U.S. says Java still risky, even after security update

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned that a security update of Oracle Corp's Java software for Web browsers does not do enough to protect computers from attack, sticking to its previous advice that the program be disabled.

"Unless it is absolutely necessary to run Java in web browsers, disable it," the Department of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team said on Monday in a posting on its website. The software maker released an update to Java on Sunday, just days after the government issued its initial warning on the software, saying that bugs in the program were being exploited to commit identity theft and other crimes.

Security experts have warned that PCs running Java in their browsers could be attacked by criminals seeking to steal credit-card numbers, banking credentials, passwords and commit other types of computer crimes.

The Java software platform, created in the mid-1990s, enables developers to write one set of code that will run on PCs running on Microsoft Corp's Windows, Apple Inc Macs and servers running on the Linux operating system.

Security experts say the bugs only affect one part of the platform - software that plugs into Internet browsers.

While some researchers have long complained the software was buggy, it started generating more public scrutiny last year after a security scare in August.

"It's not like Java got insecure all of a sudden. It's been insecure for years," said Charlie Miller, a computer engineer with Twitter who has previously worked as a security consultant to Fortune 500 firms and as an analyst with the National Security Agency.

Java was responsible for 50 percent of all cyber attacks last year in which hackers broke into computers by exploiting software bugs, according to Kaspersky Lab.

Public interest in the issue surged last week as the Department of Homeland Security advised the general public to stop using Java and consumers turned for information on how to implement the agency's advice.

To disable Java on a Windows PC, go to the machine's Control Panel. Open the Java icon, click on the Security panel and uncheck the box for "enable Java content in the browser."

Further information is available from Oracle on its Java website http://www.java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml

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Electronic system to nab traffic rule violators in mumbai

City's traffic police is planning to start technology based enforcement system at some traffic junctions in the city to nab violators of traffic rules, stated Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vivek Phansalkar. The system involves catching violators on camera, recognising the number plate, then forwarding 'chalaan' to vehicle owner based on the registered address etc.

Participating in a panel discussion jointly hosted by BMW Guggenheim Lab and MESN on 'Rethinking Kalanagar traffic junction', Phansalkar said that the new tech-based enforcement system at select traffic junctions will ensure that no violators of traffic rules get away lightly. According to Phansalkar electronic 'chalaan' system was implemented by Pune administration and on the same line the experiments can be carried out. He said several countries abroad have already started such systems for which converting number plants of vehicles into digitally sensitive ones is required.

Phansalkar stated that as of now if one violator is nabbed he enters into argument with the traffic cops and justifies his act by pointing fingers at others. He said that the new system will enable traffic cops to nab all the violators so that one cannot point fingers at others and try to get away. The modalities of enforcement and penalties like increased fines are being worked out. Phansalkar further disclosed that the traffic police is planning to start 65 share-a-taxi and share-a-auto bays out of the 71 spots identified in the city in a month. These bays will have signages and space clearly demarcated.

MMRDAs Chief of Transport, PRK Murthy gave an assurance that the MMRDA will have a look at some of the suggestions made like under passages, short term solutions like using the service road behind the BEST bus stop towards BKC and other suggestions. Transport expert and chairman of Mumbai Environment Social Network (MESN), Ashok Datar wondered why does it take so much time to get simple traffic solutions implemented. He lamented that political class and planners are more preoccupied with mega projects and do not have time to solve minor issues that affect people daily. Datar added that if mega projects are going to take more than 10 years, the effects of such projects wears away.

Some of the suggestions that were thrown up at the competition held by the BMW Guggenheim Lab and MESN on "Rethinking Kalanagar traffic junction" competition included creating dedicated bus lanes from Kalanagar junction to Dharavi T junction, covering the three meter wide open drain opposite ONGC to widen the lane for smooth traffic flow, creating fountains at the traffic island to reduce noise pollution and other solutions.

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