Mozilla Blocks Adobe Flash In Firefox

(RTTNews) - Mozilla Firefox has blocked Adobe System Inc.'s (ADBE) Flash software, due to the software's security problems that were being actively exploited by hackers.

Attackers have been using vulnerabilities in Flash to install malicious software on computers to steal data later. These vulnerabilities were added to exploit kits that cyber thieves use when they design campaigns seeking to take over computers.

A cache of documents stolen from security firm Hacking Team, which was hit by attackers last week, had detailed the bugs.

Flash is a widely used platform for multimedia as well as interactive elements. Adobe said it is serious about Flash's security and plans to bug fixes.

Mozilla said the block would be in place until "Adobe releases an updated version to address known critical security issues."

Mozilla urged users to activate Flash only on sites they trust.

Facebook's newly appointed security chief Alex Stamos had tweeted recently that "It is time for Adobe to announce the end-of-life date for Flash and to ask the browsers to set killbits on the same day."