 - Also see ActiveX control.
ActiveX is a set of object-oriented programming (OOP) technologies and tools that Microsoft developed for Internet Explorer to facilitate rich media playback. Essentially, Internet Explorer uses ActiveX to load other software applications in the browser.
Programmers writing for ActiveX create components, self-sufficient programs that can be run by the Windows operating system. The components, which are known as ActiveX controls, are roughly equivalent to Java applets.
One of the main advantages of ActiveX components is that they can be re-used by many applications (referred to as component containers). Unfortunately, that also means that the component can be re-used by an attacker to run malicious code and gain access to critical files.
Because so many ActiveX controls have turned out to be malicious, Microsoft designed Internet Explorer 7 so that it displays a warning every time a site attempts to use an ActiveX control. It's up to the user to decide whether or not the request comes from a trustworthy source.
Learn more
Expert Brian Posey explains how Per-Site Active X and Data Execution Prevention will help keep Internet Explorer 8 safe from ActiveX exploits.
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Learn more about Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) |
| Securing sensitive data on Windows-based laptops: Encrypting your laptop's hard drives and understanding mobile security policies can keep your Windows-based laptops secure. |
| Four Internet Explorer 8 Group Policy security settings: Internet Explorer 8 doesn't have nearly as many new security mechanisms as its predecessor; however, there are four Group Policy security settings for IE8 worth mentioning. |
| Web security features of Internet Explorer 8: When it comes to Web security, Internet Explorer is often the platform of choice for malicious hackers. Learn about the security features of the new Web browser, IE8, in this tip. |
| Internet Explorer security settings and controls: Microsoft Internet Explorer is one of the most commonly used Web browsers around. Read about security settings and controls in our Internet Explorer learning guide. |
| ActiveX opt-ins, information bar and cross-domain protection: Step 4: In our step-by-step guide, read about the new security features present in IE7 and which of these features are user configurable. |
| Windows Vista and IE7: Step 5: In our step-by-step guide, read about the new security features present in IE7 and which of these features are user configurable. |
| Protection against international domain names, URL handling: Step 3: In our step-by-step guide, read about the new security features present in IE7 and which of these features are user configurable. |
| Phishing filter: Step 2: In our step-by-step guide, read about the new security features present in IE7 and which of these features are user configurable. |
| General security configuration: Step 1: In our step-by-step guide, read about the new security features present in IE7 and which of these features are user configurable. |
| CONTRIBUTORS: |
Larry Anderson and Chuck Bury |
| LAST UPDATED: |
24 Mar 2009
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RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
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ActiveX control
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Internet Explorer
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Internet Explorer (IE) -- sometimes referred to as Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) -- is the most widely used World Wide Web browser...(Continued)
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