Millions of companies are still looking for possible solutions to replace Adobe Flash. Many companies are considering quick and inexpensive short-term solutions, while others are looking for ways to complete a full migration but don't know where to start. This article explains why Flash Player removal should be the top priority and common mistakes to avoid when trying to replace Adobe Flash. Security issues caused by Adobe Flash and Flex remain a very relevant topic for individuals and millions of businesses, despite the fact that Adobe has discontinued traditional support and availability of Flash. Adobe Flash found 1.078 vulnerabilities from 2005 to 2019 and poses an even greater risk to enterprise data centers now that it is no longer officially supported. It can even be integrated with other systems, some of which can be critical to data center operations. When considering near-term options to implement when your Flash or Adobe Flex application is no longer viable in today's browsers, you should keep in mind that many of them may leave your organization more vulnerable than before. In some cases, you may be creating a bigger security threat than Adobe Flash Player, and in the modern world, where hacks, ransomware, and cyber-extortion are all too real, this isn't much of a risk for businesses to take. . About the Author Jim Curl is Design Director at Veriskope Here are some Flash solution alternatives that companies are urged not to use, along with possible concerns you should have if you are considering them:
Using Internet Explorer (Edge) mode
While this is a seemingly simple and almost "free" solution, allowing customers to continue running Flash in Microsoft Edge with a simple configuration change, it is by no means secure. By activating this mode, a user can visit any website that may contain malicious code and compromise their computer. Users could receive a phishing email, with a link that, when clicked, would open in the insecure Internet Explorer browser. Microsoft hasn't indicated how long this will be allowed, but when another major security issue in Flash is finally exploited, there's no doubt that Microsoft will turn it off.
Allow activation of Internet Explorer Enterprise (IE11 only)
This allows users to continue using an insecure version of Flash Player. This supposed fix perpetuates the same security threats through Flash that caused Adobe to drop it in the first place. While this allows users to continue using Flash, a business is still at risk of its users visiting a malicious website. Microsoft or server administrators may also disable this feature at any time.
Using a Ruffle emulator
This emulator may work for some use cases, but it won't work with AS3 (Actionscript 3) and won't work with complex forms and database applications. It was created primarily to keep old school Flash games running.
Use a virtual machine
You can start a virtual machine (VM) that runs an older version of Windows and Internet Explorer. It's not a terrible workaround, but virtual machines are resource intensive and can be confusing to use and manage. Virtual machines are usually a completely separate environment that must be "booted" and run as a separate machine in most cases, and are a pain for IT administrators to manage. Obviously, each VM is also easily compromised, as in the first scenario above.
Using solutions to preserve Flash applications in modern browsers
Such solutions would have the same security implications, as they use the standard Linux binary of the Adobe Flash plugin, which is no longer up to date and definitely not secure. Some claim these services are secure, but relying on real-time translation only delays the need to eventually migrate to a proper HTML5 solution.
If the answer is to migrate your Flash or Flex applications to modern HTML5 services, what will IT managers do next?
IT managers must identify all firmware, hardware, and software that can use Flash and develop an upgrade plan. If it is not possible to upgrade to newer versions, the only way is to migrate the system to new standards. Migrating Flash applications to new and modern platforms provides a variety of business benefits, including long-term viability, increased speed, increased security, increased accessibility, and modern user interface standards, while opening up new opportunities for innovation.
Today's customers expect to access services from mobile devices, and it's important to have a modern and responsive service that accommodates all screen sizes. During the migration process, it is essential to keep the look and feel of the user interface and experience intact so that the customer is comfortable with the change. However, this is also the perfect opportunity to make UI updates. Migration should focus on cutting-edge interactivity with video and data management capabilities, accessible to anyone via mobile, laptop, or new connected devices.
The alternative is to start from scratch, at a much higher cost than migration services, both in time and money. However, there are reliable and affordable migration services available to bring your Flash applications up to modern HTML5 standards, avoiding all the problems described above when using solutions to keep existing Flash applications running temporarily. If you decide to use a migration service, we recommend that you choose a service that has significant experience migrating internal and external Flash and Flex applications of all kinds, that is capable of offering front-end modernization. User, which supports real-time video and data, can develop new features if you want, can complete the migration in months, uses open source technologies, and offers reasonable prices for its services.
With the right partner, migrating from Flash to a modern HTML5 solution is not a complicated process and is definitely worth exploring if you want to preserve the IP address of your existing Flash and Flex applications while still providing the functionality and security of current applications. must deliver.