with STAR and PDP systems, Tandems, the many flavors of UNIX, mainframes, you name it, and all their successors right up to today - chest thumping now completed.  :bow:

I have in my home network several client systems in OS-X, Windows, and Linux flavors. I have several servers in Windows and Linux (and even a mainframe simulator). I have a number of virtual machine instances used to simulate environments at my customers' shops. This type of issue requires me to touch EACH of them, sometimes multiple times, to both secure my environment and to determine what to recommend to my clients who may not be able to simply disable a function as it may be used in their business; for example, one client delivers their HR training program using Flash content.

As was noted, this is a multi-platform attack and ALL operating systems are potential targets - period. Macs are not immune, Linux boxes are not, and neither old nor new Windows is 'safe'. If someone were silly enough to have Flash installed on a virtual machine operating in a mainframe system, it would also be vulnerable.

MAC is NOT better, or worse, than PC. Linux is NOT better, or worse, than Windows. I buy ThinkPads because I like them and they are high quality with good support. Are other laptops good choices? Sure.

Something I have told my customers, and those I am mentoring, for more than 25 years:

When it comes to IT, there is always more than one right answer - but for a given customer in a given situation with a given set of needs at a given time, there is almost always only one best answer. What is best for one is not what is best for another, and the responsibility of an IT adviser is to help a customer move from what works to what is best for them.

And to get back to the subject, Flash is no longer what is best when it comes to delivering multi-media content on the web. HTML5 is better, but still imperfect. Keep your eyes open for developments...
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 16, 2015, 06:02:29 AM
Bingo Bill!  Perhaps one does pay double for a Mac, but over the course of a few years it pays for itself in spades.

FTFY big boy..  :smiley:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 16, 2015, 07:36:37 AM
Let's see . . . So far this year you've blamed Microsoft for the quality of Chinese manufacturing, made them responsible for urban planning, and made Bill Gates personally responsible for not building you a freeway bridge.  Now you're saying MS is responsible for an Adobe Flash hack.  This is beyond irrational.

Microsoft is not Adobe.  Flash is not a Microsoft product.  Flash works across all platforms, not just Microsoft.  The vulnerability is an attack on the internet, not Microsoft.  It is equal opportunity.  Those are the facts.  It's time to pull your head out of your ass.


I have always considered adobe one big hack attack no matter which platform one is running. I spend a lot of time on my Macs trying to block and then finding and cleaning out cookies and LSOs that attach to adobe. I also have to go to adobe setting on their webpage to eliminate attachments.  Adobe is a platform designed to make it easier for "them" to follow us around and peak into our lives. I hate adobe.

Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: screamday on July 16, 2015, 08:18:58 AM
Regarding the merits of platforms and their relative potential to be attacked...


Very well said IT.  :bow:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 16, 2015, 10:11:52 AM
sounds like the sky is falling

I have never run any anti-virus on any desktop or laptop I've ever owned...  including Apples, PC's, and now a chromebook

I think I've had 3 desktops and now on my 3rd laptop total since 1998 and if I ever had a virus I never knew it.  Seems like a lot of work and hysteria to prevent what??  Stolen data? Slow machine? Rabies? Honestly, please someone tell me... what is the worst that can happen if I just ignore this like every other super-virus worm malware trojan wormhole thing that has been reported on in the last 15 years??
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rocker59 on July 16, 2015, 10:35:33 AM
sounds like the sky is falling

I have never run any anti-virus on any desktop or laptop I've ever owned...  including Apples, PC's, and now a chromebook

I think I've had 3 desktops and now on my 3rd laptop total since 1998 and if I ever had a virus I never knew it.  Seems like a lot of work and hysteria to prevent what??  Stolen data? Slow machine? Rabies? Honestly, please someone tell me... what is the worst that can happen if I just ignore this like every other super-virus worm malware trojan wormhole thing that has been reported on in the last 15 years??

If you do much web surfing, you can pick up all kinds of malware and spyware (and occasionally viruses)  that can slow down your computer.

I run free versions of several programs for spyware, viruses, and malware.

They rarely find much, but it only takes one good attack to put your computer down.

It's been a long time since I've had it happen, but it has happened.   
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 16, 2015, 11:20:40 AM
I thought NP's point was that there is no free lunch and thus that we Macsters paid for that in the "HOW MUCH!?!" sticker price for initial outlay, which I think is way more than what the "equivalent" PC, laptop, etc. costs.

I don't know enough to debate with the IT folks here over the merits of eating apples v. other types, but I do know I'll never leave the orchard.  Zero problems in 4+ years with our MacBook Pro 13's.  Worth the entry fee to us.

Bill

Yes, that was the point, nothing is free, including the warranty and that Apple Genius sitting in the store.

But really, live and let live, some people like MACs and others PCs. PCs offer a lot of individuality, the capability to tinker with them, upgrade them and make them unique to each person's tastes,

just like owning a Moto Guzzi.

We don't blame all motorcycling's risks and what problems there are on Moto Guzzi do we? We accept and applaud all those who ride motorcycles, regardless of brand or model. Blaming PCs and Microsoft for all the problems encountered via the Internet is just plain silly. You buy the computer of your choice and deal with what comes with it, just like your choice of motorcycle.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rocker59 on July 16, 2015, 11:50:06 AM
To disable Flash using Chrome, type 'chrome:plugins' into the address bar.
You'll get a list of plugs ins, scroll down to Flashplayer and tick the 'disable' box.

Thanks!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 16, 2015, 11:51:49 AM
To disable Flash using Chrome, type 'chrome:plugins' into the address bar.
You'll get a list of plugs ins, scroll down to Flashplayer and tick the 'disable' box.

That's it? any further steps needed? I'm 'safe' now?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: screamday on July 16, 2015, 12:16:09 PM
I've been using Flash Block on FireFox for almost a year and I'm pretty happy with they way it blocks flash but lets you decide if you want to view the content or not. Really great for keeping videos from running automatically on websites that want to inundate you with commercials as soon as you open their site.

http://flashblock.mozdev.org/ (http://flashblock.mozdev.org/)
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 16, 2015, 12:21:52 PM
That's it? any further steps needed? I'm 'safe' now?

Yes.

Most people will never have a problem as those being talked about. In today's world, someone gets sick from eating a hotdog and everyone rushes home to throw them out.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 16, 2015, 03:04:50 PM
sounds like the sky is falling

I have never run any anti-virus on any desktop or laptop I've ever owned...  including Apples, PC's, and now a chromebook

I think I've had 3 desktops and now on my 3rd laptop total since 1998 and if I ever had a virus I never knew it.  Seems like a lot of work and hysteria to prevent what??  Stolen data? Slow machine? Rabies? Honestly, please someone tell me... what is the worst that can happen if I just ignore this like every other super-virus worm malware trojan wormhole thing that has been reported on in the last 15 years??

Flash is a multimedia program.  It can control your webcam, speakers, mic, etc.  It tracks where you go and what you do on the internet.  It records your viewing habits including lists of sites you visit and what you looked at there.  It's the carrier for payloads like ransomware, keystroke loggers, etc.  The list goes on.

Theoretically the bad guys could be using flash to watch and listen to you right now.  They could be following you to your favorite porn site and logging your sexual preferences.  Or they could be virtually in the bedroom with you and your wife.  Or your daughter's.  They could be building hidden caches of kiddie porn on your hard drive.  And the really fun part is that if they do it right your computer isn't going to slow down or misbehave in any way.

But you are their target prey -- willing to listen to jackasses and fruit flies, but deaf to common sense.  Refusing to do anything proactive in your defense, and proud to not know if you've got the bug or not.  And you get a special place in their hearts I'm sure, for encouraging others to follow you.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 16, 2015, 03:17:47 PM
Let's see . . . So far this year you've blamed Microsoft for the quality of Chinese manufacturing, made them responsible for urban planning, and made Bill Gates personally responsible for not building you a freeway bridge.  Now you're saying MS is responsible for an Adobe Flash hack.  This is beyond irrational.

Microsoft is not Adobe.  Flash is not a Microsoft product.  Flash works across all platforms, not just Microsoft.  The vulnerability is an attack on the internet, not Microsoft.  It is equal opportunity.  Those are the facts.  It's time to pull your head out of your ass.

Microsoft products are abysmally bad considering how much money they rip-off from the public. Ask anyone who has changed to Apple if they would go back to Microsh-t and the answer is no. I can`t help it if you`re a grumpy bitter OLD man and can`t learn new tricks.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: screamday on July 16, 2015, 04:00:36 PM
Microsoft products are abysmally bad considering how much money they rip-off from the public. Ask anyone who has changed to Apple if they would go back to Microsh-t and the answer is no. I can`t help it if you`re a grumpy OLD man and can`t learn new tricks.

Dude.....get over it already.   :violent1: :boxing:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: bedevil on July 16, 2015, 04:01:11 PM
I do most of my work on a four year old Acer laptop and have noticed it get slower over the years as more and more stuff has been loaded.  Lately I have been contemplating a Windows reinstall to get rid of the accumulated junk. Then I happened on this thread and disabled flash a few days ago. I was pleasantly surprised how much quicker pages are to load and only on a few occasions have I not been able to view something I wanted. Has anybody else noticed better system response times when surfing the web after disabling flash?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 16, 2015, 04:05:19 PM
Dude.....get over it already.   :violent1: :boxing:

 Aw , he just hates Bill and Melissa . Maybe Bill should just build him that bridge so they can kiss and makeup  :laugh:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 16, 2015, 04:09:11 PM
Aw , he just hates Bill and Melissa . Maybe Bill should just build him that bridge so they can kiss and makeup  :laugh:

  Dusty

If you lived 3 miles away from them and Microsh-t headquarters you would hate too. :evil:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 16, 2015, 04:19:42 PM
If you lived 3 miles away from them and Microsh-t headquarters you would hate too. :evil:

Really? Do they come over and do things to you?

How can people hate software or a computer? If you don't like the stuff, don't buy it.

 :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Stevex on July 16, 2015, 04:21:20 PM
Quote
Quote from: Kentktk on Today at 08:17:47 PM
Microsoft products are abysmally bad considering how much money they rip-off from the public. Ask anyone who has changed to Apple if they would go back to Microsh-t and the answer is no. I can`t help it if you`re a grumpy OLD man and can`t learn new tricks.

Dude.....get over it already.   :violent1: :boxing:

Exactly ffs! Give it a rest.
I've only ever used Windows on towers and laptops, and never had a problem.
I've been using Vista since I bought my last laptop in 2008 and it's still going strong; I've never had a virus attack.
It's all about being security conscious, using a decent AV prog etc.
I'm sure Apple laugh all the way to the bank every time another drone buys a mac at their over inflated prices.

Quote
If you lived 3 miles away from them and Microsh-t headquarters you would hate too.

Have you tried a tin foil hat?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 16, 2015, 04:33:44 PM
Microsoft products are abysmally bad considering how much money they rip-off from the public. Ask anyone who has changed to Apple if they would go back to Microsh-t and the answer is no. I can`t help it if you`re a grumpy bitter OLD man and can`t learn new tricks.

I see you made letters with your keyboard again today.  In my advanced age I'm missing the connection between them and what you quoted -- or to anything rational.  The part that disturbs me is that somehow you keep forgetting that I'm writing this on my mac.

Also, it's probably my age, but my memory is slipping.  Remind me who you are.  IIRC, you're the guy who had 48 ignores before the crash.  As I remember it, you earned them in discussions like this one where your unvarnished bullshit has pissed people off to the point of leaving the forum.  Your very first accomplishment on this site -- the one that established you as the feckless troll you are, was to run off Roper and make his vent fix unavailable with your personal attacks and abuse.  You're the guy who goes on ad nauseum about how wonderfully bulletproof the mac platform is and how superior you are for drinking the apple juice, yet has never offered up a single keystroke of help or advice when a WG member reports the fails of your perfect platforms.  As far as that goes, you've never offered anything to the guzzi discussions either.  And you're the guy who hijacks every computer-based topic with your anti-Microsoft vendetta, regardless of the nature of the discussion.

Is that who you are, sonny?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Bill Hagan on July 16, 2015, 04:40:04 PM

****

I'm sure Apple laugh all the way to the bank every time another drone buys a mac at their over inflated prices.

Have you tried a tin foil hat?

Whoa!  Whoa!

Drones?

I am virtually certain that all US UAV's use PC-based software.   :laugh:

Aw , he just hates Bill and Melissa . Maybe Bill should just build him that bridge so they can kiss and makeup  :laugh:

  Dusty

Uhm, Dusty, that would be Melinda.   :wink:

Bill
Drone



Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 16, 2015, 04:45:30 PM
Whoa!  Whoa!

Drones?

I am virtually certain that all US UAV's use PC-based software.   :laugh:

Uhm, Dusty, that would be Melinda.   :wink:

Bill
Drone



 Dang , was sure there was a Melissa involved somehow  :laugh: Shows how much I know about pooters . Carry on , everything is peachy here  :grin:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Stormtruck2 on July 16, 2015, 05:06:54 PM
Bought my bride an Airbook.  Will never buy another fruit based computer. Nothing but trouble from day one. Lasted less than two years and puked. The GUI sucked.  While I now use only PC machines, my preferred model is the latest version of the abacus..
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 16, 2015, 05:42:05 PM
I see you made letters with your keyboard again today.  In my advanced age I'm missing the connection between them and what you quoted -- or to anything rational.  The part that disturbs me is that somehow you keep forgetting that I'm writing this on my mac.

Also, it's probably my age, but my memory is slipping.  Remind me who you are.  IIRC, you're the guy who had 48 ignores before the crash.  As I remember it, you earned them in discussions like this one where your unvarnished bullshit has pissed people off to the point of leaving the forum.  Your very first accomplishment on this site -- the one that established you as the feckless troll you are, was to run off Roper and make his vent fix unavailable with your personal attacks and abuse.  You're the guy who goes on ad nauseum about how wonderfully bulletproof the mac platform is and how superior you are for drinking the apple juice, yet has never offered up a single keystroke of help or advice when a WG member reports the fails of your perfect platforms.  As far as that goes, you've never offered anything to the guzzi discussions either.  And you're the guy who hijacks every computer-based topic with your anti-Microsoft vendetta, regardless of the nature of the discussion.

Is that who you are, sonny?

I have given advice Grandpa, you just choose to remember what bitter OLD guys choose to remember and that`s not much. If I were you ( and I thank God everyday that I am not) I would just use the handy ignore button.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: MotoGoosy on July 16, 2015, 06:19:36 PM
Yes, went to YouTube a week ago and kept getting "FlashPlayer has crashed".  Disabled it and everything's fine.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 16, 2015, 07:31:15 PM
I have given advice Grandpa, you just choose to remember what bitter OLD guys choose to remember and that`s not much. If I were you ( and I thank God everyday that I am not) I would just use the handy ignore button.

Given your general level of cognizance it doesn't surprise me that you're unaware of the demise of the iggy button.  Yes, there's a lot I didn't include, but it's not that I don't remember.  I was just hitting some of the highlights to be sure you are what you are.  I'll take your recent replies to mean you agree with the words of mine you quoted, since you respond with no disagreement.

Yes, you've given the same 'advice' since you arrived here (except for the area in which you claim proficiency -- apple computers -- in which cases you remain completely silent) -- Microsoft sucks.  Doesn't matter what the topic is, in your opinion the solution to all problems is 'Microsoft sucks'.  Very middle-school.  -Not very helpful.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 16, 2015, 07:39:40 PM
I have given advice Grandpa, you just choose to remember what bitter OLD guys choose to remember and that`s not much. If I were you ( and I thank God everyday that I am not) I would just use the handy ignore button.

Maybe you should scroll to the Guzzidiag thread and help the Mac guys out..  :evil:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 17, 2015, 01:07:16 AM
Given your general level of cognizance it doesn't surprise me that you're unaware of the demise of the iggy button.  Yes, there's a lot I didn't include, but it's not that I don't remember.  I was just hitting some of the highlights to be sure you are what you are.  I'll take your recent replies to mean you agree with the words of mine you quoted, since you respond with no disagreement.

Yes, you've given the same 'advice' since you arrived here (except for the area in which you claim proficiency -- apple computers -- in which cases you remain completely silent) -- Microsoft sucks.  Doesn't matter what the topic is, in your opinion the solution to all problems is 'Microsoft sucks'.  Very middle-school.  -Not very helpful.

Your feeble old man memory seems to be selective only towards my hatred of Microsoft. Don`t get excited and pee your Depends over me agreeing with you on anything. In my opinion Microsoft sucks. Now go eat some prunes you`ll be less bitter with regularity.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 17, 2015, 05:20:53 AM
Your feeble old man memory seems to be selective only towards my hatred of Microsoft. Don`t get excited and pee your Depends over me agreeing with you on anything. In my opinion Microsoft sucks. Now go eat some prunes you`ll be less bitter with regularity.


I know you worked really hard on that and I'm sure those were the most grown up words you made all week, but it still must be very embarrassing for you.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: John A on July 17, 2015, 05:27:35 AM
Kentktk it's time for your nap :grin:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Moto on July 17, 2015, 07:14:44 AM
I hesitate to add to this charming discussion, but I'm unclear on something.

I understand that Flash runs on all systems, and that the same Flash code is executing in each. Are we most worried that:

1. Flash will execute Flash code that does nasty things directly, like spying via the camera, or

2. Flash will modify other programs on the system to get them to do nasty things. Perhaps the operating system files or browsers.

If the greater danger is in #2, then I would expect the efforts of criminals (call them what they are!) would, as usual, focus on the vastly larger PC population, in the interest of profit.

Though Macs have always been vulnerable in theory, in practice little seems to have happened. If #1 above is the big worry, both Macs and PCs are equally vulnerable in the present case.

Making any sense here? Which is the big worry?

Thanks.

Moto

P.S. Love them Macs, but love them PC users too. The Mac premium is hardly double, for equal-spec hardware!
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: slowmover on July 17, 2015, 08:13:28 AM
Round up all the old people and put them in camps!!
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: kirby1923 on July 17, 2015, 08:31:17 AM
I see you made letters with your keyboard again today.  In my advanced age I'm missing the connection between them and what you quoted -- or to anything rational.  The part that disturbs me is that somehow you keep forgetting that I'm writing this on my mac.

Also, it's probably my age, but my memory is slipping.  Remind me who you are.  IIRC, you're the guy who had 48 ignores before the crash.  As I remember it, you earned them in discussions like this one where your unvarnished bullshit has pissed people off to the point of leaving the forum.  Your very first accomplishment on this site -- the one that established you as the feckless troll you are, was to run off Roper and make his vent fix unavailable with your personal attacks and abuse.  You're the guy who goes on ad nauseum about how wonderfully bulletproof the mac platform is and how superior you are for drinking the apple juice, yet has never offered up a single keystroke of help or advice when a WG member reports the fails of your perfect platforms.  As far as that goes, you've never offered anything to the guzzi discussions either.  And you're the guy who hijacks every computer-based topic with your anti-Microsoft vendetta, regardless of the nature of the discussion.

Is that who you are, sonny?


Vent fix???huh??? sounds interesting.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 17, 2015, 08:56:02 AM
I see you made letters with your keyboard again today.  In my advanced age I'm missing the connection between them and what you quoted -- or to anything rational.  The part that disturbs me is that somehow you keep forgetting that I'm writing this on my mac.

Also, it's probably my age, but my memory is slipping.  Remind me who you are.  IIRC, you're the guy who had 48 ignores before the crash.  As I remember it, you earned them in discussions like this one where your unvarnished bullshit has pissed people off to the point of leaving the forum. Your very first accomplishment on this site -- the one that established you as the feckless troll you are, was to run off Roper and make his vent fix unavailable with your personal attacks and abuse.  You're the guy who goes on ad nauseum about how wonderfully bulletproof the mac platform is and how superior you are for drinking the apple juice, yet has never offered up a single keystroke of help or advice when a WG member reports the fails of your perfect platforms.  As far as that goes, you've never offered anything to the guzzi discussions either.  And you're the guy who hijacks every computer-based topic with your anti-Microsoft vendetta, regardless of the nature of the discussion.

Is that who you are, sonny?
for an old man RK, you have a pretty good memory.



(http://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-mzCXtmj/0/M/Duck-M.jpg) (http://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-mzCXtmj/A)
Kentktk it's time for your nap :grin:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Lannis on July 17, 2015, 10:50:10 AM

Vent fix???huh??? sounds interesting.

MAYBE interesting, depending on what "vent" you think it is ... !!

Pete Roper offered up his CARC vent to replace the ineffective and leak-prone stock little "top hat" vent on the CARC.   It's a nicely designed bit of kit that fits the bike well, looks factory, and puts the vent opening up under the seat, away from splashes of any kind, where it belongs.   I bought and installed one, as did some others on the list, and it works like it says on the tin - very happy with it.

Then a sort of permanent troll that no one has ever seen, never shows up anywhere, and claims to be in the same business you're in (which I've never believed for a second) came on with a snarky post about Pete overcharging his buddies and making a fortune on a bit of tat and using the list for a shill, which Pete has actually never done outside of warped little minds who have never contributed anything themselves.

So that's sort of the back story.   Note I haven't named any names, so we'll see what flushes out of the bushes now ....

Lannis
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Lannis on July 17, 2015, 10:52:49 AM
Sincerest apologies for the outburst above. :embarrassed:

You CAN delete your own posts, and it's as if "they never were" unless someone was quick on the draw and quoted it (which they haven't done).

So unless you want both the original post AND the apology to stand, you can make it all go away.   Words are like arrows from the bow etc, except here in cyberworld!!

Lannis
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: kirby1923 on July 17, 2015, 10:57:39 AM
Thanks for the info!!!

I got kinda excited to see if someone came out with a better crankcase vent for the big block. I have sorted it pretty well but always good to see other methods.

mike
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 17, 2015, 01:04:54 PM

I know you worked really hard on that and I'm sure those were the most grown up words you made all week, but it still must be very embarrassing for you.

Rest assured, I did not work as hard as you worked on that constipation problem this morning........keep pushing you`ll get a reward someday for your efforts.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 17, 2015, 01:08:04 PM
 This REALLY isn't the place to start trouble with old guys , you are beginning to sound like ATE  :tongue:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Lannis on July 17, 2015, 01:12:39 PM
Generally, the guy no one ever sees looks a bit like this, I think ....

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/LannisSelz/Internet-tough-guy-troll_zpsqkujwrel.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/LannisSelz/media/Internet-tough-guy-troll_zpsqkujwrel.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 17, 2015, 02:43:01 PM
Rest assured, I did not work as hard as you worked on that constipation problem this morning........keep pushing you`ll get a reward someday for your efforts.

It's tasty little morsels like you that keep me regular.   MMMmmmmm . . .tripe!   :food:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rocker59 on July 17, 2015, 02:45:03 PM
Geez, Louise guys...    :rolleyes:

A helpful thread run amuck.

Isn't there a forum out there for debating Apple vs. PC ?
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 17, 2015, 02:57:43 PM
I hesitate to add to this charming discussion, but I'm unclear on something.

I understand that Flash runs on all systems, and that the same Flash code is executing in each. Are we most worried that:

1. Flash will execute Flash code that does nasty things directly, like spying via the camera,

yes

 or

2. Flash will modify other programs on the system to get them to do nasty things. Perhaps the operating system files or browsers.

yes

If the greater danger is in #2, then I would expect the efforts of criminals (call them what they are!) would, as usual, focus on the vastly larger PC population, in the interest of profit.

Though Macs have always been vulnerable in theory, in practice little seems to have happened. If #1 above is the big worry, both Macs and PCs are equally vulnerable in the present case.

Making any sense here? Which is the big worry?

Thanks.

Moto

P.S. Love them Macs, but love them PC users too. The Mac premium is hardly double, for equal-spec hardware!

Flash seems to be potentially capable of either level.  It also stores lists of the content you view/listen to.  So it's leaving an electronic fingerprint of your activities.  Once the nsa gets it wired in they can have computers to report in to the home office on a schedule to keep track of the doings of people they know about, and can have it phone in new 'accounts' when key words or sites are triggered on unknown computers.

It's not one hacker that has this.  It's a group of them and they're distributing it.  Flash has the potential to do many things -- it just depends on how it's compromised and what the individual doing the hack is interested in.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 17, 2015, 03:07:44 PM
Geez, Louise guys...    :rolleyes:

A helpful thread run amuck.

Isn't there a forum out there for debating Apple vs. PC ?


 Now there's an idea , just don't call us old Mike  :evil: :grin:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 17, 2015, 04:48:50 PM
I just got back from a call involving flash player.  Luckily for the owner they were on an operating system that ran an old version of their browser.  The browser did not support the advanced flash capabilities, so it just disabled their user account.  Once I removed flash the system started and ran normally -- antivirus reported no infections.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: StuCorpe on July 17, 2015, 05:03:16 PM
Question, where do you look to see if there has been anything done by Flash that you are not aware of? I would do some searching if I knew where to look.  This has been an interesting topic. I have 1 computer running Win7 and 1 running Ubuntu, using Firefox on both.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: rodekyll on July 17, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
One of the problems is that flash operates in real-time and often leaves few if any traces of its activity.  But the best hacks are the undetected ones.  Like the recent federal personnel records and Sony.  Those hacks were in place for months and the hackers strolled through the records with no fear of being caught.  It wasn't until the data was made public that the ITsec of the networks were aware they were inside the system.

That's why one of the hacker's favorite statements is "I never installed antivirus and never had an infection."  Like you'd know.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Triple Jim on July 17, 2015, 05:41:19 PM
That's why one of the hacker's favorite statements is "I never installed antivirus and never had an infection."  Like you'd know.

A fair percentage of my customers end up sending me an email with a title like "Hey Jim".  The body has something like "Really Cool" and has a link to some bogus Russian discount site.  I've given up letting them know they have a Trojan running, because when I do, they thank me and I keep getting the Spam.  They seem to think it's their ISP's fault.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 18, 2015, 02:13:14 AM
It's tasty little morsels like you that keep me regular.   MMMmmmmm . . .tripe!   :food:
Glad to help you with your old man issues :grin:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: jas67 on July 18, 2015, 07:25:59 AM
Yes, went to YouTube a week ago and kept getting "FlashPlayer has crashed".  Disabled it and everything's fine.

do this:
https://www.youtube.com/html5 (https://www.youtube.com/html5)

That will put a cookie on your computer to tell youtube to use html5 instead of flash whenever possible.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 18, 2015, 10:37:00 AM
This REALLY isn't the place to start trouble with old guys , you are beginning to sound like ATE  :tongue:

  Dusty
but ATE thought he was an expert on every topic.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: oldbike54 on July 18, 2015, 10:43:17 AM
but ATE thought he was an expert on every topic.

  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 Hmm , yes on most things , can't remember if he ever weighed in on computers . Had anymore contact with our little muffin Brad ? :grin:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: ITSec on July 18, 2015, 06:10:54 PM
While I understand people getting wrapped up in their preferences for one OS or approach or another, I'm almost sorry I started this thread - I was just trying to give people a heads-up about one of the faster-growing and nastier attack vectors I have seen in the last few years.

If you are genuinely interested in keeping track of these issues, I recommend following the Internet Storm Center run by SANS. It may make your head hurt, but it provides a good look at what IT security professionals are paying attention to, and how they think it might affect us. Flash is not the end (nor the start) of the story - there's lots more in the bad guys' pipeline. https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/After+Flash+what+will+exploit+kits+focus+on+next/19879/  (https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/After+Flash+what+will+exploit+kits+focus+on+next/19879/).
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: guzzi4me on July 18, 2015, 06:23:42 PM
I appreciate your "heads up" about this issue.

Please continue to post about these bad guys. All platforms are
at risk. There is no "best" OS.

Thank you!!

Jeff


Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 18, 2015, 06:33:48 PM
^^^^ Yeah, me, too.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: John A on July 18, 2015, 09:45:43 PM
Thanks from me too!
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 19, 2015, 12:19:07 AM
I appreciate your "heads up" about this issue.

Please continue to post about these bad guys. All platforms are
at risk. There is no "best" OS.

Thank you!!

Jeff

Sure there is, the best of what`s out there is Apple OSX
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: fossil on July 19, 2015, 06:46:02 AM
http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-unequivocally-better-than-os-x-on-apples-new-macbook/#!
Read this, but please, Kentktk, prior disable Flash, as there are some Flash - adverts on this page. If you are not able to disable Flash by yourself, please ask someone, who knows something about computers. You, obviously, do not belong to this crowd.

And if you are so rich in knowledge, please explain, how you want to run programs like E-Plan, SolidWorks, Catia, and the like on your "best OS of the world". Without the use of Windows. And tell us, why the makers of these engineering programs always choose Windows ant not IOS as OS? Can it be that engineers (people who can think logically) simply are typical Window users? If that is so what sort of people then use Apple - products? Artists? Lifestyle - addicts?

Nothing wrong with them, but they should not try to tell technicians like me what technical product is better. And yes, I am fed up with this discussion.

Thanks to ITSec for the warning!
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 19, 2015, 02:16:01 PM
http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-unequivocally-better-than-os-x-on-apples-new-macbook/#!
Read this, but please, Kentktk, prior disable Flash, as there are some Flash - adverts on this page. If you are not able to disable Flash by yourself, please ask someone, who knows something about computers. You, obviously, do not belong to this crowd.

And if you are so rich in knowledge, please explain, how you want to run programs like E-Plan, SolidWorks, Catia, and the like on your "best OS of the world". Without the use of Windows. And tell us, why the makers of these engineering programs always choose Windows ant not IOS as OS? Can it be that engineers (people who can think logically) simply are typical Window users? If that is so what sort of people then use Apple - products? Artists? Lifestyle - addicts?

Nothing wrong with them, but they should not try to tell technicians like me what technical product is better. And yes, I am fed up with this discussion.

Thanks to ITSec for the warning!
Disabling flash is easy. That article is based on 1 persons thoughts and he even says it lacks proper testing, so it's just 1 persons opinion or basically useless. The makers of engineering programs are going to go where the money is and that's Windows because so many fools use it. The thing I don't understand is how people can get screwed out of money by Microsoft by such debacles as Windows 8 and come back for more? I never spend money again at something made by anybody who takes it and provides junk. Apparently Microsoft users like throwing money ( and time figuring out how useless Win 8 was ) down Microsofts Sh-t hole
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: cruzziguzzi on July 19, 2015, 02:33:57 PM
Seems winter toned thread drift (read; persnickety) can occur in the summer as well.

Must be a heat/humidity presentation of S.A.D....
Locked up in homes, garages or basements, praying the A/C holds up and colds up while waiting for the weather to clear or moderate can be just as daunting for the cooped-up as being snowed in all winter like a Russian peasant with hungry wolves just outside the door.

Anyhow, regardless of the operating system:

"Hey... I got's to know..."

Will my computer benefit from a synthetic and where does the hose clamp go?

Todd.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 20, 2015, 02:04:22 AM
Seems winter toned thread drift (read; persnickety) can occur in the summer as well.

Must be a heat/humidity presentation of S.A.D....
Locked up in homes, garages or basements, praying the A/C holds up and colds up while waiting for the weather to clear or moderate can be just as daunting for the cooped-up as being snowed in all winter like a Russian peasant with hungry wolves just outside the door.

Anyhow, regardless of the operating system:

"Hey... I got's to know..."

Will my computer benefit from a synthetic and where does the hose clamp go?

Todd.

and do I need to ad Moly :grin:
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: fossil on July 20, 2015, 03:36:57 AM
Kentktk,

if you are not able to use a versatile operating system that is capable of solving every thinkable task please stop assuming that other people are equally incompetent. To a lot of people who have to WORK with computers (not only to PLAY) Windows is an adequate tool. To me it is absolutely uninteresting which Windows - version I have to use from NT4.0 on. I have all computers I use configured in a way that the UI is always the same and exactly what I need. Windows gives me this potentiality. And failures? I don´t experience them.

But, I admit, I know, what I do. Apple - products for me (and other professionals) are only toys.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Bill Hagan on July 20, 2015, 09:36:27 AM
[rant]
I currently work in an RF test lab. We use Windows OS tools for WORK day after day. Occasionally we see someone bring in a fruit device. They play on it, surf the web, uses fecesbook, whatever. Then we let them know that they need to reprogram their product for a different RF band or modulation to be tested. They pull out a Windows laptop to do the WORK.
In over 40 years of writing software, designing and testing hardware, I have never seen an Apple product used for WORK.
Don't tell me to use that fruit when I need to do a job.
[/rant]

WHOA!

That's like saying that posting on and reading wildguzzi isn't productive work.   :rolleyes:

Bill
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: canuguzzi on July 20, 2015, 10:11:02 AM
The ability of each person to choose what works for them, be it a bike, a computer or whatever is the way things work. If someone has such a personal hangup that they need to attack something because they can't find it within themselves to understand not everyone wants to be like them maybe they should just shut up and go elsewhere.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kent in Upstate NY on July 20, 2015, 11:03:55 AM
(http://assets.amuniversal.com/60d6f470a077012f2fe600163e41dd5b)
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: redrider90 on July 20, 2015, 11:36:35 AM
Disabling flash on a Mac is drop dead easy if you have Firefox installed. Firefox will operate all extensions and add ons for both Safari and Firefox at the same time. 
Flash can be accessed in "plug ins" and disabled by just a simple cursor click as seen in this screen.

(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t652/redrider901/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-20%20at%2012.09.17%20PM_zpsszezuy8o.png)

 (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/redrider901/media/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-20%20at%2012.09.17%20PM_zpsszezuy8o.png.html)
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: fossil on July 20, 2015, 12:44:19 PM
It´s absolutely identical to Firefox at Windows. And the other Mozilla - and Mozilla-related browsers like SeaMonkey and PaleMoon (also the 64bit - version) have the same settings.

I for myself prefer the "ask to activate" - setting. Gives me something to decide.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: Kentktk on July 20, 2015, 01:56:40 PM
The ability of each person to choose what works for them, be it a bike, a computer or whatever is the way things work. If someone has such a personal hangup that they need to attack something because they can't find it within themselves to understand not everyone wants to be like them maybe they should just shut up and go elsewhere.
Why would they do that? They are Just trying to prevent folks from getting ripped off by Microsoft......agai n. It`s a duty.
Title: Re: Please disable Flash on your system
Post by: cruzziguzzi on July 20, 2015, 07:08:01 PM
The thread has grown to bring to mind one of my favored quotes - even if not a favored source - from WWII:

"Our experts state that your experts are mere superficial observers."

From the drolly named BG Bonner Fellers to the OSS regarding their take on the level of superstition in Japanese society during WWII... OSS rating it present in noteworthy levels only among older, rural peasants.

Not that I'm saying one side or the other in the compu-fueds are aged, backwoods or of limited earning potential. :evil:

Todd.