Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy

Adobe Flash is software used by web browsers to display animation and video content on web browsers and is also used by many applications and websites to deliver multimedia content.

Unfortunately, Flash has been difficult to maintain–it requires frequent security updates and can be a vulnerable software target, frequently exploited by hackers when it is not kept up-to-date.

Because of these issues, Flash is being phased out. Major web browsers such as Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari are curtailing support for Flash by disabling it by default or ending support for it altogether. As of December 2020, Adobe will no longer offer Flash updates for download.

These upcoming changes mean that University resources will gradually be moving away from using Flash. As a content user, you need not do anything; changes to existing Flash content will be implemented without your active intervention. Information about these changes will be announced as resources transition away from supporting Adobe Flash.

To secure your operating system and browsers, make sure to run all updates (especially browser updates) and plugins. Check with your IT support group if your computing devices are managed by your School or Center, and for any IT support questions.

Adobe Flash end-of-life information page: https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/end-of-life.html

For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/news-alerts#One-Step-Ahead