Scroll down or navigate to the privacy and security section and click on ' Site Settings '. If you still have Flash enabled on your browser, you will need to access your browser settings to disable. Always hover over any link before visiting any website. Note the multiple green buttons that can mislead you into visiting another website. This image shows what a third-party website that claims to download Flash can look like. After January 12th, Adobe will block websites that are still using Flash, but we are certain there will be third-party websites that will try to circumvent Adobe's security efforts so it is crucial that you stay alert. Ĭontinuing to visit a website with Flash after the deadline exposes your device to potential vulnerabilities. Websites that have not transitioned to HTML5 or still using Flash media in some way after the December 31st deadline will have ceased support via Google, so if you happen to visit a site that still prompts to use Flash, DO NOT re-enable or download Flash. Many websites that were utilizing Flash Player have made the conversion to HTML5 but for those that have not transitioned, a warning will prompt from your browser that should look similar to this: If I visit a website that has Flash or asks to enable Flash, what do I do? If you have a website that continues to use Flash, visit any websites that still use Flash, or even have a proprietary program implemented that uses Flash, the deadline to make that change is upon us.

One of HTML5's benefits is that it can be used to make multimedia content available within webpages without requiring users to install and update a dedicated plug-in, greatly reducing the ability to be exploited by cyber-criminals. Many websites have converted to HTML5 following the announcement from Adobe to discontinue Flash support in 2016. Hackers look for security holes in EOL software that can be exploited, potentially leaving your device and personal information open to be compromised. Like any product or software that becomes End-of-Life (EOL) such as Windows 7, continuing to use said software puts you at risk. However, even a small percentage could present a large threat. Three years later it dropped to 17 percent and in 2020 continues to decline. If installed, you may receive a prompt from Adobe requesting you to update Flash (unless automatic updates were enabled), but after December 31st, those updates will no longer appear.Īccording to Anthony LaForge from Google, in 2014, 80% of desktop Chrome users visited a site with Flash every day.

How do I know if I have Flash on my computer?įlash is typically installed when you visit a website that utilizes Flash, which then prompts you to install the Adobe Flash Player before you can view the content. It was acquired by Adobe and soon became a staple in multimedia creation until the security problems grew, which brought the creation of HTML5. Flash also allows streaming of audio/video services, and perhaps most concerningly, can capture various user inputs, such as your mouse, keyboard, microphone, and webcam.įlash was originally created my Macromedia as a form of displaying interactive web pages and online games, which through time has evolved into a major platform of choice for online multimedia content. What do you need to know about the transition? What changes must you make? Let's break down what’s happening to Adobe Flash and what actions you must take for your security.Īdobe Flash is a multimedia software platform used for production of animation, web & desktop applications, mobile apps, games, and embedded web browser video players. Adobe will block Flash content from running in Flash Player beginning Januand major browser will continue to disable Flash from running after the EOL Date. As a result, many web browsers such as Google Chrome have shifted their focus away from Flash due to the lack of security on Adobe’s flagship multimedia platform. Adobe Flash Player has been a staple of online web browser and application development for over 20 years but through its tenure has also become a tool for enabling attacks by cyber-criminals.Īdobe Flash has been declared an End-of-Life (EOL) product with a deadline of December 31st, 2020. Have you noticed a prompt appear on your favorite web browser that states, “ Flash Player Support will end in December 2020? ” If you have, you are not alone.

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