Regarding getting malicious software just from visiting a website.

Question

I'm near sure you can recive a virus/ spyware etc just from going to a certain website, but how easy is it for people to do this? Can they only do it to their own websits (or websites they have acess to edit), or can they put them on websites they have no control over.

Thinking about it i'd say that wouldn't be possible but I am completely unaware of how such things work so I just want to be sure.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Usually you have to dowload something from the website to get the virus.

Hackers usually substitute a file that you want to download with theirs.

Usually there sites that aren't guarded too well.

Answer 2

You can get infected even from large mainstream websites, simply by viewing them, especially if your PC is not fully patched for security.

It's less likely on a larger site, but it does happen. Someone can hack a site and change a link so while you are viewing, a trojan could be downloading in the background.

Going to MP3 or warez sites, is pretty much asking for trouble.

You can help protect yourself by going to: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.ht...

Read and understand the concept. Then download and install the HOSTS file

Answer 3

You can get tracking cookies from most websites and advertisements.

Answer 4

Indeed you can get a virus simply from visiting a website, its known by a method called 'drive by download'

And yes they can do it websites they have no control over by exploiting sql and script vulnerabilities, read more here:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/23/...

and a recent case here:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/142318/ha...