Cyber Crime Hidden in Adult Sites

A recent study has revealed that some adult sites are embedded with malware which help hi-tech cyber criminals make money out of people visiting these sites. People who do not have the right broadband internet security settings fall prey to cyber crimes.



The research team from the International Secure System Lab, headed by Dr Gilbert Wondracek, created a couple of their own porn sites to conduct the study. The team analysed about 269,000 sites, which are a part of a total of 35,000 pornographic domains. Of the total number of domains, 90% were free for access. About 3.23% of the total were found to contain viruses, malware and spyware. Some websites also used javascript catchers to prolong the visitor's stay on the page, like using a video that wouldn't download. Some other websites cash in on traffic. Then again certain websites, redirect people to other affiliates who offer content or use traffic to score on search engine optimisation.



The research team as well analysed 49,000 visitors who visited their own sites. Of these, about 20,000 users' systems were found to be insufficiently protected and vulnerable to attacks from atleast one of the known exploits.



According to Dr Wondracek, it is difficult to spot good (genuine sites) from bad. Network security is a major concern. Hence he suggests that people who visit adult content sites must have their security software (antivirus software) up to date and use the "safe browsing" modes which are available with many browsers. Proper Firewall options need to be set too.