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MALWARE

 * Security Center
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 * What are malicious websites?


WHAT ARE MALICIOUS WEBSITES?


Written by a NortonLifeLock employee


 

Most people are unaware of the fact that you don’t have to intentionally
download a malicious attachment in order to compromise your computer’s security.
Malicious websites and drive-by downloads are just two ways that your security
can become compromised by doing nothing more than visiting a website. Both
underpin the necessity of protecting your computer with a strong Internet
Security Program. And despite what you might have heard, Macs need them just as
much as Windows machines.

HELP PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL LIFE ON YOUR DEVICES.

Are you afraid of losing your personal information or all the precious things on
your computer? Get comprehensive protection with Norton Security Deluxe across
all your devices – up to 5 PCs, Macs, smartphones or tablets.
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WHAT IS A MALICIOUS WEBSITE?

A malicious website is a site that attempts to install malware (a general term
for anything that will disrupt computer operation, gather your personal
information or, in a worst-case scenario, gain total access to your machine)
onto your device. This usually requires some action on your part, however, in
the case of a drive-by download, the website will attempt to install software on
your computer without asking for permission first.

What’s more, malicious websites often look like legitimate websites. Sometimes
they will ask you to install software that your computer appears to need. For
example, a video website might ask you to install a codec, which is a small
piece of information a video player needs to run on a website. You might be used
to installing safe codecs, but it only takes one unsafe installation to
compromise your machine, and your sensitive information along with it.
Similarly, the website might ask for permission to install one program, but
install a completely different one -- one that you definitely do not want on
your computer.

 


 


WHAT IS A DRIVE-BY DOWNLOAD?


Drive-by downloads are even scarier than a malicious website, though the two
sometimes overlap. Drive-by downloads can be installed on your computer simply
by looking at an email, browsing a website or clicking on a pop-up window with
text designed to mislead you, such as a false error message. This type of
malware is particularly frightening, because it’s basically impossible to know
if you’ve done something to install the malware. What’s more, your anti-virus
software might be incapable of detecting it, because hackers deliberately make
it difficult for anti-virus software to detect.

 

Drive-by downloads often don’t require your consent, or tricking you into giving
it. Sometimes the malicious code hides deep in the code of the website. Once the
download is on there, it can be difficult or impossible to get off of your
computer, tablet or mobile phone. You might even be visiting a website you’ve
visited hundreds of time and trust, but somehow a drive-by download got in
there.

 





HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST MALICIOUS WEBSITES AND DRIVE-BY DOWNLOADS?

 * Internet security software can’t always detect bad software from malicious
   websites and drive-by downloads. It can, however, prevent you from getting
   them in the first place. Defensive software such as Norton Security will
   prevent known drive-by downloads and warn you when you try to visit a
   malicious website.
 * The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to keep your computer’s
   software up to date, most importantly your operating system. Often times,
   hackers utilize known security problems in software before manufacturers can
   patch the problem. Updating your software prevents you from being low-hanging
   fruit.
 * Don’t install codecs unless you’re absolutely positive that they’re safe.
 * Don’t open emails that seem suspicious or “spammy,” especially if they
   contain attachments or are from unknown senders.
 * If you get a link in an email, it doesn’t hurt to visit the main website by
   typing the address into your browser manually. When in doubt, call the person
   who sent you the email before clicking.
 * If you’re the least bit suspicious about a URL, use Norton Safe Web to check
   it out.
 * If a website seems off, looks like it’s installing something or is asking
   permission to install codecs, you’re better off closing the tab and looking
   for the content elsewhere.

 


 

There are a lot of dangers out there and malicious websites hosting drive-by
downloads are some of the newest and scariest. But there are ways for you to
protect yourself so that you can use the Internet without trouble. Do your due
diligence and exercise reasonable caution and your web surfing should be smooth
sailing.

ISN'T IT TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR SECURITY?

Upgrading to new devices and software can often mean downgrading your privacy
and security. It’s time to take your security seriously. Download the full
version of Norton Security Deluxe free for 30 days, and test-drive it on up to 5
of your devices – PCs, Macs, smartphones or tablets.

Create an account today and be up and running in minutes.

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