Importance

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Abstract

A system protects a computer from suspicious Downloadables. The system comprises a security policy, an interface for receiving a Downloadable, and a comparator, coupled to the interface, for applying the security policy to the Downloadable to determine if the security policy has been violated. The Downloadable may include a Java.TM. applet, an ActiveX.TM. control, a JavaScript.TM. script, or a Visual Basic script. The security policy may include a default security policy to be applied regardless of the client to whom the Downloadable is addressed, or a specific security policy to be applied based on the client or the group to which the client belongs. The system uses an ID generator to compute a Downloadable ID identifying the Downloadable, preferably, by fetching all components of the Downloadable and performing a hashing function on the Downloadable including the fetched components. Further, the security policy may indicate several tests to perform, including (1) a comparison with known hostile and non-hostile Downloadables; (2) a comparison with Downloadables to be blocked or allowed per administrative override; (3) a comparison of the Downloadable security profile data against access control lists; (4) a comparison of a certificate embodied in the Downloadable against trusted certificates; and (5) a comparison of the URL from which the Downloadable originated against trusted and untrusted URLs. Based on these tests, a logical engine can determine whether to allow or block the Downloadable.

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First Claim