As you may be aware, the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning about the software plugin Java.  Attackers are using Java tools to take control of computer systems.

Java is a programming “add-on” that allows your local computer to do things so that the system you are using/visiting doesn’t have to do those things for you. This makes some web experiences run faster and look “smoother” than if all that traffic had to go back and forth between your computer and the web site. Unfortunately, Java has a long history of vulnerabilities and flaws.

Homeland Security recommended removing the installed Java tools completely, but this is often not possible or practical. For example, here at Denison, folks that access our Banner and Blackboard systems must have Java installed and enabled to use the system.

If you have a university owned and managed computer, we do not recommend that you update Java yourself. There are known compatibility issues with Java and the products that use it, including Banner and Blackboard. The ITS staff will automatically provide updates, including security updates, as they are tested and verified. If you upgrade manually, you may encounter problems with software applications. ITS support for university owned computers includes both Windows and Mac systems.