ActiveX
ActiveX is a Component Object Model (COM) object and Object Linking and Embedding object (OLE). Just a word to most so I'll explain. ActiveX isn't just a certain type of code it's a whole range, a subcategory of the above named objects.
How does it work? The best example is the ActiveX control. This can be automatically downloaded and executed. ActiveX isn't a program, it's a set of rules for applications on the computer, telling them how to behave, share information with the server etc. The biggest risk lies in the fact, activex controls have full access to any windows based operating system.
What to do?:
- When you have a non-windows based computer, don't worry, activex will not pose a threat
- Keep your windows up-to-date
- Configure your browser
- Be sure to read who provided the activex control, a warning will appear before executing. If you don't trust the supplier, or are unsure, choose 'no'