5.2 Principle Design Features: 5.2.1 Security

As you are likely aware, every time that you download a “normal” program, you are risking a viral infection. Prior to Java, most users did not download executable programs frequently, and those who did scanned them for viruses prior to execution. Even so, most users still worried about the possibility of infecting their systems with a virus. In addition to viruses, another type of malicious program exists that must be guarded against. This type of program can gather private information, such as credit card numbers, bank account balances, and passwords, by searching the contents of your computer’s local file system. Java answers both of these concerns by providing a “firewall” between a networked application and your computer.