Is It Possible To Get A Virus Just From Visiting A Website?

Date First Published: 24th March 2023

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Threats To Systems, Data & Information

Article Type: Computer Questions & Answers

Difficulty Level: 3/10

Learn about whether it is possible to get a virus just from visiting a website in this article.

In a modern and up-to-date web browser and operating system, it is unlikely that your computer will catch a virus just by visiting a website in a web browser. Catching a virus from a website will very often require more user interaction than simply visiting it, such as running a downloaded file, especially a file with the .exe extension, since they are executable files that run code when opened and can be used to spread viruses. But, if you ever see any suspicious links, like in an email, even though it is unlikely that your computer will catch a virus just by visiting the website as long as you don't run any downloaded files, it is best not to click on them, just to be safe.

Modern and up-to-date web browsers and operating systems take preventative measures against these types of security risks. These types of security risks only exist due to poor security practices, such as delaying applying important security patches, which will leave users vulnerable to exploits that unknowingly download and install things on their computers without their permission. Even with these preventative measures, you should be wary of any site offering to download something that you haven't selected. Below is information on how it can be possible to get a virus just by visiting a website.

How Is It Possible To Get A Virus Just From Visiting A Website?

There is still a small possibility of getting a virus just from visiting a website. Especially if you use an old or outdated web browser or operating system, your computer might be vulnerable to unauthorised downloads from other websites. This is accomplished through a vulnerability which unknowingly downloads and installs things on your computer without your permission and is known as a drive-by-download.

Those types of downloads are designed to exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers, applications, and operating systems. If you visit the exploit kit landing page, the exploit kit analyses your device to search for potential vulnerabilities and determine if you can be targeted. They often analyse your operating system, web browser, IP address, plugins, and more. If you are considered to be an appropriate target for that exploit, the exploit kit will exploit the detected vulnerabilities to carry out the drive-by-drive download. If you are not an appropriate target for that exploit, you might be redirected to another page that tries to trick you into downloading malware. Getting your computer infected with the malware would require you to download and run the file.

Your browser will not notify you about the drive-by-download in progress. The download bar will show nothing because these types of exploits are designed to download malicious files in a way that your browser won't be able to detect. A lot of people wonder how they can avoid running the file that has been downloaded on their system without their permission. Like the download, the file can also be run in a way that your operating system won't detect. It will sneakily download and run. Your antivirus might also not be able to detect and block the malicious file from running as cybercriminals try to find ways to get around detection mechanisms even if your antivirus is up to date.

Even when visiting legitimate websites, there is still a risk of drive-by-downloads. For example, if the website got hacked and your device was no longer getting to the right server, it might redirect to a malicious server where an exploit kit is hosted. Cybercriminals prefer to hack these types of websites instead of creating their own because users already trust them, they are more popular, and they have much more visitors, meaning that they can deliver the exploit to more users. Attracting new visitors to a website can be time-consuming, so this is why cybercriminals often try to compromise legitimate sites.

Overall, it is true that there is a small possibility of getting a virus just by visiting a website, even though it is quite rare. Exploit kits hosted on malicious websites or hacked legitimate websites can launch drive-by-drive downloads that unknowingly download and install malware on your computer without any other user interaction. Keeping your web browser, antivirus, and operating system up to date and not clicking on any suspicious or spammy links can greatly reduce the risks of a drive-by-drive download.

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