Good question. Allowing MS Word to access the Internet (if I remember correctly) just lets you use hyperlinks to reach the destination; as far as I'm aware it won't let MSWord be "open" to the internet. However, I would never let MS Word or any non-browser/email client app do this on a permanent basis - its just too dangerous since it advertises what software you have running, so script kiddies can see what you have and target you accordingly via emails with macros in the attachments. You should configure ZoneAlarm to only let MSWord, and any other non-email/broswer apps, access on a one-off basis each time; this way your online profile is as low as possible.
Kevin Crichton, MCSE ICL, UK P. O'Malley wrote: > Ok I hope that this doesn't turn into a ZoneAlarm sucks use BlackIce or > a You shouldnt use Outlook debate... This is just a question that I was > wondering if anyone had thought about or run into. > > Here is the scenario: > I have ZoneAlarm Pro Loaded > I am using Outlook 2000 as my mail client > I have MS Word 2000 set as my default email editor > I receive an email with a hyperlink > I click on the hyperlink, ZoneAlarm Pro prompts me to let MS Word access > the Internet > I click yes and remember this answer > Latter I receive a document as an attachment that is infected with a > macro virus mass-mailer (for sake of this question lets assume that the > virus is new and my anti-virus definitions will not catch it) > Since I have already told ZoneAlarm to always allow MS Word to access > the Internet will it allow the virus to access the Internet and send out > multiple copies of it self? > Thanks In Advance > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp >
