a system for providing anti - virus protection to a web server . a web server is disclosed , comprising : an active element filter for stripping an active element from a web page being stored at the web server such that the active element is not stored at the web server ; and an active element insertion system for inserting a new active element into the web page when the web page is requested from the web server , wherein the new active element performs a similar action to that of the active element that was stripped by the active element filter .