Can I get a virus from going to a website?

[Skreedles]

Can I get a virus from just going to a website, if so is there a program I can use to check whether a website will give me a virus or not?

 

[jazzy663]

There is such a thing called 'drive-by downloads'. Whether or not these are viruses I don't know, very few of my computers have ever had malicious programs installed without my knowledge. However, if you have no protection, it stands to reason that you are vulnerable to these. I don't know all the details, I am careful where I go on the Internet.

I believe some programs from McAfee include a feature called 'SiteAdvisor'. I haven't used McAfee in quite a long time, but I believe it adds alerts in search engines (such as Google) on websites that are known to be malicious.

I have also looked SiteAdvisor up and found that it is a free download: https/www.siteadvisor.com/final/index.html

Hope I helped.

 

[Vosgy]

Short answer yes, you can get viruses from just going to a web page.

 

[pauls3743]

Sadly, you can get a whole lot more than viruses just by visiting a web site. Make sure you have a good internet security program, keep it up to date, and be careful of the sites you visit.

 

[Neur0nauT]

Some bad websites use referral links which usually contain a lot of pop-ups. You know the type of pop-ups that are hard to close without another one opening? these usually contain malware, and upon closing the window, will sometimes actually initiate a script which downloads and installs viruses. As suggested elsewhere in this post, just make sure you use a decent internet security program, and keep it updated.

MalwareBytes is popular and effective: https/www.malwarebytes.org/

A decent free Antivirus is Panda Cloud Antivirus: http/www.cloudantivirus.com/en/

 

[the great randini]

It is one of the most common types of attacks called a drive by download or watering hole attack

 

[Angelo Dietrich]

Yes of course. There are some sites with viruses which can be harmful to visitors PCs.

 

[Tonny0]

Download a reputable antivirus. Once you install it and run it on the background every time you launch your PC, it will help you block viruses. And if you visit a malicious website, it will pop up to tell you watch out.

 

[gerry410]

I don't think a computer can get a virus from going to the beach. Yes, you can get a virus from a web site.