Adobe Issues 'Emergency' Flash Player Security Update for OS X to Address Ransomware Attacks

[Westside guy]

I keep Chrome around just for those rare instances I need Flash - but I don't have the plugin installed for my regular browser.

 

[nvmls]

As LCPepper stated, changing safari user agent to iPad will play any flash vid as HTML5 (developer menu needs to be enabled though).

 

[Defthand]

It's time to uninstall flash for all OSX users. Look how long you've survived without it on your iPhone. Now it's time for the desktop and pressure websites to drop it.

Agreed. Any time I encounter an e-commerce web site that is still using it—especially for content that is critical to my decision to purchase—I email the webmaster or sales department to remind them that most online purchasing is done via Apple devices that don’t support Flash. I inform them that they lost my potential business in the meantime.
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As LCPepper stated, changing safari user agent to iPad will play any flash vid as HTML5 (developer menu needs to be enabled though).

Joe, does this change a webpage’s layout to something that is optimized for the iPad rather than the desktop browser?

 

[MrGuder]

I think I removed flash from safari on my Mac mini but how can I tell for sure if I still have flash installed? because if I do it's probably an older version.

 

[nvmls]

Joe, does this change a webpage’s layout to something that is optimized for the iPad rather than the desktop browser?

yes, but you can always switch it back to desktop agent after watching the vid.

 

[cylack]

As others have posted, never install this malware seeker on your Mac. Keep Chrome around if you have to use a site that uses Flash. Hopefully all sites stop using Flash; let the site developer know you’ll be using another site because of Flash.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

Why do many websites still use FLASH? I would get rid of Flash but the sites I go needs it to work time move along people there should not be Flash websites and supporters.

 

[Mac 128]

Assuming I'm using Flash, is it normal for it to want to install "a new helper tool" to do the update?

I went directly to the Adobe website, and still can't figure out how to download it directly from them.

 

[CPx]

Unfortunately Hulu and HBO Now use flash, so I still need it.

 

[cerote]

And my work just converted a major part of a daily internal website all employees use to flash. Was sort of shocked when I went to load up the site and was presented with the need flash crap. The site is slower and less functional than what it was before.

 

[Mr. Retrofire]

I truly don't understand how a large multi-billion dollar publicly traded company has a hard time getting a smooth and slim software (PDF reader, Flash, Adobe Air.....) when indie developers on a ramen noodle budget do a good job at it? True question...

Answer:
https://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=adbe

Research Development 237,204
Selling General and Administrative 621,826
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...I went directly to the Adobe website, and still can't figure out how to download it directly from them.

Go to:
https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/installation-problems-flash-player-mac.html

...and download the update (full version) from the "Still having problems?" section!

 

[Solomani]

Steve Jobs called it.

 

[Nermal]

Websites do not work without JavaScript.

But sites should work without JavaScript. Properly-written sites use "progressive enhancement": The underlying HTML provides a readable - but ugly - presentation of the content. If the browser supports CSS then it's applied on top to make the content look pretty. And then, if the browser supports JavaScript, it can be added to support interactivity or to make certain operations faster.

Content should not be "hidden" behind JavaScript; it should be used to "enhance" a site and should never be a requirement. I consider a site to be defective if it is unusable without JavaScript.

 

[ike1707]

Woot!

 

[afawcett]

I would like to see a MacRumors poll to see how many people still use Flash. I haven't installed Flash since I switched from Windows in 2008.

 

[iDuel]

Boycott the websites. Tell the creators that you're boycotting their websites until they stop using Flash. Encourage other users to join you. Create a competing website which is Flash free if the creators of those websites won't comply with removing Flash.

While I'm on board with you that Flash is awful, boycotting and attempting to create a competing website/service (which is near impossible unless you have big money) will amount to nothing. Keep in mind that we here on Macrumors are the tech-savvy minority and that most people on those streaming services don't really care about Flash or HTML5 as long as the video loads without problems. Thus, those websites will not sense an immense pressure to get off their assess and develop HTML5 solutions unless Adobe itself discontinues Flash all together.

 

[Junior117]

Boycott the websites. Tell the creators that you're boycotting their websites until they stop using Flash. Encourage other users to join you. Create a competing website which is Flash free if the creators of those websites won't comply with removing Flash.

Actually,... they don't have a choice BUT to use Flash (at the moment). The Japanese anime industry is incredibly complex and difficult and whatever they say, goes. This means that in many cases, Crunchyroll and Funimation have to bow to their will for the customer as they aren't as powerful and persuasive as say,... Netflix.

(Also, I kinda like watching anime legally...)

 

[Marshall73]

No flash, no problem.

 

[Mac 128]

Answer:
https://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=adbe

Research Development 237,204
Selling General and Administrative 621,826
[doublepost=1460142688][/doublepost]
Go to:
https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/installation-problems-flash-player-mac.html

...and download the update (full version) from the "Still having problems?" section!

Thanks!

 

[allanfries]

I uninstalled this dog of a program a few years back. Safari was all of a sudden faster. Go Figure?

 

[logicstudiouser]

Who honestly still has this on their computer? Ditched over 5 years ago and haven't looked back since!
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I uninstalled this dog of a program a few years back. Safari was all of a sudden faster. Go Figure?

You mean 'snappier'

 

[canadianreader]

If you wanna use flash do it on a virtual machine so even if you get ransomeshit your mac stays intact, that what I do if I need to use flash. My mac has been flash free for 2 years now and never looked back it feels good to not to be concerned by these warnings.

 

[Col4bin]

Good 'ol Adobe Flash. Whatever could go wrong??

 

[Marx55]

Get rid of the obnoxious Adobe Flash once and for all. HTML5 is much better!

 

[throAU]

Adobe is full of issues, I stopped using it over a year ago and most of websites function very well in HTML5. Adobe needs to release a tool that can transfer Flash Player backend to HTML5, that is only solution if they want to leave flash behind.

Unfortunately flash is often required for network administration stuff. Yes, it's stupid and yes you should ditch flash if you can get away with it, unfortunately, a lot of device administration currently requires it and there's not much you can do about it.

(e.g., VMware vSphere).