Q: Web servers are critical components in our network infrastructure. We want to make sure that they are as safe as possible from attack since they will be publicly accessible from the Internet. What is the number one issue regarding Web services and how to fix them?

A: Service packs, hot fixes, and updates need to be applied to any system or application, but to Web services in particular. It is very important to do this because these systems are generally directly accessible from the Internet and because of this, they are prone to more problems from possible attacks than other servers on an internal network. Make sure you keep the fixes on these systems as current as you possibly can.

Q: I am afraid of Web servers learning my identity and using it against me. I think that if they have access to my cookies, they have access to my system. Is this true?

A: No, it is not. A cookie is a kind of token or message that a Web site hands off to a Web browser to help track a visitor between clicks. The browser stores the message on the visitor s local hard disk in a text file. The file contains information that identifies the user and their preferences or previous activities at that Web site. A Web server can gain valuable information about you, but although it can read the cookie that does not mean that the Web server...