Have you ever wondered which are the applications that mostly endanger the online security of users? Well, no need to wonder here! On top of this list are Java and Flash Player, as revealed by Avast data gathered anonymously from 116 million Windows desktop and laptop users.
Avast’s list includes the following programs:
- Java
- Flash Player
- Foxit Reader
- GOM Media Player
- Nitro Pro
- WinZip
- DivX
- Adobe Shockwave Player
- 7-ZIP
- Firefox
Avast’s research shows that more than 24 million users are running outdated versions of Java Runtime 6 and 7. Another 26 million users are running the latest version of Java. However, over 70 percent of people haven’t yet installed the most recent update known as update 121.
Flash is next on the list with 99 percent of users needing to update it for Internet Explorer. 92 percent of Foxit reader users need to update the application they are running an older, vulnerable version.
What about the Most Secure, Up-to-Date Applications?
Avast data shows that on top of that list is Google Chrome with 88 percent. Next is Opera with 84 percent and Skype with 76 percent. What does this say? That even the programs set to update automatically are not always up-to-date.
Windows XP is still being used as Avast says it’s installed on 6 percent of the systems it gathered information from. Windows 7 turned out to be the most popular operating system with 48 percent of users, with Windows 10 next on the list with 30 percent.
Related: Serious Java Deserialization Vulnerability Uncovered in 70 Libraries
Other curious findings concern the speed of users’ machines. Low memory size is the key reason for slow performance, with 4 GB being the most common size. On the contrary, approximately 15 million users of Avast are running 8 GB memory. This may easily mean that bigger RAM is becoming more widespread.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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