Java SE Patches Released

Java SE runs on more than 850 million PCs worldwide, and that popularity makes it an attractive target for attackers.  Oracle has issued an update to Java that fixes 17 vulnerabilities in the widely used software.  9 of the 17 vulnerabilities patched Tuesday could be used to take control of an unpatched computer.  Due to the threat posed by a successful attack, Oracle is strongly recommending that customers apply the fixes as soon as possible in a statement on its Website.

Visit Oracle’s Java.com Web site NOW to ensure that you have the latest version installed on your computer.

 

Facebook Facial Recognition

Facebook has quietly enabled facial recognition software on their social networking site, alarming some privacy advocates and users alike.  The site has covertly deployed the feature on millions of user accounts around the world, without giving any notice.  Unless you seek out and disable the feature, each time one of your Facebook friends uploads a photograph, Facebook will try to determine who is in the picture.  If it makes a positive ID, your friends will be urged to tag you, confirming your presence in the photograph.

That’s a nifty tool, and can be a real time saver for those that want to tag folks in all of their pictures for memory sake.  There are considerations though, if someone doesn’t want to be tagged, or have their presence at a function, event, particular venue, or meeting commonly known.  To some of us apparently, what happens in ____, stays in _____.

If you are concerned about your privacy, check your privacy settings to disable the feature.

Cloud Computing User Requirements Published

The Open Data Center Alliance (ODCA) has published its first set of IT user requirements for cloud computing to accelerate adoption of the model.  The ODCA was formed by 70 business members including BMW, Shell, UBS and Deutsche Bank in 2010.  Membership has grown to over 280 companies with a collective IT spend of over $100 billion annually.

OCDA’s 8 usage models are the first documented customer requirements for the cloud, outlining the most pressing issues preventing cloud adoption.