Update Adobe Flash now, avoid hackers taking over your PC

Better update your Flash player now before your computer gets overrun by hordes of hackers, warns Adobe. The popular software giant recently released security updates for its browser plug-in, Adobe Flash Player, that would take care of a “critical vulnerability that could potentially allow an attacker to remotely take control of the affected system.”

Users that are most vulnerable seem to be the majority of the internet, those using Chrome and Internet Explorer who like to stream audio or video. The versions Windows and Mac users should steer away from is 12.0.0.43 and earlier. While Linux users should get anything later than 11.2.202.335.

As mentioned in a blog post, “Adobe is aware of reports that an exploit for this vulnerability exists in the wild, and recommends users apply the updates referenced in the security bulletin.”

To summarise, Adobe recommends users update their software installations by following the instructions below:

• Adobe recommends users of Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.43 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh update to the newest version 12.0.0.44 by downloading it from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center, or via the update mechanism within the product when prompted.
• Adobe recommends users of Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.335 and earlier versions for Linux update to Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.336 by downloading it from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center.
• For users of Flash Player 11.7.700.260 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh, who cannot update to Flash Player 12.0.0.44, Adobe has made available the update Flash Player 11.7.700.261, which can be downloaded here.
• Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.41 installed with Google Chrome will automatically be updated to the latest Google Chrome version, which will include Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.44 for Windows, Macintosh and Linux.
• Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.38 installed with Internet Explorer 10 will automatically be updated to the latest Internet Explorer 10 version, which will include Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.44 for Windows 8.0.
• Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.38 installed with Internet Explorer 11 will automatically be updated to the latest Internet Explorer 11 version, which will include Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.44 for Windows 8.1.

This is not the first time Adobe released a security update to prevent hackers from taking control of your computer. Last year November the software company announced that Adobe Flash Player version 11.9.900.117 has more holes in it than Swiss cheese and should be updated as soon as possible. This came after more than 38 million active Adobe users were believed to have their passwords stolen.