1st is by disk, then by e-mail. I use the major e-mail sites and theyall scan attachments. I have never had a problem w/Win 7. Browsersare supposed to protect users. Can users get infected by just visitinga web site? I download updates and PDF files. I don't download very much other thanthat. So, how would I get infected?

You can be infected just by visiting a hacked site. I'm not sure what you mean "by disk", but my thought would be that the most common way to get infected is by e-mail. Either through an attachment, or an enclosed link.

Viruses & malware is spread by toilet seats in campground shower houses

Browser exploits, especially through outdated or compromised plug-in extensions are likely the most popular method used to infect systems. Social engineering malware is also popular, basically tricking a user that a site, file, or browser extension is legitimate, in order to get one to install it, is another popular method. Whether through some type of website based "foolware", fake anti-virus alert, or through an email attachment, FedEx or UPS shipment docs for instance.

They are mainly transmitted through weak operating systems that allow a site or an email into an area on the computer that can then be altered. Once this happens they can then disable your firewall and have access to your passwords etc. A good operating system (read NOT Microsoft) can make this very difficult. I can't count how many years I have been running without being infected. BTW I don't even use an anti virus program.

I retired from the Air Force in 1994. Back then it was very common for a virus to be spread by a floppy disk. Now - not so much.

How are viruses & malware spread in today's world

1492
Moderator
Jul 29, 2013
Browser exploits, especially through outdated or compromised plug-in extensions are likely the most popular method used to infect systems. Social engineering malware is also popular, basically tricking a user that a site, file, or browser extension is legitimate, in order to get one to install it, is another popular method. Whether through some type of website based "foolware", fake anti-virus alert, or through an email attachment, FedEx or UPS shipment docs for instance.
sharker6
Explorer
Jul 29, 2013
Viruses & malware is spread by toilet seats in campground shower houses
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jul 29, 2013
You can be infected just by visiting a hacked site. I'm not sure what you mean "by disk", but my thought would be that the most common way to get infected is by e-mail. Either through an attachment, or an enclosed link.

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