If disabling Java is an unacceptable solution for you, then IE does offer more security setting flexibility than Netscape. Zones let you categorize the Internet by how much you trust the sites that you visit. By restricting Java Permissions for the general Internet zone but enabling it for Trusted Site zone you can protect yourself without restricting the functionality of your bank’s web site. To take advantage of this IE feature, click on Trusted Sites and add your favorite sites to this zone.

By defect or design, this vulnerability can be very annoying, especially since its effects could be blamed on one hundred and one other causes. If nothing else, this serves as another reminder that your security on the information super highway is strictly your responsibility.