According to a new series of reports published by Secunia, Java bears the brunt of the security risks on computers in the US.
The report published by Secunia, Oracle Java software represents the leading source of problems on personal computers in the US, followed by Quicktime 7.x.
Oracle Java is one of the most popular software, and in 2014 it was installed on 65% of computers. This makes it a prime target for hackers who exploit the many vulnerabilities discovered by security companies.
The report issued by Secunia highlights that almost 48% of users do not install the latest patched versions, leaving their computers exposed to many cyber threats.
In 2014, security experts discovered 119 new vulnerabilities in Oracle Java software and 14 in Apple Quicktime 7.x. Apple Quicktime has an installation rate of 57% on computers, but only 56% were up to date.
The top 10 list also includes Adobe Reader 10.x and 11.x, Microsoft .NET framework 2.x and 3.x, 4.x, VLC Media Player 2.x, Internet Explorer 11.x, and Microsoft XML Core Services 3.x. Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the software with the highest number of vulnerabilities, with 248, a number that has increased from last year.
Analyzing the distribution of vulnerabilities, it is possible to note that 47% of vulnerabilities last year were discovered in Microsoft applications, 47% for software from third-party developers, and 6% in the operating system.
Secunia has also released individual reports for eleven European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia, and the results show similar situations.
