Don’t install codecs unless you’re absolutely positive that they’re safe.Updating your software prevents you from being low-hanging fruit. Often times, hackers utilize known security problems in software before manufacturers can patch the problem.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to keep your computer’s software up to date, most importantly your operating system.Defensive software such as Norton Security will prevent known drive-by downloads and warn you when you try to visit a malicious website. It can, however, prevent you from getting them in the first place. Internet security software can’t always detect bad software from malicious websites and drive-by downloads.How do I protect myself against malicious websites and drive-by downloads? 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. 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. 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. Sometimes they will ask you to install software that your computer appears to need. What’s more, malicious websites often look like legitimate websites. 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. 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.