NEW YORK (AFX) - A vendor of security software wants to make the Web safer to browse by creating virtual boxes set off from the rest of your machine.
Unlike firewall-based approaches that rely on blocking malicious programs and other attacks, GreenBorder Technologies Inc.'s software works by allowing such traffic but preventing it from doing any damage elsewhere.
'As you know you can never keep up with new vulnerabilities that people discover on a daily basis,' said Bernard Harguindeguy, GreenBorder's chief executive.
GreenBorder Pro won't replace a firewall or anti-virus software but could supplement them by shielding your documents from programs that attempt to erase files, spy on their contents or perform other malicious acts, the company says.
Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer browser essentially runs in a virtual box created by GreenBorder (support for Mozilla's Firefox is coming). Should you inadvertently encounter a malicious program or hacker attack, the company said, any problems are limited to that box, not your entire machine.
But unlike traditional virtual machines, where two operating systems run in parallel with limited interaction between the two, GreenBorder promises to let you still open downloaded files with word processing, media players and other applications outside the box. Separate virtual boxes are created to run those files.
The technology has limits, though. Because it's browser-based, it protects only Web-based e-mail accounts, not ones you may access through a standalone e-mail program. It won't automatically protect instant-messaging files, nor will it prevent you from falling for 'phishing' scams that trick you into revealing passwords at fake sites.
And you'll need to take an extra step or two when installing legitimate software from the Internet -- GreenBorder will automatically assume it's malicious.
GreenBorder Pro and a file-management companion cost $65 a year combined following a free introductory period.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.