Internet Security and Privacy
Security on the Web
One of the most exciting Web developments is the evolution of downloadable, executable programs. Java and ActiveX are two tools that help developers create programs that can “live” inside Web pages, and use your Web browser to automatically run over the Internet. Java allows Web pages to host small programs called “applets.” When
Java contains an internal security system that addresses security risks. ActiveX uses a different model, based on certificate authentication. Certificates contain information about who developed the ActiveX code. The idea here is that if you know who developed the code, it is safe to run it. Both security schemes offer a level of safety, but no one can yet promise that executable content is entirely safe.
Nasty Applets
One possible security threat is a malign Java or ActiveX program that attacks your computer over the Web. A nasty applet might, for example, thwart Java security by circumventing its security model, and destroy data on your hard disk, or grab sensitive information from your hard drive. The latest browsers have done a good job of fixing these issues. As long as you are using the latest version of your browser, you are protected. To date, there have been no legitimate reports of hostile Java or ActiveX harming anyone. However, there is no guarantee that an attack will not happen in the future.
Can I prevent programs from accessing the Internet?
You can use McAfee Internet Security to specify the applications that are allowed to access the Internet from your computer. Obviously, your default Internet browser is one of these applications.
If the McAfee Internet Security Gatekeeper is running in the background while you work on the Internet, each time an application tries to access the Internet a dialog box appears to ask if you want to allow this access once only, always, or never.
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