Apple's latest Java update requires you periodically enable the Java plug-in manually. Here is how this works in OS X.

Fourth, the Java Security Manager, which provides support for running applets by sandboxing untrusted downloaded code, will be removed with the JDK 24 release in March.

If you do need it, unplug it from the browser unless and until you need it. Java 7 lets users disable Java content in web browsers through the Java control panel applet.

Now Oracle is doing the same, somewhat. Of course, it isn't dropping the ball on Java entirely but it is announcing the inevitable and probably demise of the Java web browser plugin.

The security patches, issued by Oracle, correct Java vulnerabilities that have lingered in Web browsers.