On Tue, 2005-10-18 at 23:21 +0000, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: > On Tue, Oct 18, 2005 at 11:44:57PM +0100, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > > >I'm slowly developing myself a web-toolbox that I can access from > > >anywhere. Anyone know where I can get a web-based antivirus client > > >(applet) for windows that I can host for personal use? Oh and how about > > > > Not really prcticable: as ever, for most decent Windows based software > you need to pay. AVG might have something - but see Max's cogent comments > below: it is almost infeasible to put something in place without weakening > your security impossibly. How do you virus check the web applet you > put on your machine for the first time? (And, indeed, do you open your > machine'shard disk to the world on the other end of your 'Net connection? > "Virus found: > will disinfect files" - subvert that and over the Internet and you have a fun > way to wipe people's data from their lives ... ) > > > You could have an applet that scanned documents but you haven't a hope of > > doing a full antivirus with an applet. The whole "applet inside sandbox > > where it can't hurt mummy" strategy also means that the applet can't read > > arbitrary files or watch process behaviour - and I'd hope so too! At > > least that's the default security setting. I've never looked for ways of > > loosening those settings, maybe they exist. Mommy, remember to lock the > > computer down after you've finished fixing her up! A java application - > > more scope for that. > > > > Should you need to virus scan a machine that you fear may be infected: > boot a Knoppix disk (which runs Linux in a RAM disk without touching the > hard drive particularly) and use ClamAV from there. > > Should you be wiped out with a virus that proves ineradicable, Helix > is one form of disk forensics tool which may be used to reconstitute > your files if the worst happens. Also Knoppix based, as is the > Penguin Sleuth Kit > > HTH, > > Andy
I agree that it's probably not a good idea to allow so much system control to a java applet... I know that live cd's are great troubleshooting tools, unfortunately I don't always carry one and murphys law guarantees that it will be most valuable when I don't have one handy. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]