Oracle has released Java 7 Update 51 on January 14 2014 . The Oracle blog post about the release of Java 7 Update 51 mentions this version contains security fixes for various vulnerabilities.

So, if you’re using Java, you should probably update.  ASAP.

You can download Java at http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp or if you want to manually download Java for Windows, Mac, Linux, see
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre7-downloads-1880261.html

If you have older versions of Java, you should remove them as soon as possible. The http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml page has more information and tools on how to remove older versions of Java.

As a additional security precaution, you can disable the execution of Java content in your browser.

Adobe has updated its Adobe Reader software (used to view PDF files) and Acrobat software for Windows and Macintosh to “address vulnerabilities that could cause a crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system”.

Such vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader (and Acrobat) before January 14 2014 could allow for execution of unwanted code (typically installing malware or viruses/worms on your PC), without your consent just by opening a PDF.

The affected software versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat are

• Adobe Reader XI (11.0.05) and earlier 11.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
• Adobe Reader X (10.1.8) and earlier 10.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
• Adobe Acrobat XI (11.0.05) and earlier 11.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
• Adobe Acrobat X (10.1.8) and earlier 10.x versions for Windows and Macintosh

Read Adobe’s security bulletin at http://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb14-01.html for instructions on how to update Adobe Reader and Acrobat.

Adobe has released security updates for

• Adobe Flash Player 11.9.900.170 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh,
• Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.332 and earlier versions for Linux.

to “address vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.”

You can read the security bulletin from Adobe at http://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb14-02.html (which is a new location for Adobe security bulletins) but the vulnerabilities in versions of Adobe Flash before January 14 2014 could allow for execution of unwanted code (typically malware), without your consent just by visiting a website with malicious Flash applications or video (SWF). Therefore, you should update your Adobe Flash Player to the latest version to close this loophole.

To determine what version of the Adobe Flash player you have on your Windows, Macintosh or Linux system, visit http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

To download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, visit http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/distribution3.html

Windows users should note that the Flash Player in Microsoft Internet Explorer v9 and earlier and the Flash player in web browsers like Opera, Mozilla Firefox and Safari are separate installs. You should install and update both versions of Adobe Flash.

For Internet Explorer v10 and Internet Explorer v11 (for users for Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows 8) browsers have Adobe Flash Player built-in and users should update their Internet Explorer browser versions.

Google Chrome browser users has Adobe Flash Player built-in and users should update the Google Chrome browser to the latest version. See http://www.google.com/support/chrome/bin/answer.py?answer=95414 on how to do so.

Razer’s Project Christine – a component stackable PC looks interesting in Wired’s 10 Best Gadgets at CES 2014 Read We Pick the 10 Best Gadgets at CES | Gadget Lab | Wired.com.

Wired: How the NSA Almost Killed the Internet . An excellent read. An excerpt:

“Not just revenue was at stake. So were ideals that have sustained the tech world since the Internet exploded from a Department of Defense project into an interconnected global web that spurred promises of a new era of comity. The Snowden leaks called into question the Internet’s role as a symbol of free speech and empowerment. If the net were seen as a means of widespread surveillance, the resulting paranoia might affect the way people used it. Nations outraged at US intelligence-gathering practices used the disclosures to justify a push to require data generated in their countries to remain there, where it could not easily be hoovered by American spies. Implementing such a scheme could balkanize the web, destroying its open essence and dramatically raising the cost of doing business.”

Read
How the NSA Almost Killed the Internet | Threat Level | Wired.com.

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich announces McAfee brand name will be replaced by Intel Security – The Next Web.