Java 7 is neat in a lot of ways API wise, like easier ways to do multi-threading, but you don't see Java programs requiring it anytime soon. I still compile for Java 1.6 (aka Java 6) despite having Java 7 installed.

Posted by Danika

---

Yeah, Java and Flash are breeding grounds for viruses and other malware I'd definitely recommend NoScript for Firefox/Chrome if you haven't already installed it... I keep both NoScript and AdBlock around to try to prevent drive-by attacks (my last one was back in 2004 on Windows 98, some 8 years ago...)

---

Java historically hadn't gotten many exploits over the years, this recent zero day exploit is fairly peculiar since Java have a reputation of being sandboxed quite well. There been plenty of Javascript exploits over the years though (but they tend to be browser spefic). Flash do have a infamously bad security record however.

Anyway the most likely reason so many programs is showing up as malware is possible due to the malware being the kind that hooks into other programs. I gotten that kind of malware before and it was a bitch to remove.

Edit: Did you scan with a alternative program like Malwarebytes Anti-Malware? (Which happens to be my favorite anti-malware program as it's free for non-commercial use and dosen't nag you).

____________________