BleepingComputer.com: Program: Safe Environment For Executables?

Hey there,

I'm not new to viruses and I know how to avoid them. Most people will tell you to purely avoid untrusted/unknown executables and I agree of course, but for general download use I am after a program described below. This would be used on executables that have passed all virus checks and common-sense authentication checks. Just a last precaution.

It should 'lock down' a selected executable and monitor every process it attempts to do and request permission before it lets it do each action. Things like registry entries, copying/deleting/modifying files and anything else that modifies your computer.

Like Vista's UAC (a most annoying feature 99% of the time) but extended. It wouldnt be active on every file like UAC is, just on a targeted executable, or I guess putting the whole computer in lockdown while you run the file would work just as well.

Does this exist? Thanks for any help

Matt

There are several types of programs that allow you to do similar things.

You can use a Virtual Machine. For example, Microsoft's Virtual PC. or VMWare.

You can use a sandbox. Sandboxie is a good one.

As far as monitoring applications go, there are some.

Process Monitor by SysInternals is a good one.
Additional SysInternals utilities can be found here.

Hope this helps.

Many thanks Galadriel,

Reading the descriptions, the sandbox idea sounds perfect for my intentions. Thank you for the advice

Matt

Edit: Reading some more, you can run your internet browser within the sandbox? Is there a reason this software isnt more widely used? I understand you cant make permanent changes to things like Favourites, but it sounds like its practically virus immune if you wipe everything that isnt 100% trusted. Just a side thought.

This post has been edited by matt9862: 20 July 2008 - 12:37 AM

You're welcome. Glad I was able to offer you some choices.

As far as why it isn't more widespread, I can't really say. It's been around a few years and the original purpose was actually for safer surfing if I recall correctly. It's known and used in certain circles, but the general public hasn't been exposed to it much, which is a shame.