Secure Area (on a system)

Where an unknown file - e.g. one downloaded from the Internet - is to be opened (and this is especially true for any executable file i.e. a .exe file (a program), it must not be opened or executed in the normal filing space for your live systems.

A Secure Area - sometimes referred to as a 'Sand Pit' - is an area on a system which is totally shielded and / or isolated, from the potential impact of any code which is executed there. Whilst the isolation of the system is a clear requirement, scanning software which is able to detect malicious code activity must also be used, as Trojan code activity may go undetected.