Erica sez, “StopBadware’s 2007 report on badware online, written in user-friendly non-geek-speak. Explains dangers most internet users still aren’t aware of, especially hacking of otherwise legitimate websites with drive-by downloads.”
Drive-by downloads and website hacking add a scary new element to the badware problem. It’s no longer
possible for a conscientious user to protect herself simply by staying away from the internet’s more
questionable areas like software piracy, pornography, drugs, and gambling. Any website, no matter how
trusted, can be vulnerable to attack. Knitting sites, outdoor equipment retailers, and even Santa Claus’s
website can be compromised and made to infect users who
simply visit a web page. This means the security-conscious
user must find new ways to stay protected from badware. The
first step to protecting yourself from badware is learning more
about it, from common ways badware is distributed to new
threats on the horizon. As new ways of distributing badware
emerge, your best defense is keeping yourself up to date – from
frequently updating the protective software you use on your
computer, to keeping informed about new dangers so you will
know how best to avoid them.
(Thanks, Erica!)