Adobe has released an emergency security update for Flash Player, protecting against a vulnerability that is being actively exploited by hackers.

The widely used software is being exploited by malicious hackers to spread Ransomware – which is software that denies you access to your files or computer until you pay a fee set by thehackers.

The virus is currently being actively exploited on systems running Windows 10 and earlier with Flash Player version 20.0.0.306 and earlier. But remember, Flash isn’t just a security risk for Windows users. This vulnerability is also present in the Mac OS X, Linux and ChromeOS editions of Flash Player.

To fix this, either update Flash immediately, or uninstall the software altogether.

Be Cyber Streetwise is a cross-government campaign, funded by the National Cyber Security Programme. They aim to measurably and significantly improve the online safety behaviour and confidence of consumers and small businesses (SMEs).

Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading source of factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety. Their website offers advice on how you can protect yourself, your computers and devices, and your business against the likes of fraud, identity theft, viruses and other potential online problems.