Hack attacks on web applications aren’t something newfound. Lately, attackers have been exploiting loop holes in technologies to compromise the security of high-end software apps. And Java is the most recent victim of this malpractice. In its recent survey, Websense Inc. found that Java is the most vulnerable programming platform, which makes it a soft-target . Why does Java top the hit list? If you deal with Java development outsourcing often, this question is sure to boggle your mind. After all, it concerns the security of your web application. This post throws light on three most prominent reasons, which make Java a hacker’s paradise. Let’s take a look.

1. No Timely Updates. The survey found, most Java apps are vulnerable because they don’t receive timely updates and security patches. It noted that only 5.5 per cent of all browsers have latest Java plug-ins installed on them. Most of them had plug-ins which were last updated over six months ago.

2. High Flexibility. Of all the programming languages available over the web, Java happens to be the most flexible, which permits the developers to add as much functionality. But, at the same time, it makes the infrastructure of the language complex, and thus multiplies the number of vulnerabilities.

3. Painstaking Patching. Though Oracle is continually releasing security patches, many users are still unable to access them. And those who have already installed the patches are finding it gruesome to cope up with the rapidly changing update cycle. All in all, the entire patching process has become quite painstaking.

Entrepreneurs dealing with web development outsourcing are majorly impacted by the Java vulnerability. Most of them have either done away with Java or are planning to do so in near future. Are you operating on Java too? What’s your move to keep the threats at bay?