The Evolution of the Flash Security Model

The Adobe Flash Player security model must address several complex challenges. Flash Player must meet the needs of enterprise administrators, end users, Web site owners, and content creators. The model must adapt and scale as improvements are made to Web standards. As a technology, it is deployed across multiple browsers on multiple operating systems. Those operating systems may be installed on desktop PCs, mobile devices, tablets, or digital home devices. Most important, Flash Player must provide a security model that is consistent for everyone regardless of the combination of browser, OS, and device they are using.

This presentation will discuss how Adobe is addressing some of these complex challenges through real-world case studies. It will begin with a few past events that resulted in significant changes to the security model. The discussion will then progress to our more recent changes and what factors are currently influencing us. The presentation will close with some thoughts on the challenges that lie ahead as the Web expands from the desktop onto mobile devices, tablets, and TVs.